In the Bible is written the stories about Israel and its people in detail. Why does God show these examples to us?
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
God said, the past that is written down are teachings for us. That is, we can get knowledge about salvation through them and we should put it into practice.
Today, let’s think of the teachings for our salvation through Abraham’s faith.
First, let me ask you one question. Do you know where Abraham is now?
Luke 13:28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God…”
Matthew 8:11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
Abraham is now in the kingdom of heaven. What kind of life of faith did he live, so that he could enter heaven? We can also go to the kingdom of God if we live a life of faith like Abraham’s, can’t we?
Genesis 12:1-4 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.
Abraham obeyed God, when God told him to leave his father’s home. Why did God order him to do so?
Joshua 24:2-3 Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the River…
Because his father Terah worshiped other gods(idols). Abraham was blessed to be a blessing to others when he obeyed the words to leave his idols and be with God. We should also leave idols and always live with God.
Genesis 12:7-8 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.
Genesis 13:18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.
Abraham built an altar to God and offered a sacrifice wherever he went and whatever condition he was in. God gave us, who are living in the age of the Holy Spirit, worship services of the new covenant – the Sabbath, the third day service and the seven feasts in three times beginning with the Passover. We should also worship God with services on the appointed days wherever we are, in whatever situation we are in.
Let’s continue.
Genesis 22:1-4 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
When God told Abraham to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice, he left for the place, Moriah, commanded by God, on the very next day without even discussing it with his wife. For Abraham, Isaac, who was the precious heir given to him at the age of 100, was the biggest blessing from God. Put yourself in his place. How would you feel if God told you one day to give up the blessing which you had hoped for more than anything else, after possessing it and reveling in the joy of it? Which one would you choose, God or the biggest blessing from God? It was not a difficult or confusing matter for Abraham. He hit the road instantly without a second thought.
And God made him walk for 3 days to Moriah. (Gen 22:4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.) Abraham was given a period of time that was long enough for him to change his mind and return home. But he didn’t change his mind and endured with faith till the end. So, God gave not only Abraham but also Isaac more abundant blessings.
Gen 22:18 and through your offspring (Isaac) all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
We too should endure till the end with the faith to choose God over anything of the world.
The Bible let’s know the saved in this age, are the saints who have faith like that of Abraham.
Rev 14:1 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Who are 144,000 saints who will be saved with? They are always with God who is the Lamb. Where are they? Zion – the place where God’s Feasts are kept (Isaiah 33:20). So, they are the saints who keep the feasts wherever they are, whatever their circumstances they’re in.
Revelation 14:4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
The 144,000 are the people who always follow the Lamb wherever he goes. That means they have the faith which won’t leave God although the biggest blessing given to them is taken away, and they keep their faith to obey God till the end.
Revelation 14:12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
I hope that you and I will enter the kingdom of heaven like Abraham by being children of God the Father, Christ Ahnsahnghong and God the Mother, New Jerusalem.
I look forward to seeing you at the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG). God bless you.
Seawind
