Mon.’s Devo - The Child of Promise is Born

Read: Genesis 20:1-22:24; Matthew 7:15-29; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 2:16-22
Abraham had to grow in his faith. He started out asking his wife to lie so that he would not be harmed. God called him out on this and rescued Sarah from Abimelech’s harem. God turned it into a blessing for both Abraham and Abimelech.
Finally came the time for the promise to be born. Isaac’s birth brought new challenges as Ishmael had a hard time accepting a rival. Sarah convinced Abraham to send Ishmael and his mother away. As hard as that was for Abraham, he obeyed God and God supernaturally provided for them. Ishmael married an Egyptian and began his legacy.
God had one final test for Abraham. Would he trust Him with his inheritance? Yes, Abraham would. Right before he was to bring the knife down, God stopped him and provided a lamb in the thicket. This was the complete picture of salvation. Jesus was Isaac, who willingly laid down on the altar, totally trusting his father. Jesus was also the lamb in the thicket who died for us so that we could have life and be spared judgement.
In the meantime, Abraham’s brother, Nahor was building his own family and providing a bride for Isaac.
Jesus warned the listeners on the mountain to be wary of false prophets who say they are speaking God’s word. You can know a true prophet by his fruits. A prophet’s fruits are not only love, joy, peace, etc., but they are seeing what he says come true. A true prophet can be proven by the fulfillment of his words. If they happen like he says then his fruit is good. If the prophet himself is unrighteous and lives a sinful life, then eventually his lifestyle will affect his spiritual ears and his motives will become corrupt. A true prophet is humble and meek, yet mighty in the spirit.
Lord, today we cry out for mercy and truth in our nation and in our hearts. May we speak your words and see your glory revealed on the earth.