Day 4 of Week 4

September 29, 2008
Day Four of Week Four
The Patriarchs
 
Longing for a Better Country
 
Today's Treasure: Genesis 25:8
"Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people."
 
Today's lesson will focus on Abraham's life after Sarah passed away. Glance back at Genesis 24: 67.
How do you think Isaac's marriage soothed the loss of his mother?
Just having the presence of a female had to of been very comforting for Isaac. I think every man is wired to long for the companionship of a woman. Little boys love being with their mothers. I think that is why I love having little boys so much. As little boys grow into men, they often don't change a whole lot from the time they were little boys. They still love adventures and the love of a good woman!!!
 
Has someone else brought love, comfort or joy to your life after a loss?
I remember how lost I felt after Tina was in her accident. I honestly felt like my life was never going to be the same because we spent so much time together. Our friendship was easy and honest, and we laughed so much together. We shared the same trials of parenting and trying to conquer the world of stay-at-homes moms. We had a unique relationship that I still miss terribly. God has been faithful to provide a new friend to me in Carol. We share a lot of the same things. After I learned to trust our friendship, I learned that I wasn't trying to replace Tina. I was just being blessed with another great friendship in my life. It made it much easier to grow the friendship once I realized that.  
 
Reread verse 6. Record some reasons why Abraham may have sent the sons of his concubines "away from his son Isaac t the land of the east."
I imagine he did this so there would be no rivalry between his sons through Keturah and Isaac. Isaac was his only heir; however, I am sure Abraham realized that Isaac may be in danger if the other brothers decided to rise up against him.
 
Read Genesis 15: 15. Who is talking in this verse?
The Lord Himself
 
What does a comparison of Genesis 15: 15 and 25: 8 suggest to you?
That God is faithful and true to His word
 
Look at Genesis 12: 4 for a moment. Considering Abraham's age when he "set out from Haran" for the land of Canaan, how long did Abraham walk with God?
He walked with God for one hundred years
 
Read Hebrews 11:=2 08 – 19. Record the impressive details concerning Abraham's faith walk.
Abraham left his home country and his family to follow God's instruction to the promised land. He had no idea where he was going. He lived as a stranger in tents among the people. He was enabled to become a father at an old age because of his faith. When he was granted a son through Sarah, he loved Isaac deeply. Yet, he was willing to sacrifice his only son to obey God.
 
What does Hebrews 10: 23 say about remaining faithful?
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
 
What did God say about Abraham in the following scripture?
Rom ans 4: 1 – 2
Might we say God gave Abraham credit for his faith?
Romans 4: 18
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed
Galatians 3: 8 – 9
God announced to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him
Galatians 3: 14, 29
The blessing to Abraham came to the gentiles through Christ. If you belong to Christ, you are Abraham's seed and heir to his promise.
James 2: 23
Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness and he was called God's friend
 
If you20were sitting next to Abraham in heaven, what would you tell him you most appreciated about his story?
I would definitely explain how much I love him for his transparency. I love people who are "real" that I feel comfortable around. Abraham is one of the most "real" characters in the Bible. I love seeing him for all of his perfections and imperfections. It is amazing to me!!!