January 7
Read Genesis 19 - 21
In Today's Reading:
Sodom destroyed; Lot and his daughters; birth of Isaac; Hagar and Ishmael; agreement between Abraham and Abimelech
Lot soon had a prominent position in Sodom since he sat in the gate of Sodom where business and legal matters were conducted (Genesis 19:1). Lot associated with the people of Sodom even though he was vexed (troubled) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked (II Peter 2:7). The Scriptures denounce homosexuality for which Sodom was known Since homosexuality is so detestable in the eyes of God, we should pray for the sinner that he will repent and forsake sin (I Corinthians 9:11). The Law of God groups homosexuality with incest and bestiality (Leviticus 18:22-30; 20:13; Romans 1:24-27).
Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him (Genesis 21:2).
Isaac, the miracle child of promise, entered the family life of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar the bondwoman. Hagar's son Ishmael soon revealed his true character through his contempt for Isaac. In the New Testament we read that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free-woman. . . these are the two covenants (agreements); the one from the Mount Sinai, which genders (leads) to bondage, which is Agar. . . . Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now (Galatians 4:22,24,28-29).
These two sons Ishmael and Isaac illustrate the dual nature of our lives. We are first born of the flesh (human parents) (John 3:6), symbolized by Ishmael. But the moment a sinner believes in his heart, he then becomes the possessor of the nature of God and the new life in Christ which is symbolized by Isaac, the child of faith. He will, like the people on the Day of Pentecost, ask: What do we do? Peter answered them by saying: Repent, and be baptized . . . and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Acts 2:38; also Romans 10:9-10; I John 3:1-2; 4:15). At the moment of conversion we do not become sinless but we are freed from the power of sin (Romans 6:7).
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections (passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:24).
Christ Portrayed:
By Isaac, the promised son of God's Covenant (Genesis 21:12) - in contrast to Ishmael, son of a bondwoman (Galatians 4:22-31). Life in Christ sets us free from bondage of the Law because God made a new Covenant through Christ's blood (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; I Corinthians 11:25; also Hebrews 12:24).
Word Studies:
19:3 pressed upon = urged them; 19:5 know = rape and abuse; 19:8 shadow = protection; 19:13 is waxen = has become; 20:6 suffered = allowed; 20:16 a covering of the eyes = compensation; 21:18 hold him in thine hand = take care of him.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BP Staff: Rick Hash · Government Official: Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA) · Country: Greece (11 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Greek and English · Government restrictions on witnessing to others about Christ · 97% Greek Orthodox (2% churchgoers); 1% Muslim; .4% Roman Catholic; .1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord and He will save you (Psalm 55:16).
Optional Reading: Matthew 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:16