_Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac_ THE BIRTH OF ISAAC I. AS IT ILLUSTRATES THE POWER OF GOD. 1. God’s power as distinctly seen. 2. God’s power as it affects personal interest. 3. God’s power manifested as benevolent. II. As IT ILLUSTRATES... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh_ THE REJOICING OF ISAAC’S BIRTH I. IT WAS THE REWARD OF FAITH AND PATIENCE. II. IT WAS HAILED WITH A SONG OF GRATITUDE. 1. There was an element of amazement and wonder. 2. There was an element touchingly human. 3. There was a confident expectation of univ... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cast out this bondwoman and her son_ THE ALLEGORY OF ISAAC AND ISHMAEL I. CONTRASTED AS TO THEIR ORIGIN. IN CONTRASTED AS TO THEIR POSITION IN THE HOUSEHOLD. 1. As to the liberty enjoyed. 2. As to the security of their positions. (_T. H. Leale._) ISAAC AND ISHMAEL SEPARATED It only needs a gl... [ Continue Reading ]
_And she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba--_ THE STORY OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL I. THE OUTCAST. AS Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. He was an impudent boy, who mocked his betters, and became “ a wild ass of a man,”... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let me not see the death of the child_ PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL LIFE CONTRASTED I. THE CIRCUMSTANCE OF CHILDREN DYING BEFORE THEIR PARENTS. A common event. This fact shows-- 1. That the Ruler of the world does not treat man here according to his character. 2. That the youngest, as well as the old... [ Continue Reading ]
_And God heard the voice of the lad_ PRAYER A minister once said to a boy, “Can you pray? How did you pray?” He said, “Sir, I begged.” He could not have used a better word; praying is begging of God. Prayer is very much like a bow. The arrow is a promise; the string is faith. You use your faith,... [ Continue Reading ]
_God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water_ THE HIDDEN WELL DISCOVERED In this hidden well, which Ishmael’s prayer uncovered, lies many a true lesson, if only we have the right sort of pitcher to dip and draw. I. How CAME THE WELL TO BE THERE, JUST WHERE AND WHEN IT WAS WANTED? The Arab sh... [ Continue Reading ]
God is with thee in all that thou doest CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY I. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. II. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. III. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS IDENTIFIED WITH CHRISTIAN ENTERPRISE. Between God bl... [ Continue Reading ]
_Swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me_ ABRAHAM THE FRIEND OF MAN I. ABRAHAM YIELDS READILY TO THE REQUEST FOR HIS FRIENDSHIP. Abimelech’s motives in seeking the friendship of Abraham were probably mixed, and included. 1. Expediency. 2. The worship of success. 3. The... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the Lord_ ABRAHAM THE GODLY MAN I. HE MAKES PROVISION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP. 1. It was intelligent. 2. It was grateful. 3. It was hopeful. II. HE IS CONTENT TO BE A STRANGER AND PILGRIM ON THE EARTH (Genesis 21:34). (_T. H. L... [ Continue Reading ]