It has finally happened. Sarah has given birth to this promised heir. Her first child ... and she is 90 years old. Her husband is 100. And it is totally, completely, no exception allowed, impossible for the two of them to biologically have this baby. I think that is why God waited so long. It had to be a miracle. Abraham and Sarah had to know it was only by God. And you and I have to know that it is only by God. The birth of this new person is a work of God - not a work of Abraham and Sarah. Miraculous births still happen ... and they are still works of God. In John 3: 3 - 8 we are privileged to hear a conversation between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Listen ...
"Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'The birth of a new person. A work of God. Have you experienced this miraculous birth ... this miracle of life orchestrated by God Himself? If you are not sure, write me a note and let's talk about it.
'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!'
Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and teh Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying: You must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.' "
We cannot leave these precious verses about Isaac's birth without acknowledging that God is a faithful, promise-keeping God. You can trust him. His promises are sure. They will come to be - even if you must wait a long, long time. You may waver, but He will not. You may struggle with disbelief, but He will not. And when you see the fulfillment ... LAUGH!!
In a sermon on September 19, the pulpit minister at the Bammel Church of Christ (my home church) was speaking about promises of God. He prepared a list of 12 for us to consider. I want to share that list with you through this venue. Why right now? Because we are - right now - seeing God fulfill a long-ago promise to His man, Abraham. God's promises are sure. You can count on them ... He will not fail you.
12 Promises from Scripture
- God's presence -- I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
- God's protection -- I am your shield. (Genesis 15:1)
- God's power -- Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10a)
- God' provision -- I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10b)
- God's leading -- When He has brought out all HIs own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. (John 10:4)
- God's purposes -- I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- God's cleansing -- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will fogive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
- God's goodness -- No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (Psalm 84:11)
- God's faithfulness -- For the sake of His great name The LORD will not reject His people. (1 Samuel 12:22)
- God's guidance -- He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. (Psalm 25:9)
- God's wise plan -- And we know thatin all things God works for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
- God's rest -- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
So tonight ... rest in the assurance of the promises of God. He promised Abraham and Sarah ... and He did as He promised. He has promised His people ... He is faithful ...
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