Father Abraham

Father Abraham had many sons

Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.

How many sons DID Abraham have? Ishmael was Abram’s son with Hagar. Even though Ishmael was Abram’s first born, he was not meant to receive Abram’s legacy. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham to mean “father of many nations”. And at the age of 100 Abraham and Sarah had Isaac.

That was it, right?

Abraham actually had many more children. Genesis 25 lists the sons of Abraham, born to “another wife” Keturah – Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. But who do we remember?

Isaac.

Isaac was the promise to Abraham from God. Through Isaac Abraham was the father of many nations. Genesis 25:5 says, “Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac.” Isaac became the father of Jacob who fathered the 12 tribes of Israel – and who God eventually renamed “Israel”.

What kind of man was Abraham?

A man of great faith. He left his country to follow God’s plan and promise. He waited for a son who took 100 years to come. He was willing to KILL his beloved son to obey God. He bargained with God to save righteous people. He sacrificed and humbled himself to his family members and acquaintances – why? Because he believed in God and he trusted what God commanded him to do. 

Unconditionally.

Genesis 12:2-3 details God’s promises to Abram, “I will make you a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Verse 4 details Abram’s response to God, “So Abram left…”

WAIT!

That’s it??? Abram just picked up and left??? No questions asked???

When we read further into Genesis 22, we see how God tested Abraham. Verse 2 says, “Then God said, Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Abraham’s response to God is in verse 3, “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac…”

WAIT! HUH???

He was ready to sacrifice his beloved son based on God’s word??? Again – no questions asked???

A man of great faith.

How is our faith? If God came to us personally would we do as He asked – with no questions asked? Are we willing to even open our mouths? Are we willing to come to church on Sunday morning when we’re particularly tired? Are we willing to offer our money to the offering basket?

What are we willing to sacrifice?