Holding on to God’s Word
Genesis 22:1~20 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me (17~18)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #205 Tell Me the Old, Old Story (#236 in previous version)
When you hear the name ‘Isaac,’ many different thoughts will cross your mind. Isaac is the son Abraham received at the age of 100. So, Isaac is a precious son, without a doubt, and his father probably loved him more than anything. Taking a closer look at Isaac’s life, you will come to know how to grasp the Gospel. Summarizing Isaac’s life, he is a person who personally experienced ‘the ram incident’ on Mount Moriah and received the shock of the Gospel. From this passage, you can discover the significant things like how God guides and answers His children.
1. Word received on Mount Moriah
Just as his father wished, Isaac embarked on the journey to Mount Moriah to offer the burnt sacrifice. As soon as Abraham arrived at the destination, he built an altar, tied Isaac up, laid him on the wood and was ready to kill him as the sacrificial offering. At that dangerous moment, an angel of the Lord called Abraham to stop him from committing the act, and provided a ram to be the sacrificial offering instead of Isaac. This is the ‘ram incident’ that Isaac experienced in the face of death. After that, God gave Abraham and Isaac an important Word of the covenant.
2. The Word Isaac grasped
After allowing Isaac to realistically experience the coming Christ through the ‘ram incident,’ God gave him the Word of the covenant that was to be fulfilled. “Through your seed all nations will be blessed.” Upon putting him through a tense experience of life and death, God gave him the Word ‘seed’ and explained, “Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.” This Word was fulfilled as Isaac received the answer of 100 years, gained the source of all springs, and became the symbol of the blessing of seeing the fulfillment of the Word as he took over the vast land of Rehoboth.
3. Word we must hold on to
As those who have the Gospel, it is crucial for us to hold fast to God’s Word realistically. You will uncover amazing things if you record the Word proclaimed through the pulpit. You will taste great answers when you record the Word, record today’s Word, prayer and evangelism, and engrave the Word in your soul. What is the Word we must not lose hold of today and place in our hearts? Confirm the fulfillment of the Word by recording it.
- Like Isaac, have I experienced the Gospel through a specific incident? Find time to record and meditate on the Word.
Study of Evangelism Lecture 5 / 2010.10.9