Found: 70 Anceient Books, possible earliest image of Jesus Christ

[What subject stirs up more disagreement than the Christian Holy Bible? Authenticity of artifacts discovered from the time of Christ, i.e. the Shroud, etc. ...]
"...The debate over whether these booklets are genuine and, if so, whether they represent the first known artefacts of the early Christian church or the first stirrings of mystical Kabbalah will undoubtedly rage for years to come. The director of Jordan’s Department of Antiquities, Ziad al-Saad, has few doubts. He believes they may indeed have been made by followers of Jesus in the few decades immediately following his crucifixion..."

View the original article here

What Would Jesus Say (W.W.J.S.), about the End of Days?

End times, there are so many different theological interpretations included in books, articles, debates, concordances spanning over thousands of years. Who's right, who's wrong?

This series of articles is not intended to dwell on doomsday prophecies, nor theological debate. It is designed to remind us what Jesus, himself, says in His own words in the Bible about the coming end of days. This article is to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ found in His Word. Even though this topic strikes both fear and curiosity at the hearts of men, Christ gives us comfort and strength in his words.

As time progresses, more people will need to know the Truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ. His Word will become most important as we walk through the coming days. To begin on this path we must first find out what Christ says about the coming end times. Know that he is our comforter, our counselor and our guide. There is no other way to Truth.

As you read the following excerpts in this article and the coming articles, picture yourself in Jesus' day. You are in the crowd at the Mount of Olives sitting on the grass or on a large rock. The sun is shining down on you and the wind gently brushes your skin. Maybe your friends or family members are sitting around you poised to listen to the most amazing Truth you have ever heard.

You have heard rumors of this man, they call Jesus, the messiah, and came to see and hear for yourself. You begin to listen to his words, your mind races with curiosity at every breath. Your flesh begins questioning the validity of the words and even the man, Jesus Himself. Ah, but your heart knows something that the rest of you wants to resist. This man speaks the Truth.

Something has brought you here, something beyond yourself, something that speaks through your heart. Its' more than just believing, it is a simple deep down knowing that you were chosen to hear these words.

Before you read, ask God for the gift of discernment. This is the ability to know the truth from a lie. Ask Jesus to teach you as though you were there, right this moment. And ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in applying these words to what you are experiencing in your life today.

Jesus Teaches on the Mount of Olives

"Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 'Do you see all these things?' he asked. 'I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.'

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'

Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

'Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

'So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." Matthew 24:1-25. NIV

This is the first of a series of articles that will be addressing end times. This is not meant to frighten, but to inform, to guide, to help as Christians come together in unity. Feel free to share your comments at http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com.

As we go through this series, get your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the gift of Discernment and the Kingdom of Heaven will be open to you.

You can visit this Blog at:

http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com

Article written by: A fellow Disciple of Christ

Series I, Article 1.

What Would Jesus Say (W.W.J.S.), about the End of Days?

End times, there are so many different theological interpretations included in books, articles, debates, concordances spanning over thousands of years. Who's right, who's wrong?

This series of articles is not intended to dwell on doomsday prophecies, nor theological debate. It is designed to remind us what Jesus, himself, says in His own words in the Bible about the coming end of days. This article is to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ found in His Word. Even though this topic strikes both fear and curiosity at the hearts of men, Christ gives us comfort and strength in his words.

As time progresses, more people will need to know the Truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ. His Word will become most important as we walk through the coming days. To begin on this path we must first find out what Christ says about the coming end times. Know that he is our comforter, our counselor and our guide. There is no other way to Truth.

As you read the following excerpts in this article and the coming articles, picture yourself in Jesus' day. You are in the crowd at the Mount of Olives sitting on the grass or on a large rock. The sun is shining down on you and the wind gently brushes your skin. Maybe your friends or family members are sitting around you poised to listen to the most amazing Truth you have ever heard.

You have heard rumors of this man, they call Jesus, the messiah, and came to see and hear for yourself. You begin to listen to his words, your mind races with curiosity at every breath. Your flesh begins questioning the validity of the words and even the man, Jesus Himself. Ah, but your heart knows something that the rest of you wants to resist. This man speaks the Truth.

Something has brought you here, something beyond yourself, something that speaks through your heart. Its' more than just believing, it is a simple deep down knowing that you were chosen to hear these words.

Before you read, ask God for the gift of discernment. This is the ability to know the truth from a lie. Ask Jesus to teach you as though you were there, right this moment. And ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in applying these words to what you are experiencing in your life today.

Jesus Teaches on the Mount of Olives

"Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 'Do you see all these things?' he asked. 'I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.'

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'

Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

'Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

'So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." Matthew 24:1-25. NIV

This is the first of a series of articles that will be addressing end times. This is not meant to frighten, but to inform, to guide, to help as Christians come together in unity. Feel free to share your comments at http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com.

As we go through this series, get your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the gift of Discernment and the Kingdom of Heaven will be open to you.

You can visit this Blog at:

http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com

Article written by: A fellow Disciple of Christ

Series I, Article 1.

What Would Jesus Say (W.W.J.S.), about the End of Days?

End times, there are so many different theological interpretations included in books, articles, debates, concordances spanning over thousands of years. Who's right, who's wrong?

This series of articles is not intended to dwell on doomsday prophecies, nor theological debate. It is designed to remind us what Jesus, himself, says in His own words in the Bible about the coming end of days. This article is to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ found in His Word. Even though this topic strikes both fear and curiosity at the hearts of men, Christ gives us comfort and strength in his words.

As time progresses, more people will need to know the Truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ. His Word will become most important as we walk through the coming days. To begin on this path we must first find out what Christ says about the coming end times. Know that he is our comforter, our counselor and our guide. There is no other way to Truth.

As you read the following excerpts in this article and the coming articles, picture yourself in Jesus' day. You are in the crowd at the Mount of Olives sitting on the grass or on a large rock. The sun is shining down on you and the wind gently brushes your skin. Maybe your friends or family members are sitting around you poised to listen to the most amazing Truth you have ever heard.

You have heard rumors of this man, they call Jesus, the messiah, and came to see and hear for yourself. You begin to listen to his words, your mind races with curiosity at every breath. Your flesh begins questioning the validity of the words and even the man, Jesus Himself. Ah, but your heart knows something that the rest of you wants to resist. This man speaks the Truth.

Something has brought you here, something beyond yourself, something that speaks through your heart. Its' more than just believing, it is a simple deep down knowing that you were chosen to hear these words.

Before you read, ask God for the gift of discernment. This is the ability to know the truth from a lie. Ask Jesus to teach you as though you were there, right this moment. And ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in applying these words to what you are experiencing in your life today.

Jesus Teaches on the Mount of Olives

"Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 'Do you see all these things?' he asked. 'I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.'

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'

Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

'Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

'So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." Matthew 24:1-25. NIV

This is the first of a series of articles that will be addressing end times. This is not meant to frighten, but to inform, to guide, to help as Christians come together in unity. Feel free to share your comments at http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com.

As we go through this series, get your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the gift of Discernment and the Kingdom of Heaven will be open to you.

You can visit this Blog at:

http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com

Article written by: A fellow Disciple of Christ

Series I, Article 1.

What Would Jesus Say (W.W.J.S.), about the End of Days?

End times, there are so many different theological interpretations included in books, articles, debates, concordances spanning over thousands of years. Who's right, who's wrong?
This series of articles is not intended to dwell on doomsday prophecies, nor theological debate. It is designed to remind us what Jesus, himself, says in His own words in the Bible about the coming end of days. This article is to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ found in His Word. Even though this topic strikes both fear and curiosity at the hearts of men, Christ gives us comfort and strength in his words.
As time progresses, more people will need to know the Truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ. His Word will become most important as we walk through the coming days. To begin on this path we must first find out what Christ says about the coming end times. Know that he is our comforter, our counselor and our guide. There is no other way to Truth.
As you read the following excerpts in this article and the coming articles, picture yourself in Jesus' day. You are in the crowd at the Mount of Olives sitting on the grass or on a large rock. The sun is shining down on you and the wind gently brushes your skin. Maybe your friends or family members are sitting around you poised to listen to the most amazing Truth you have ever heard.
You have heard rumors of this man, they call Jesus, the messiah, and came to see and hear for yourself. You begin to listen to his words, your mind races with curiosity at every breath. Your flesh begins questioning the validity of the words and even the man, Jesus Himself. Ah, but your heart knows something that the rest of you wants to resist. This man speaks the Truth.
Something has brought you here, something beyond yourself, something that speaks through your heart. Its' more than just believing, it is a simple deep down knowing that you were chosen to hear these words.
Before you read, ask God for the gift of discernment. This is the ability to know the truth from a lie. Ask Jesus to teach you as though you were there, right this moment. And ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in applying these words to what you are experiencing in your life today.
Jesus Teaches on the Mount of Olives
"Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 'Do you see all these things?' he asked. 'I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.'
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'
Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
'Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
'So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." Matthew 24:1-25. NIV
This is the first of a series of articles that will be addressing end times. This is not meant to frighten, but to inform, to guide, to help as Christians come together in unity. Feel free to share your comments at http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com/.
As we go through this series, get your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the gift of Discernment and the Kingdom of Heaven will be open to you.
You can visit this Blog at:

http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com/
Article written by: A fellow Disciple of Christ

Series I, Article 1.

THE COMING OF JESUS

I believe Jesus is coming very soon. We see the Lord gathering the nations together against Israel. Events are moving rapidly toward Armageddon.

“When you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33).

“Of the day and hour knoweth no man, no, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (v. 36).

All signs point to a Mideast war against Israel. Out of the turmoil in Arab nations will come a united call to destroy Israel. We are beholding the fulfillment of prophecies we have preached about for many hears.

Those who know the Scriptures have a Holy Ghost inner sense of the Lord’s return. We hear the call of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, crying, “Even so, Lord Jesus, come.” Jesus said, “Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord will come” (v. 42).

“Be ready, for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh” (v. 44).

“Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he comes, shall find so doing” (v. 46).

Beloved, do you feel—do you sense—that these are the last of the last days? Do you share the longing for his appearance?

Look up; our redemption is drawing near!

View the original article here

The 365 Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled: Prophecy 16

Whenever we set out on any serious study of Bible Prophecy, it is important to remember that within just one verse of scripture, there may be multiple predictions. Genesis chapter 49 is one of those places.

In this 16th old testament prophecy that Jesus fulfilled, we see that it was the intention of God that the tribe of Judah would be the line through which the Messiah would come. The obvious choice would have been Reuben, since he is the first born, but due to sexual sin with his father’s wife, Reuben was disqualified.

As with Reuben, all of us have lost our birthright.  As the sons and daughters of Adam we could not obtain eternal life because of our sin.  We needed a redeemer, someone who was righteous and could stand in the gap for us.

The spiritual choice from Jacob’s sons was Judah because of his many attributes that were pictures of what Jesus would be like when He came.

In these five verses of Genesis 49:8-12, there are seven references in Jacob’s description of Judah that point to Jesus:

Judah’s name means “Praise”, even as Jesus’ Name meant Praise to the Father for His obedience in laying down His life for all men:

Genesis 49:8 “Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise;

Judah shall overcome his enemies, even as Jesus will finally put down every enemy:

Genesis 49:8 Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;

All of Jesus’ brothers in Israel will someday bow down to Him as their Messiah:

Genesis 49:8 Your father’s children shall bow down before you.

Judah is the “Lion” as Jesus is the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah”:

Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?

The rulership for Israel is placed in the hands of Judah, as will be all Rulership be given to Jesus as Lord of the Universe:

Genesis 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

Upon Jesus entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He was riding in as a King on the foal of a donkey, in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9.

Genesis 49:11 Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus garments are said to be splashed with the blood of those He has slain and trampled in the valley of Armageddon:

Genesis 49:11 He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, And his teeth whiter than milk.”

Both Mary’s Genealogy in Luke and Joseph’s Genealogy in Matthew, show that Jesus came from the tribe of Judah.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, through Joseph’s genealogy, Jesus came from Abraham and David. The Messiah had to come from the seed of Abraham and be from the house of David. This genealogy in Matthew showing Joseph’s line, proves that Jesus has the Legal right to the throne of David.

Mary’s genealogy in the Gospel of Luke traces Jesus’ line all the way back to Adam, to prove that Jesus was qualified to be the Second Adam and Savior of all men, because He is from the first man, Adam. Mary’s genealogy proves that Jesus has the Physical right to be the Messiah.

Although Joseph was not the physical father of Jesus, He did convey to Jesus the legal right to the throne as the Messiah because Joseph as his stepfather was descended from David and Abraham.

If you carefully examine Joseph’s Genealogy that is given by Matthew, you will see a man by the name of “Jechonias”.

In the Book of Jeremiah 22:30 the Lord pronounces a curse upon the entire line of Jechonias:

Jeremiah 22:30 Thus says the LORD: “Write this man down as childless, A man who shall not prosper in his days; For none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah.”

This presents a huge problem for the Lord in that the Messiah must come from the line of David. Jeconiah is from the line of David, down to Joseph who is the stepfather of Jesus.

If Joseph had been the birth father of Jesus, Jesus would have been disqualified from sitting on the throne of David because He is descended from the line of Jechonia.

One can imagine the jubilation in satan’s camp when God pronounced the curse of Jechonias’ line. Satan must have thought that God had made a mistake in curing this line because it would mean that everyone from the line of Jechonia was disqualified from being the Messiah, including Jesus.

Except for this fact: David had two sons, Nathan and Solomon.

Joseph came from Solomon’s line, from where Jeconiah was cursed and no son could ever be the Messiah.

Mary came from Nathan’s line, from where Jesus was qualified to sit on David’s throne.

This is why the Holy Spirit present to us two Genealogies in Matthew and Luke, so that we can see that Jesus is qualified to be the Messiah because He is from the Tribe of Judah, from where Genesis 49:10 states the ruler must come.

Jesus is also qualified to be the Messiah because He is descended from Adam, Abraham, and David.

For the sake of clarity and so that you have a visual reference of Jesus’ Genealogy, I included the complete lineage of Joseph and Mary.

The Genealogy from Adam to Jesus Christ:

ADAM (1)
“The Son of God” and The First Adam(14) DAVID (34)
m. Bathsheba (Luke 3:31)(14) JEHOIAKIM
(who had brothers, Matthew 1:11)Widowed daughter
husband deceased(Evidently Salathiel died childless and Pedaiah, his brother, married his widow according to Deut. 25,5,6)wife m. PEDAIAH
(Ouite legally according to the Mosaic law, Pedaiah’s name does not appear as the father of Zerubbabel in either Matthew or Luke.)(3) ZERUBBABEL (57)
(1 Chr. 3:19)daughter
SHELOMITH –> m RHESA (58)(14) JESUS (77)
The Son of God and the Last Adam

Rob Robinson

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2011 at 12:15 am and is filed under 365 Prophecies, Rob Robinson. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

View the original article here

The 365 Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled: Prophecy 11

In order for the Lord to fulfill His word to Abraham, it was going to take some time. God does not often complete His work in us speedily. It usually requires many years for the Lord to work on us and in us, before He accomplishes His purpose for us.

This is not because the Lord cannot move quickly, but because of the frailty of man. God is always ready to move in us, it is we who must go through a long process of learning before the Lord can do what He is planning.

In Genesis chapter 20, Abraham arrives in Egypt out of fear. A famine has developed around the world that causes Abraham to worry that he will not be able to find food for his family while on the journey to the land that God had promised him.

Instead of trusting in the Lord, Abraham goes to Egypt where he learns that grain can be found. Upon his arrival, Abraham instructs Sarah to say to Abimelech, the king of Egypt, that Sarah is his sister.

The kings of Egypt were known to take a woman of beauty from her husband and have her husband executed. In fear of his life, Abraham allows his wife to lie for him.

At the end of Genesis chapter 20 we learn that as a result of Abimelech taking Sarah, the Lord had shut the wombs of all the women of his household. When Abraham prays for Abimelech, God opens the womb of his wife and female servants.

Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; for the LORD had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

As we come to chapter 21, we see that because of Abraham’s prayer for Abimelech, the Lord also now opens the womb of Sarah and she is able to conceive the son that was promised almost 26 years before.

Genesis 21:1-3 And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac.

This has been a very long process for Abraham, as God has been developing him and his trust in the Lord. From the beginning, God had chosen one specific line of descendants to bring His Son into the world. It would have to be a line who had developed faith in God. It was the ultimate intention of God to show that it was by Faith that a man can obtain the promises of God, not by his own works.

Abraham has made many mistakes, the greatest of which was to not wait on the Lord and allow God to bring to him the son that was promised. When Abraham took Hagar and had his son Ishmael, this became a work of Abraham’s flesh. God explained to Abraham that all those who will please the Lord will do so by faith.  All of their attempts at obtaining God’s promise by their own efforts will be rejected.

As Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah, it becomes a point of increasing contention between Hagar and her son Ishmael and Sarah and her son Isaac. Sarah resents Hagar now and wants her and her son out of their household.

God tells Abraham to heed the wishes of Sarah and send Hagar and Ishmael away. This of course displeases Abraham because he loves Ishmael greatly.

As God instructs Abraham to do as Sarah wishes, He speaks into reality the 11th old testament prophecy that Jesus fulfilled:

Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.”

In this very small verse of scripture we find an amazing prophetic promise of God. From the line of Isaac, a future “seed” of the woman that God first promised to Eve in Genesis 3:15, would arrive on the earth as the Savior of all men.

When we arrive at the Book of Romans, Paul who was an expert in the old testament, reveals that not all of the seed of Abraham are chosen of God, only those who are from faith:

Romans 9:7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”

Jesus was born from a line of people whom God had slowly and methodically developed faith. It was not that there was anything wrong with Ishmael, except for the fact that he was born out of Abraham’s lapse in faith and was his attempt in his flesh, to help fulfill God’s promise.

The fulfillment of this 11th old testament prophecy is found in Romans 9:7 where Jesus becomes the one who came from that seed of Abraham, and his son Isaac. The son who came after a long period of waiting and the development of faith. The son who came by God’s work, not Abraham’s attempts.

View the original article here