History Guided by a Promise
The Old Testament describes Abraham's offspring becoming a strong nation, Israel, and the special covenant entered with God, the Abrahamic Covenant. This covenant impacted the lives of all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise of God extended through all of the generations of Abraham. It is through Abraham’s bloodline that Jesus Christ was born to save us from sin.
The story begins with a series of remarkable promises God gave to a man named Abram thousands of years ago. This man would later be known as Abraham.
"Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you," God told Abram. "I will make you into 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" (Genesis:12:1-3, NIV).
The story begins with God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. A great nation would be developed by the children of Abraham. Abraham was required to be faithful and follow God’s Word to receive the promise. His faith was tested many times during his life. The first test of faith was for Abraham to leave his family and travel to a new land. Another test that Abraham encountered was that he and Sarah were unable to bear children. Hagar, Sarah’s maiden, slept with Abraham and they were able to conceive. Abraham’s son Ishmael was born. (Gen 16:1-12) (Life Application Study Bible) This created much animosity between Sarah and Hagar. Eventually, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with a child, Isaac. (Gen 21:1-3) Sarah was 90 years old. This was a miracle and all because of the faith of Abraham.
The birth of Isaac brought much joy to Abraham and Sarah. After Isaac grew a little older, Abraham faced another test of his faith. God commanded him to sacrifice the life of Isaac. Abraham remained faithful and proceeded to offer his ultimate sacrifice....