Friday, 16 August 2013
And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac… Romans 9:10
This is the second instance recorded by Paul concerning his statement in verse 8 – “…those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.”
First he brought in the promise of a son through Sarah, a woman who had been barren for many decades and who was past her normal child-bearing years. And yet, God opened her womb and gave Abraham a son through her. Now we are reminded of the unusual occurrence of the birth of sons to Isaac and Rebecca.
Details will be given in verses 11 through 13, but knowing the circumstances prior to the conception of these children is enough to show us that God is in control. In Genesis 25:20, 21 we read this –
“Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian. Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.”
It was a full 19 years of marriage and still no child was conceived by Rebekah. Like Sarah before her, she remained barren. However, God is gracious and He listens to the prayers of His people. Isaac pleaded with the Lord and the Lord granted his plea. The line leading to the Messiah would continue and it would do so through this woman who was barren for so long. At the age of 60, after 20 years of waiting, Isaac would become a father.
Life application – In Christ, good things come to those who wait. As the 27th Psalm implores you, “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
My Lord and my God – Life continually challenges me and it often seems that things are out of control. But when I think back on the times in the past when it seemed this way, I find that You led me through each trial. Why should I feel the future ones will be any different. I have the certainty that You are there with me and so I will wait patiently on Your good timing in all things – both the good and the difficult. Amen.