AUGUST 28, 2024
READ: Genesis 12 (Focus vs. 1-5)
MEMORY VERSE
“Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.” Genesis 21:5
BACKGROUND
Talk about a layover. Phil Stringer waited eighteen hours to board a flight that was delayed due to thunderstorms. His patience and perseverance paid off, however.
Not only did he get to fly to his destination and make it on time for important business meetings, but he was also the only traveler on the flight! All the other passengers gave up or made other arrangements.
Flight attendants gave him whatever food items he desired, and Stringer adds, “I did sit in the front row, of course. Why not when you have the whole plane to yourself?” The outcome was definitely worth the wait.
Abraham also endured what must have felt like a lengthy delay. Way back when he was known as Abram, God told him that He would make him “into a great nation” and that “all peoples on earth [would] be blessed through” him (Genesis 12:2-3).
Only one problem for the seventy-five-year-old man (v. 4): how could he become a great nation without an heir? His waiting was left wanting at times, however. He and wife Sarai tried to “help” God fulfill His promise with some misguided ideas (see 15:2-3; 16:1-2).
And when he “was a hundred years old . . . Isaac was born to him” (21:5). His faith was later celebrated by the writer of Hebrews (11:8-12).
Waiting can be hard. And, like Abraham, we might not do it perfectly. But as we pray and rest in God’s plans, may He help us persevere. In Him, it’s always worth the wait.
By: Tom Felten
INSIGHT
Genesis 12 records God’s call of Abram—later renamed Abraham (17:5)—an event central to the biblical story.
The chosen nation of Israel would come through Abraham (Isaiah 41:8), and from Israel would come the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would save humanity and the world.
But the story begins small, with one man commanded to “Go” (Genesis 12:1) and then promised that “all peoples on earth [would] be blessed through [him]” (v. 3).
But he was given no details as to how. Later, Abraham is commanded by God to “take” his beloved son Isaac and offer him “as a burnt offering” (22:2).
After Abraham demonstrated that he’d obey (though God provided a substitute sacrifice), the promises first given in Genesis 12 were given to him a second time (22:15-18).
In the New Testament, we’re told that God’s redemption story continues through believers in Jesus, who are included in God’s people and chosen to reveal who He is to the world (1 Peter 2:9-10).
By: Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What are you waiting for? How can you rest and persevere in God’s strength?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Waiting can be hard. And, like Abraham, we might not do it perfectly. But as we pray and rest in God’s plans, may He help us persevere. In Him, it’s always worth the wait.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“How different, if one waits for God’s own time and looks to Him for help and deliverance! When at last help comes, after many hours of prayer and after much faith and patience, how sweet it is! What a reward the soul receives for trusting in God and waiting patiently for His deliverance…” George Muller
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me wait and persevere in You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I DON’T MIND WAITING”
You, know, sometimes in life,
Situations are going to occur,
Where you may look to the left or the right,
And you can’t find any answers,
And you can’t find anybody to help you,
But I’m reminded of the Word, That says:
“They that wait upon the Lord,
He shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up on wings as eagles.
They shall run and not be weary.
They shall walk and not faint.”
Come on. You’ve got to learn how to wait
I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting, on You Lord
I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting, on You Lord
I don’t mind waiting. (I don’t mind)
I don’t mind waiting. (I’m gonna wait on)
I don’t mind waiting, on You Lord
(on You Lord) (I don’t mind)
I don’t mind waiting.
Because I know He’ll come (after awhile)
I don’t mind waiting. (So, I don’t mind no)
I don’t mind waiting, on You Lord.
(Yes I’ll wait on You Lord)
I don’t mind waiting.
I don’t mind
I don’t mind…
I’m waiting right here because I know You’ll come
Yes, I will I’ll wait on you
I don’t mind waiting
I don’t mind waiting, on You Lord
Yes, I’ll learn to wait.
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
ACTS 9
