Tag: bsf questions answers lesson 18

people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 18 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 6:9-13

God describes Isaiah’s mission, which is to preach to people who won’t hear except for the remnant until destruction/judgment comes. But a holy seed (Jesus) would rise from the stump of David to save us all.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

12a) God gives Isaiah his commission. He tells him to preach to the people even though they won’t hear him, but this would prove their guilt.

b) Till destruction or judgment comes. Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, The houses are without a man, The land is utterly desolate, The LORD has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many.

13a) Unsure as of the moment. I need healing of my knee right now that is inhibiting me from one task I believe. Unsure on any others. All of my tasks seem difficult at the moment.

b) He gives His word, His hope, and strong will to keep pressing on. The glimpses of hope are enough.

14) That there will be a remnant who hears His word and turns to Him. So all of his preaching wouldn’t be in vain.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

I love how God calls people. Clear and concise in this case. Now, we just need to hear Him in the same way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

God gives Isaiah his commission. He tells him to preach to the people even though they won’t hear him, but this would prove their guilt. God’s word can bring you understanding, make him return to Him, and bring healing to your life.

It’s hard to preach fruitlessly to those who won’t hear, so Isaiah asks for how long. God answers till destruction comes. Yet, there will be a remnant who will hear.

The message is always more important than the messenger.

We know that Isaiah saw God in His glory, which would be Jesus before he was human. We are priviledged to have this knowledge because the Apostle John quotes Isaiah 6:10 and says so (John 12:41).

But God tells Isaiah there is hope: a holy seed (Jesus) would rise from the stump of David to save us all. Hope we all need.

Contact me today!

Great New Year Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 18 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 6:1-4

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

6) Isaiah had a vision of the Lord seated on a throne. He was wearing a robe. Seraphim were above him and they were calling to each other how holy God is and how the earth is filled with his glory. The temple filled with smoke. I love how the seraphim are worshipping God because I am to be better at worshipping, too.

7a) They were calling to each other about God’s glory, and it was their voices that caused the doorposts and thresholds to shake and the temple to fill with smoke.

b) God is holy. All of earth is filled with His glory. God is here with us since the earth is filled wtih him. He is holy.

8 ) I’d say my thoughts about what God is like comes from many sources: from what I believed of him as a child, from what you picture in your mind, and from His word. The more I learn about God, the more reverence and awe I have of his graciousness towards me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

I love this image of seraphim around God. I can’t wait to see what heaven is like!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 3: Isaiah 6:1-4

Note how the Lord is sitting on a throne in heaven. This has been verified by almost everyone in the Bible who has been blessed by a vision of God:

Fun Fact: The throne of God in heaven is mentioned 35 times in the book of Revelation.

God’s throne is lifted up. The train of his robe fills the temple, which is a sign of honor and prestige.

Seraphim are angels (otherwise called cherubim (Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 37:16; Ezekiel 10:3) or as the living creatures of Revelation 4:6-11. Interestingly, this is the only place in the Bible where these angels that surround God are called seraphim.

The two wings cover the eyes becuase they cannot look upon the Lord. The two wings cover their feet as a sign of humility. The six wings was seen by John in his vision, too  Revelation 4:8.

The three “holys” refer to God as the Trinity.

Note the seraphim are merely singing about God in his presence, not directly to God.

Repetition is the same as us saying “very.” It’s meant to up the intensity level.

Holy is being set apart, which is the epitome of God. He is the only thing not created. He is the great “I am.” Holiness is God.

The power of their songs shook the doorposts. How cool?!

These angels only exist to praise and worship God. That’s a job I want!

The smoke is reminiscent of God as smoke in the Old Testament (Exodus 13:21-22), (Exodus 19:18), and (1 Kings 8:10-12).

Contact me today!

One of my favorite songs by Chris Tomlin inspired by Isaiah’s words. Enjoy!

Great New Year Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 18 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

ISAIAH 1:1

“The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.”

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

3a) Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah

b) The spiritual climate was tumultuous to say the least. The people were ungodly and were moving further away from God, as were some of Judah’s kings. Uzziah and Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Ahaz did not. He practiced child sacrifice amongst others horrors. and Hezekiah did what was right. The service of the temple of the Lord was reestablished under his reign.

4)

1:2-3: God’s children have rebelled against him (His people).

1:16-18: Isaiah beseeches God’s people to stop doing wrong.

9:19; 22:5: God will bring judgment on those who have turned from Him by scorching the land and the people.

9:6; 11:1-3: Jesus will save God’s people.

27:6; 32:1-2: 40:1-2; 43:1-2: Israel will be saved. Kings will rule in righteousness and with justice. Israel’s sins will be paid for; they will be redeemed.

5a) I loved the redemption (Isaiah 43:1-2). God will summon me by name and be with me. It’s so full of hope.

b) God’s promises.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

Isaiah was my first study in BSF so many years ago, and I am looking forward to this part of the study again!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 2: Isaiah 1:1 and Others

About the Book of Isaiah

This is the first and largest of the Major Prophets books.

Isaiah was a prophet mainly to the Southern kingdom of Judah from between 740 to 680 B.C.  Israel, the Northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. during Isaiah’s ministry.

This was the time period we’ve been studying (2 Kings 15 through 21 and 2 Chronicles 26 through 33)

Isaiah was a prophet with Hosea and Micah. The other prophets Elijah, Elisha, Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, and Amos had already passed.

Keep in mind, before Isaiah, the judges ruled Israel. Then Saul, David, and Solomon ruled. Israel broke into two kingdoms in 917 B.C.

Israel in the north had 18 kings who did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Judah in the south had 11 kings before Isaiah, with some bad and some good.

Israel is in the crosshairs of Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon who were all fighting for power.

Fun Fact: Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament. In fact, he is quoted more than any of the other prophets combined (21 times).

Isaiah predicted the Son of God a lot in his book.

Fun Fact: There are seven men in the Bible called Isaiah, which mans “salvation of the Lord.”

When you consider that Jesus began his ministry by quoting Isaiah (Luke 4:16-21), that should tell you the importance of this book.

Facts About Isaiah

  • Isaiah was married
  • He was the father of at least two sons (Isaiah 7:3 and 8:3)
  • He lived in Jerusalem (Isaiah 7:3, 22:1, 37:2, 38:5, and 39:3)
  • He was advisor to the kings of Judah
  • The book of Isaiah was written about the same time as Homer was writing The Illiad and The Odyssey
  • Isaiah is the most eloquent book in the Old Testament
  • Isaiah speaks about the nature of God and His plan for the earth

Organization of Isaiah

  • Isaiah 1-12: Isaiah warns Judah when the nation is prosperous under Jotham and Ahaz
  • Isaiah 13-23: Isaiah speaks to the nations around Judah
  • Isaiah 24-35: Earth’s future and messages to Judah as Assyria is about to invade
  • Isaiah 36-39: The crises of King Hezekiah (an interlude)
  • Isaiah 40-48: Prophecies of Babylon 200 years into the future
  • Isaiah 49-55: Hope through Jesus
  • Isaiah 56-66: Warnings to Judah and more about the future

Fun Facts about the Book of Isaiah

  • The Bible has 66 books; Isaiah has 66 chapters
  • 1st 39 chapters address judgment and hope like the Old Testament
  • Last 27 chapters announces hope in Christ like the New Testament
  • Sin, salvation, and hope are the major themes like the New Testament

Contact me today!

Great New Year Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

transfiguration of christ by Giordano

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:6-13

Peter, James, and John fell down to the ground when they heard God speak, afraid. Jesus came and touched them. He told them to not be afraid. When they looked up again, everyone was gone except Jesus. Jesus told them to tell no one about his Transfiguration until he has been risen from the dead.

The disciples were confused again, so they asked Jesus why Elijah must come first. Jesus explained that Elijah has already come, but no one recognized him (meaning Elijah was in the work of John the Baptist).

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

7a) Peter, James, and John fell down to the ground when they heard God speak, afraid.

b) Jesus came and touched them. He told them to not be afraid. He comforted them, cares about them, and understands their fear.

c) I think when I learned that not everyone went to heaven as a kid. I realized it was His will, and not mine. Also, when I learned as an adult the true meaning of Romans 1:20. We are responsible for our eternal salvation, not God. I still walk in his ways and understand a bit more every day.

8a) Malachi predicted Elijah (identified as John the Baptist by Jesus in this passage) would precede Jesus. Luke 1:17 says how John the Bapist will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

b) John the Baptist told everyone to repent and turn to the Lord. Yet, he too was persecuted, imprisoned, and then killed.

c) Jesus uses the present tense. “Elijah comes and will restore all things.”

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

What a moment! I wonder how I’d react if God appeared in a cloud to me? Everyone in the Bible is afraid. I wonder if I would be, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

Note it was when God spoke that the disciples fell on their faces. They were cool with seeing Jesus transfigure, two dead guys alive, and God appear in a cloud, but the second God spoke, they were afraid.

The Transfiguration is yet another confirmation of Jesus’s divinity that the disciples needed. Mankind constantly needs to be reassured.

It is significant and fitting that only Jesus remains. This is truth for all of us. Jesus is there always; others may come and go from our lives, but not Jesus.

Not many would believe the Transfiguration story, so Jesus did not want more people doubting him.

Now the disciples were confused since clearly Jesus came before Elijah since he had just appeared. First, Malachi was most likely referring to the Second Coming when Jesus would come a final time. Second, as Jesus explains, Elijah had come already in the work of John the Baptist who ministered in the spirit and power of him. (Luke 1:17).

Contact me today!

The Transfiguration by Raphael www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:1-5

Jesus went up a mountain with Peter, James, and John. Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus. Peter offers to build three shelters for them — one for each of them. Then, a bright cloud enveloped all of them and God spoke, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

3a) They saw Jesus’s face that shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus.

b) Peter says he was an eyewitness of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God when God spoke at the Transfiguration.

4) Both Moses and Elijah were dead, so this shows God’s power to raise the dead. This shows how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecy, and it’s where Jesus can shine his glory, too.

5) Peter offers to build three shelters for them — one for each of them. This is a culture where hospitality rules, so Peter probably thought Moses and Elijah might stay awhile and would need a comfortable place to sit and talk.

6a) This moment was not about meeting earthly needs, like shelter, but instead was about shining God’s glory on and through Jesus. God did not want Peter to distract anyone or taper the message at all.

b) Listen to Jesus’s calling on my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

I wonder why Jesus chose only these three disciples to go with him. This would be something I wouldn’t want to miss!

Love this book with this lesson! God calls us to listen to Jesus; Jesus listens to us!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

The Transfiguration takes place approximately three years into Jesus’s three and a half years of ministry. It is about one week after Jesus first tells his disciples he will be killed. The whole point is to reinforce to these three disciples who he really is. Transfiguration comes from the Latin “trans,” which means across and “figura,” which means shape or form. Thus, a change in shape.

Why did Jesus only take these three disciples? No one knows, as we are not told. Some say Jesus only took three because he wanted the Transfiguration to remain a secret (Matthew 17:9). Others say he only needed a few witnesses.

No one knows which mountain the Transfiguration took place on. There are guesses:

  • Mount Tabor
  • Mount Hermon
  • Mount Miron

Jesus was transformed both inside and outside. Many Bible scholars point out that the real miracle was that Jesus appeared an ordinary man for so long and hid his glory from all. The disciples see Jesus’s true glory.

Moses and Elijah

Moses was the first great lawgiver, and Elijah was the first great prophet. In addition, Moses had been dead 1400 years and Elijah 900 years.

Here, we have the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) represent the Old Testament at this moment. They appeared in order to show the two institutions that Jesus had come to fulfill.

They spoke of the cross. How cool!

The Greek word for departure is “exodos,” where we get Exodus from. Thus, Jesus delivers as he departs. Cool!

Peter (of course) is the one to speak. The problem is he didn’t know what he was saying (Mark 9:6 and Luke 9:33  His words put Jesus at an equal level as Moses and Elijah — not good.

God appears in a cloud to save Peter from himself essentially. This is the same cloud of Glory God appears in in the Old Testament known as shekinah. As you know, no one can see God’s face and live, so this is fitting since the disciples are there.

Here, we clearly see Jesus above all else and everyone else.

Listen to Jesus! The one voice that matters.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

jacob worshipped god at bethel www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 28:16-22:

Jacob awakes the next day, declaring that this place is the house of God. He poured oil on top of the stone he was sleeping on and called the place Bethel, which means House of God. Jacob vows the Lord will be his God if God is with him and watches over him and gives him food and clothes so that he can return safely home. He declares he will give God a tenth as well.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

12) It’s as if Jacob finally realized that God is with him here. I don’t like how it seems like God will be God to Jacob only if God is with him and watches over him and gives him food and clothes so that he can return safely home. It seems like Jacob’s promise is conditional; whereas, God’s promises are not.

13) Every day.

14) Just to trust that I am where I need to be at this time in my life and doing what He wants me to do even though I’d like to be doing something else.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

I like how Jacob has completely changed after this encounter with God. So it is for Christians, but we need to hold onto that when life does get us down.

map of jacob fleeing to haran www.atozmomm.com genesis 28

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

Fun Fact: Bethel is mentioned more times in the Old Testament than any other place except Jerusalem.

God grasps its significance to Jacob by calling himself the God of Bethel. (Genesis 31:13).

Other places we see Bethel in the Bible: (1 Kings 13:32, Hosea 10:15, Amos 4:4).

God is everywhere, not just one place.

You can translate this as “Since God is will be with me.” However, most Bible scholars believe if is accurate. Jacob is still not confident God will be with him, which is why he puts condition on God being His God. He had to see God do what he said he would before he would believe. Sadly, many are like this instead of just believing God. (Philippians 4:19) (Nahum 1:7).

Laban will help teach Jacob submission.

God did not back down from His promises despite Jacob’s response. He still is the God of Jacob (Exodus 3:6).

God’s promises were not good enough for Jacob. Are His promises good enough for you?

jacob dreams of a stairway to heaven genesis 28 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 4: Genesis 28:12-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 28:12-15:

When Jacob stopped to sleep, he had a dream of a stairway to heaven that angels traversed. God appeared and told Jacob He would give him the land on which he was lying. His descendents will be numerous and fill the earth. All people will be blessed through him. God is with him and will watch over him no matter where he goes. God will bring him back and not leave until He has done what He has promised He will do.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 4: Genesis 28:12-15

9) When Jacob stopped to sleep, he had a dream of a stairway to heaven that angels traversed. God appeared and told Jacob He would give him the land on which he was lying. His descendents will be numerous and fill the earth. All people will be blessed through him. God is with him and will watch over him no matter where he goes. God will bring him back and not leave until He has done what He has promised He will do. John 14:6 is where Jesus says he is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to God except through him. Hebrews 10:19-20 tells us that we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. The stairwell is the way to heaven, namely Jesus, a descendent of Jacob’s. Jesus is the stairway.

10a) God would give him the land on which he was lying

b) His descendents will be numerous and fill the earth.

c) All people will be blessed through him

d) God is with him and will watch over him no matter where he goes. God will bring him back and not leave until He has done what He has promised He will do.

11) I love how God tells Jacob He is with him and will watch over him no matter where he goes. God will not leave him until His work has been completed. This is very comforting to know God is with you always as I still struggle to follow His will for me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 4: Genesis 28:12-15

Love how God appears here and promises never to leave. I think He does this for us in subtle ways every day that we need to capture and hold on to when life does not go our way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 4: Genesis 28:12-15

(John 1:51) is where we see Jesus speak of the angels going back and forth on the Son of Man. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Jacob sees access to Heaven but not yet that it is Jesus.

God is repeating the covenant to Jacob that He gave to Abraham and Isaac before him.  (Genesis 12:1-3) (Genesis 26:2-5). See the promise here: Philippians 1:6:  God completes His work in us.

God is with Jacob, He will be with Jacob, He is faithful, and He will continue His work after you are gone.(Genesis 31:3)  (Genesis 31:5)  (Genesis 48:21)

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 22-23

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac as a burnt offering in the mountains of Moriah. So Abraham faithfully takes Isaac to where God calls him, bounds his son, and prepares to kill him.  On the journey, Abraham tells Isaac that God will provide the burnt offering.

An angel of the Lord stopped Abraham before he killed Isaac, saying he has proved he fears God because he didn’t withhold his son from Him.  God provided a ram instead to sacrifice.  The angel says because of Abraham’s faithfulness the Lord will bless him and make his descendants as numerous as the stars and will rule over the cities of their enemies.

All nations on earth will be blessed because of Abraham’s obedience.  Then Abraham went to Beersheba.

Sarah lived to be 127 years old.  She died in Hebron.  Abraham offered to buy a burial plot from the Hittites and they told him he could pick any plot to bury her in.  He approached Ephron and offered to buy his cave.  Ephron offered to give it to Abraham. Abraham refused and offered to pay for the land.  Ephron reluctantly agrees and the land is deeded to Abraham.

Abraham then buries Sarah.

Questions:

11a)  Honestly, I wouldn’t connect the two if you hadn’t of told me to.  In Abraham’s mind, he has sacrificed Isaac.  His mind was tested and he knew what God’s will was.  He offered Isaac’s body as an act of worship.

b)  Being a living sacrifice is denying ourself and being God’s instead.  We yield our body, mind, and will to God.  It’s reading the Bible instead of watching TV.  It’s helping others instead of ourselves.  It’s giving of our time and money when we’d rather not.  It’s changing your poor attitude, giving up destructive addictions, and changing your thinking to be more in tune with Christ’s.

It is a daily death to self.  We must understand and know the will of God and walk that path every day.  We must change our thoughts by obeying God and God’s word and in turn our hearts will change as well.  We must find God’s will for our life and live it and go where HE directs, not where you direct.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Today I will do my utmost to listen and obey Him and His will for my life.  That includes teaching my children, taking care of my family, doing laundry and dishes, and loving others as myself.  I will try to live and breathe Him as much as humanly possible and at the end of the day hopefully I will find rest in what I have done, which I did for Him, through Him and by Him AND according to His will.  Amen.

12a)  On the surface, he purchased it as a place to bury Sarah.  But really he purchased it to set a precedent of an alien owning land in Canaan.  As a landowner in ancient times, you were accorded certain rights others were not.  Now, Abraham could claim those rights.

b)  God promised Abraham he would take possession of Canaan and Abraham now owns a piece of it.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Good question.  God promises to provide for all of my needs and He has.  I purchase food, clothing, and shelter.  We also own cars to transport us to do His work and care for others.  He also has given more.

Conclusions:  I couldn’t help the flippancy in 11a but my haunches raised when I’m told to read a passage and then told to go somewhere else.

I’m conflicted on this lesson as well like yesterday’s.  It was interesting how Abraham used Sarah’s death as a means to own land.  Not sure if I approve of this.  I did like the living sacrifice example.  It brought out the importance of obeying God not only in word and deed but also in heart and mind.

The exchange between Ephron and Abraham is an example of how bargaining was done in that time and in that culture.  Ephron had no intention of giving Abraham the land but that is how the bargaining started off.  Kindness took precedent and is still predominant in the Middle East today when bargaining.

I liked this concise article on living sacrifices enough to link to it despite the overpowering presence of ads:

http://www.abideinchrist.com/selah/mar27.html

Fun Fact:  Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age when she died is recorded.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 18, Day 4: Genesis 22:1-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac as a burnt offering in the mountains of Moriah. So Abraham faithfully takes Isaac to where God calls him, bounds his son, and prepares to kill him.  On the journey, Abraham tells Isaac that God will provide the burnt offering.

An angel of the Lord stopped Abraham before he killed Isaac, saying he has proved he fears God because he didn’t withhold his son from Him.  God provided a ram instead to sacrifice.  The angel says because of Abraham’s faithfulness the Lord will bless him and make his descendants as numerous as the stars and will rule over the cities of their enemies.

All nations on earth will be blessed because of Abraham’s obedience.  Then Abraham went to Beersheba.

Questions:

8a)  Hebrews sums up Genesis 22.  Verse 9 in Genesis mirrors verse 17 in Hebrews, saying Isaac was offered as a sacrifice.  After the test, verse 17 in Genesis has an angel telling Abraham everyone will be blessed through Isaac like in verse 18 of Hebrews. Genesis 21:12 is the verse quoted in Hebrews.  Verse 12 of Genesis has God sparing Isaac like in Hebrews 19 and thus receiving him back from the dead.

b)  Because he was obeying God through faith and knew everything would be okay.  Like how we are to feel when we obey.

c)  Through Christ’s faith and obedience to the Father, he experienced the joy of reconciling man to Him and taking his place beside the Father.

d)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Writing gives me joy and I sacrifice a lot in order to do it (mainly sleep!).  This site brings me joy despite the criticism and doubts it has brought.  I hope it’s all for Him.

9a)  According to Webster’s Dictionary, a substitute is “a person or thing that takes the place or function of another.”

b)  A ram

c)  Jesus

d)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Eternal gratitude, awe, and immense desire to please God and obey.

10a)  Personal Question.  My answer:  The same.  Listen and obey.  I don’t think many of us would have a problem of being told to not kill our kids!

b)  God will bless him and make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.  His descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies and through his offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.

Conclusions:  I have mixed feelings on this lesson.  When I read the first question and saw Hebrews, I said, “Ah, not Hebrews…AGAIN!”  I don’t think I can glean anything else from Hebrews in terms of Abraham and his faith.  I think most of us by now have gotten the idea that Abraham was faithful.

The best idea is that we should have joy when we obey God.  And I would add peace.  A lot of people grumble or obey reluctantly and that is not what God wants.  But I think these people if they obey God enough will experience that joy.  After all, obeying God is what we were created to do.  Everything else is insignificant.

Nothing else was new here.