Genesis 21 - The Birth of Isaac | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Genesis 21 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.Genesis 21 tells the story of Isaac’s birth, which is a great culmination of all the faith and promises in all the previous chapters of Genesis. Abraham perseveres in trusting God even though it has gotten to the point that the evidence is now against anything happening. So he is a great example to copy.But a battle of inheritance now begins between the two boys, but really between the two mothers who both want their son to be the one who inherits. First born sons inherit a double share, and Ishamel was the first born. But Sarah says he is the son of a slave and doesn't count.First this is an example of a son, who is not the firstborn inheriting everything. This happens in other places too, such as with Jacob and Esau and later with Joseph and the brothers. Even Seth, the third son of Adam is the prominent one. This is a recurring theme and illustrates how God chooses the unexpected one for his purpose, and we are the weak, foolish and unexpected choice. We can identify with not being the prominent one, but having God’s grace.At the same time, Christ is the true firstborn son, who does inherit everything, but the New Testament shows us that he does so by laying it all down and not claiming it. So Christ sets an example of not fighting for one’s rights, but serving others, and inheriting God’s blessing through service.But Isaac does become the firstborn, despite being second, because Ishamel is in some senses illegitimate. Ishamel is the son of human effort, and not the son of God’s promise. Paul writes about this in Galatians later on. So we too will find God’s best for us through his promises, and not through our efforts.