God Makes Us Great

Genesis 25

I come from Ghana in West Africa. One of our greatest national heroes was Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who led the efforts to gain independence for Ghana. History says that in a short time of being the first president of Ghana, he did many developmental projects to help the nation to become a global force. When people consider his works and selfless life, they conclude that there can be no one like him again. I agree that he did very well but God does not create only one great man for one nation.

In Genesis 25, we come to the point of patriarchal history when Abraham was leaving the scene for Isaac, the promised son. God made Isaac great like He did for his father. 

What can we learn from this chapter?

#1. God can make us fruitful in old age. (Genesis 25:1-6)

After the death of Sarah, Abraham took another wife and gave birth to more children. He was so fruitful that at an old age, he was still bringing forth children. He gave the children gifts and sent them away from Isaac. He wanted to avoid any confusion of God’s plans. God is able to make His children fruitful even in old age. There is no barrenness with God. Even for the righteous who may be barren, it is to reveal the wonders of God in his or her life. God has made us fruitful to fill the earth and subdue it.

#2. We will all come and go. (Genesis 25:7-11)

Abraham grew to be 185 years and died. God took care of His servant. The blessings of the Lord on Abraham’s life came with long life and prosperity. He died and was buried where he bought the land for Sarah to be buried. He had foresight about what would happen. God’s blessings manifest in a long life of good living when we are obedient to His call and walk with Him. Isaiah says that if we are willing and obedient, we shall eat the good of the land. The Lord is ready to bless and prolong the life of those who are obedient to Him.

#3. The great ones are still behind us. (Genesis 25:11)

When the father died, Isaac took over everything including the spiritual blessing. The Bible says God blessed Isaac just like He blessed the father. His promise to bless Abraham and his seed was being fulfilled. God is always looking for a willing person to carry His blessings. Abraham and his son Isaac demonstrate to us that they were different but the Source was the same. The Bible says that promotion comes from God. If we depend on Him, He can use us for His great plans and purposes.

#4. God can make other people great too. (Genesis 25:12-18)

God promised to bless and make Ishmael also great. He is able to satisfy many people and still have more to give. By blessing and making Isaac great, it didn’t limit God to honour His word to Ishmael and his descendants. His promises are sure! Whatever God says, He is able to do. He promises and never fails. He is able to bring any decree to pass. Just as He promises to make one great, He is able to make another great too. There is enough He has in His storehouse to fulfill His promises. He is indeed our All-Sufficient God.

#5. Each generation fights its own battles. (Genesis 25:19-34)

Isaac had a little dose of what his father went through regarding childbirth. Though he was to become the father of many people, Isaac had no children after marriage. He prayed to God and He opened Rebekkah’s womb and she gave birth to two boys, Esau and Jacob. The mother inquired of the Lord about them and it was prophetically declared by God that the last shall be the first and the children were two nations. We learn here that God answers prayers and resolves what seems impossible. This was another clear record of a barren woman bringing forth twins. Isaac and Rebekkah also teach us that we must present our needs to the Lord. They went to God in prayer when they were barren and He answered them. Ask and it shall be given to you. Prayer works!

We serve a God who uses seemingly impossible situations to accomplish His perfect will. Abraham was promised to be the father of nations when he had no child. His son inherited his empire and also faced his own challenge of childlessness. God stepped in and turned the case around for Isaac to continue the redemption plan. God always has the next generation in mind. The best succession plan is in the mind of God.

Take Action: What seems impossible for you today? Have you committed it to the Lord in prayer?