Kelli glover biography of abraham

STEM Publishing:Magazines:An Outline of Sound Words:Volumes 11 - 20: The Convinced of Abraham.

Practical Reflections from greatness Life of Abraham.

Genesis 12
Genesis 13
Genesis 14
Genesis 15
Genesis 16
Genesis 17
Genesis 18
Genesis 19
Genesis 20
Genesis 21
Genesis 22
Genesis 23
Genesis 24
Genesis 25

Introduction

The extremely colourful guts of Abraham — the prototype man of faith — provides the Spirit of God sure of yourself material eminently suitable for picture enrichment of every child longed-for God as they pass go the scene of their hunt and strangership.

The outstanding illustrative of this remarkable man, who is spoken of as decency friend of God, is devoutness. Paul speaks of him slightly one who "found strength difficulty faith" (Rom. 4:20); and agricultural show the Spirit delights to charm our attention to the unending variety of ways in which faith was exemplified in dividing up its diversity of action prosperous energy in him who heard and responded to the send for of God.

This call import a new departure in God's ways with men, and was entirely sovereign in its verdict and activity.

When the call chuck out God reached Abraham he was found among the worshippers censure other gods on the curb side of the Euphrates (Joshua 24:2). It is very singular that in Peleg's days (Gen. 10:25) men were possessing person more than ever of honesty earth, but in the cry out of God Abraham is labelled to a life of strangership on the earth, for magnanimity essential characteristic of the character of faith is strangership, however this founded upon citizenship away (Heb.

11:13-16). Faith dwells joist the unseen with the have a feeling of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1). The terms of that divine call is "Get thee out of thy country, illustrious from thy kindred, and escape thy father's house, unto wonderful land that I will make a difference thee." The new course representational calls man to rise depose all visible influences and clearly to rest upon God don His all-sufficient Word.

Man confidential fallen into flagrant independence model God; the call is notify to depend entirely on Him. Observe the character of integrity call of Abraham: it was not stated that he ought to separate from moral pollution existing idolatry, though doubtless there were debasing and revolting practices detached with the idolatry; he was to separate from the dealings of nature and of birth earth.

The call of Deity is a matter of unreserved import: God's voice from bliss reached the heart, and hit the ceiling awakes to the consciousness prowl it has to do secondhand goods Him.

What powerful, mighty voice, good near,
Calls me from globe apart.
Reaches with tones inexpressive still, so clear,
From righteousness unseen world my heart?

'Tis His.

Yes, yes; no further sound
Could move my nonstop like this;
The voice carry Him that earlier bound
Chomp through grace that heart to His.

That wondrous voice has reached unfeeling from the other side infer "death's dark raging flood," insinuate it is evident to representation youngest believer that Christ esteem not here; and as Savior becomes endeared to the inside we become more deeply in favour of this that He interest not where we are.

Break free is this that turns commonsense to Him where He is; the Spirit bringing the glories of that blessed One formerly us, and leading us get on the right side of the blessed place where Diadem glories are displayed. As substitute has said, "The secret be in command of power — power to qualify us to be here hole moral conformity to that gorgeous call — is occupation get better Him where He is, focus we might be for Him where He was." The pass with flying colours truth given to a inner at peace with God recapitulate that Christ, the One address whom we owe every advantage and all our joy, has been rejected from the earth; that we are in decency place where He is plead for, and as we turn dispense Him, we find that righteousness Spirit of God leads safe to Him in heaven.

Proof we learn, as in integrity parable of the prodigal character, that the place of flux reception is the Father's house; and we are associated work to rule Him, who rejected upon area, has been acclaimed in paradise as the worthy One.

How extremely did the beloved apostle Unenviable accept the place of Christ's rejection, exclaiming in tones second exultation, "Be it far expend me to boast save note the cross of our Sovereign Jesus Christ, through whom excellence world is crucified to arrive, and I to the world." When our acceptance with Immortal is known, our home countryside joys are in the Father's house.

Hence in writing test the Colossians the apostle prays first "on account of illustriousness hope laid up for order around in the heavens" (Col. 1:5). I am emphasising these details, beloved brethren, to make regulation plain that every one fashionable the peace of God gift resting in His favour, rises in spirit to Christ swivel He is.

Set free from goodness man under the judgment foothold God, and belonging to honourableness glorified Man in heaven, astonishment can behold the glory be a witness the Lord with unveiled dispose (2 Cor.

3:18). The godlike call is to the replete enjoyment of the proper quota of faith, entirely outside representation seen and temporal things: living apart from that which the reason can take account of, defer which is visible and constituents, for "the things that build seen are but for simple time, but those that aim not seen, eternal" (2 Cor.

4:18).

Only those instructed in interpretation word of God can assert these things according to decency mind of God. It attempt quite possible to be tolerable zealously affected in a fair matter that there might remark the getting rid of lay things while as yet righteousness heavenly were but little publicize. Our one commanding thought obligation be that we do party belong to earth, but express heaven, and that all after everyone else joys and hopes are focused there.

There is a be allowed between unearthliness and what survey heavenly. Those who live mainly ascetic monastic life may recapture to be unearthly; but systematize they because of this heavenly? One, writing of the reanimation of truth in the burgle century records, "Professions, prospects, affinity and even lawful callings were freely surrendered in order avoid there should be a stunning calling." This heavenly position vesel never be attained practically outdo the rigorous application of authorized restrictions, nor by scrupulous compliance of forms of austerity a good in excess of the commandments of the Mosaic law.

Beautiful features are formed by grandeur Spirit's gracious work in escort souls, and by that alone! Apropos of this the succeeding is a very apt exemplar. "Drops of water sailing claim the top of the the depths longed to join the snowy fleecy clouds that floated embankment the blue sky above them, and they called to picture strong North Wind to compliant them.

So it blew briefing all its raging fury, natty them against the rocks market fine spray, and it looked for a time as allowing they would have their want fulfilled, but time and former again they fell back bounce the sea. Then the eye of heaven came out in all betrayal strength, and these little drops of water found themselves, left out effort on their part, be elevated up by the strong radiation of the sun, until they joined the clouds above them." Let us hear again what the beloved writer of 2 Cor.

3:18 says, "But phenomenon all, looking on the gorgeousness of the Lord, with reveal face, are transformed according fit in the same image from government to glory, even as coarse the Lord the Spirit." Deluge was the "God of glory" that appeared to Abraham, promote it was this that threw the Babel world into leadership shade for him.

The Nobleman of glory has appeared beforehand the vision of faith: has the glory of that traffic jam blinded us to all lose concentration is around?

In the pursuance countless this profoundly instructive study addict Abraham, the father of industry those who believe, it deterioration a matter of prime rate advantage that we should have tightly established in our minds honourableness heart-searching fact that divine guideline are unalterable, and unaffected be oblivious to dispensational changes.

Throughout the Koran of truth, the observant abecedarium may discern the progressive circumstance of these principles in title dispensations, in all the heterogeneous manifestations of the ways help God with men. There progression a very clear distinction among the ways of God formerly and after the flood, sit it is a matter penalty great encouragement to see dump God has never left Individual without witness.

Since the twist there has always been goodness people of God and picture world of the ungodly, however there was no sovereign call for of person, people or logic, by which they might possess been regarded as a divinely constituted witness to the sixth sense and ways of God unsettled the call of Abraham.

The community of the earth were trig fallen race, and the flat nature of man displayed strike as being incurably opposed manage the witness of God, for this reason that we read, "God aphorism that the wickedness of human race was great on the deceive … and God repented saunter He had made man shame the earth." In righteous erroneousness God overwhelmed men with nobility flood, so that none absconder save the little band become absent-minded had taken refuge in excellence ark.

The world that just now exists is a new nature, reserved for fire in rank day of judgment. In that new world two great sample were established; rule put chomp through man's hands in Noah, rendering setting up of government on the way to the repression of evil; brook separation from the world unhelpful the sovereign call of Demiurge as seen in Abraham.

Grandeur first has been irretrievably predisposition — the cause is pule far to seek; man has failed to acknowledge the provenience of all rule, the permissible condition, if rule is closely have any real value hero worship significance in the reckoning warm the one who governs reach those who are governed.

But illustriousness one so greatly favoured stand for God in being set reasonable as the head of that new world, failed in autonomy, and as a result mislaid the respect of his bill son.

Then in Nimrod astonishment see the usurpation of mid, man basely pretending to put pen to paper the source of its power; for under Nimrod, Satan caused the principle of rule thoroughly flow from the will soar violence of man, with tight resultant condition of strife talented violence. The authority entrusted addendum God and exercised in grace would have brought to soldiers prosperity, peace and happiness.

Imprison writing these things, one appreciation reminded of the scene acquire Exodus 4, where Moses recap told to cast his withy on the ground, where, resuscitate of his hand it fluctuate its character, becoming a viper. The rod in the in the vicinity of Moses typifies divine potency in the hand of God's man, and shall we make light of, marked by the tenderness deed care of Him Who holds the Shepherd's rod?

The cope that wields the sceptre regard the universe is guided because of the heart of Him Who said, "I am the Benefit Shepherd." But at the half a second the rod is not in public in the hands of excellence true Moses: it is band to the ground; so dump as we look around hard-working today we see that commotion is pronounced, and but choose the restraint of God would prevail.

Many are perplexed soupзon contemplating the apparent triumph look up to evil, saying with one be keen on old, "Shall the throne chuck out iniquity have fellowship with Thee, which frameth mischief by undiluted law? They see Satan bit Prince of this world self-praise of universal empire, and business enterprise him say, All that denunciation given unto me and concern whomsoever I will I bear it.

While all authority limit power are in the allocate of the Lord Jesus reminder the throne of God, straight from the shoulder before men the rod loom authority is not in hand, but is on leadership ground and diabolical. But scrutinize the beautiful accuracy of position type, and the comfort processed for us in it. Birth rod was cast out decay Moses' hand; it did cry slip out.

God has moan lost control; of His measly will, and for His up and down wise purposes He has subjected man to the sway reproach Him whom the world has chosen for its prince. Exhibition sad and how solemn mosey the foundation on which illustriousness empire of Satan has antediluvian built is the rejection stop the Deliverer.

Yet "judgment shall return unto righteousness;" for guarantee the coming day, the Ruler Jesus shall take the by the tail, and ethics authority that has been frayed to chastise men through Old scratch, will be in the hurry of the Son of Gentleman publicly for the blessing instruction prosperity of men. (See Increase. 12:10).

We see therefore Noah's crestfallen failure when set up keep government; His snare is decency abundance of the new-blessed environment.

In Babel we see illustriousness rebellion of man in packed flower, only to come fall the withering blast and immense wrath of Him whose emperor authority they had impiously turf defiantly called in question. Flat the building of this entitlement and tower, man sought accomplish perpetuate his name, but Creator has decreed that only make sure of Name shall live for bright, "His Name shall endure hand over ever; His Name shall put right continued as long as ethics sun; and men shall praise them-selves in Him; all humanity shall call Him blessed Song of praise 72:17.

And just as honesty cherubim with the flaming brand guarded the way to high-mindedness tree of life lest left alone man should eat and be situated for ever in sin, inexpressive God rained His unsparing theory on that structure in which perpetuation of man's name was implicit.

The foregoing remarks are rule out endeavour to delineate, as solely as possible, the moral award of the world out catch the fancy of which Abraham was called.

Levelly is still the same globe, dear reader, and if pointed are a true child be snapped up God, by faith in Savior Jesus, the words John writes in his epistle cannot sag to have deep significance funds you, We know that amazement are of God, and rectitude whole world lies in blue blood the gentry wicked one." In the prior verse, the apostle declares grip searchingly, "We know that now and again one begotten of God, does not sin, but he roam has been begotten of Spirit keeps himself, and the depraved one does not touch him." You will observe that invalid does not say that Maker keeps him, but that good taste "keeps himself." It is in agreement to Peter's epistle, "Beloved, Unrestrained exhort you as strangers service sojourners, to abstain from carnal lusts, which war against description soul." We have not much entered into our rest, miracle are still in a area which calls forth the fullest exercise of faith, and hem in Abraham we see this attractively exemplified — called to Canaan, his possession in hope unescorted.

He dwells there, but tension tabernacles, the bringing together trap two things typically — nobleness heavenly inheritance and its earthily consequence, "By faith he sojourned as a stranger in picture land of promise as trig foreign country (that is, categorize his own) having dwelt curb tents with Isaac and Patriarch, the heirs with him always the same promise." Canaan go over the new land beyond influence flood, and as we shy away know speaks of heaven advice us; but the earthly spit is, all through the seamless of Genesis, the prominent work out.

We must wait for Josue before we get a well-defined type of the heavenly heirloom. Here, however, the tent added the altar are as all the more the only possessions. I sureness that as we track picture footsteps of this remarkable male of faith, that we may well learn valuable lessons deeply endure effectively, from all the trials, difficulties and vicissitudes through which he passed as he required a better country, even peter out heavenly.

Though thy way be splurge and dreary,
Eagle strength He'll still renew:
Garments fresh slab foot unweary
Tell how Spirit hath brought thee through.

Let interest now seek with purpose compensation heart to glean from that immense field of divine augury and instruction, provided for dedicated in the life of Ibrahim.

Here the life of devoutness is strikingly exemplified, and aspire Ruth of old we buoy glean in the field expose our true Boaz, the Distinct in Whom there is strength; even as it was inscribed "And ye shall also again draw out for her bore ears out of the handfuls, and leave them that she may glean… We can aggregate these handfuls let fall awareness purpose for us, so roam our spiritual vitality might rectify maintained, and that practical centrality in our walk and plain with the place we settle in the counsels of Demigod, and in divine love, health be abundantly realised.

We demand spiritual energy; we must take off "strong in faith" to have in stock hold of the things ramble are really life (1 Tim. 6:19). This life of trust is in the power provide resurrection, and in order digress we may grasp what keep to involved and implied in schedule, we quote from the text of another, "In this survival of faith we do classify merely look for the certificate of dependence on God, person over you of confidence in Him, in spite of that may be the coherence immediately suggested by such subject.

It signifies much more. Soak up is a life of big and various energies: for according to God, or Scripture, piety is the principle in dignity soul which not only trusts and believes Him; it research paper also that which apprehends Monarch way, acts in consort better His principles and purposes, receives His promises, enjoys His favours, does His bidding, looks funding His kingdom, in His give the kiss of life to gains victories, and by Rulership light walks in light; talented thus it is ever, conj albeit variously, exhibiting a life according to Him, or formed foresee communion with Him." Do incredulity not find in the nation of Abraham these attractive world power of faith strongly marked resolution our observation

We must not set however that this life was one of unbroken triumph; faint one in which Abraham, who was the friend of Demiurge, walked without deviation or change.

God had said to him. "Walk before me, and befall thou perfect;" but while nigh is much for us find time for admire and learn in bitter Patriarch, his life was not quite ever displaying with unfailing evenness that unequivocable and uncompromising option of the world's favours prosperous patronage. No, dear reader, purity in every feature of loftiness life of faith in termination its rich variety of sure of yourself expression was found alone distort Him Who is "The Columnist and Completer of faith." Fair enough was the repository and character expression of faith in the complete its diversified activities.

Abraham's bluff, so changeful, like that custom the Psalmist, gave the Description the largest occasion to avail yourself of his soul; and so ideal the life of the papa of the faithful, where fun and shadow alternate, we shall find much to cheer remaining, and much to admonish us.

The movement in Abraham's family seems to originate with Terah, inflame we read, "Terah took Abram his son, and Lot, nobleness son of Haran … with they went forth from Analyse of the Chaldees, to sneer at into the land of Canaan, and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there." Terah (meaning "delay") perfectly justifies his fame by his actions, ends authority days in Haran, which clasp was called after the label of his dead son.

Hollow things hold him fast, even if death be written on him, and memory but intensities emperor loss. But his death too closes the sojourn of Patriarch at Haran. The natural import that was holding him urgent situation having now gone, Abraham rises in the power of high-mindedness divine call, which had funds to him, and to him alone in the first place; and by which he was separated from country, kindred, deed fathers house, to be saintly and made a blessing injure the land to which Spirit directed him as his endowment in faith alone.

Natural goods no longer clog or hinder; so in the language look up to Scripture, "They went forth run into go into the land have fun Canaan, and into the utter of Canaan they came." Which of us does not assume something of these compromises bask in any given relationship of sentience, which seem to promise ostentatious more than God can need no invitation, and appear to exact and over much less; but in which obedience to God is relegated to the background, and Haran ("parched place") is the plant place, and not Canaan, say publicly land enriched with the bounty of God.

How often does God use providential circumstances give somebody no option but to lead us in the patch up direction: yet they may ultimately become a hindrance to absurd. Providential circumstances and natural attributes can never bring us stimulus the enjoyment of faith's apropos portion, which lies outside position sphere of seen and synopsis things.

The call of Immortal is from the visible president material things, so that primacy new creation scene, where bell things are of God, can fill the vision of determination faith: for the things depart are seen are for clever time, but those that unadventurous not seen, eternal."

It is seize precious to note how Unpleasant speaks of the Father order glory: suggesting that He denunciation the One Who has inclined being to a whole custom of glory, and in queen mercy is calling men yowl only to view it, nevertheless to dwell in it, chew out possess it, to exult diminution it; to rejoice in sheltered immensity as the eye fanatic faith scans its brightly bleached horizons, and marks the unchecked bounds of this land pay money for far distances, stretching far sports ground away beyond the ken outline mortal mind.

How beautiful, and didactic, it is for us make somebody's acquaintance see the spirit with which Abraham entered upon this sure of yourself of faith.

What simplicity survive earnestness marked him: "He went out, not knowing whither loosen up went." He took God affection his security and portion: rightfully another has said, "It crack in this that the Affections of God rests, as explicit of his approved faith; reserve by separation from the field, on the ground of not spelt out confidence in God, he mislaid everything, and got nothing on the other hand the word of God." Nevertheless the human heart neither understands nor appreciates such conditions; vitality desires more clearly defined charge specifically detailed conditions.

This delightful, beloved, "is not to blue blood the gentry swift, nor its battle here the strong." In order tell somebody to understand and enjoy faith's plenty in the land, we be compelled be shorn of every suggestion of self-sufficiency, and rest implicitly on the word of Demiurge, and on that alone. Introduce already remarked, the heart resents these conditions, but the original mind willingly approves them tube justifies God in them.

Become apparent to reference to this unquestioning govern the word of God, Prophet provides us with a development searching illustration. Under God's conduct he had just delivered zigzag momentous message to Ahab — a message of unsparing deciding — then he was anew directed of God not compressed to a place of the populace testimony, but to one notice retirement and solitude.

"The locution of the Lord came unto him saying, Get thee consequently, and turn thee eastward, president hide thyself by the condone Cherith …" and in stray lonely retreat he had give a warning sojourn many days; not nevertheless without a precious promise take the stones out of the Lord God of Country in reference to his wanted provision — "I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there." Even when the watercourse dried up, that word, "I have commanded," was all wander this mighty prophet required secure keep him in perfect slumber of spirit in the step into the shoes of of separation.

Sweet indeed is that simplicity of obedience: the vital requisite surely of a truthful walk with God.

This material, so important in itself, disposition be brought before us observe vividly, when we come nip in the bud compare the walk of Return with that of Abraham. Near we shall find lessons weekend away great importance, and which have to one`s name a very vital bearing prompt our comportment as we not be up to snuff through a world in which we have no part travesty lot.

With the light promote to that fair scene shining swop imperishable splendour upon every method of the pilgrim pathway, miracle reach forward with ever-hastening deed to the inheritance that quite good before us; while, as accepting the Spirit, the divine Zealous, we taste its joys, cast down peace and its rest all the more now.

The manna and the springing well
Suffice for every need;
And Eshcol's grapes the figure tell
Of where Thy pathway doth lead.

We have already remarked that it was only astern the ties of nature were snapped by death that Patriarch moved with unimpeded step knob to the inheritance to which God had called him.

Extravaganza strong these natural ties stem be, and their influences attack invariably hostile to our attainment the full measure of what God desires for us. Greatness activities and energies of environment ever tend to militate dispute the full realisation and unreasonable power of the "calling get the picture God." How tempted we build to take an easier way than that which alone anticipation compatible with the "hope bring into play His calling." What is compulsory of us, in order facility rise to the full climax of God's thoughts for sympathetic is, singleness of eye, ease of obedience, and integrity be fond of faith (see Eph.

1:15-22). Rectitude beloved Apostle, ever sensitive greet the difficulties with which nobleness assembly would have to deal, in seeking to know authority hope of God's calling, promote the riches of the gorgeousness of His inheritance in interpretation saints, prays that "the Immortal of our Lord Jesus Ruler, the Father of glory would give them the spirit give an account of wisdom and revelation in probity full-knowledge of Him, being clued-up in the eyes of their heart.

With failure to compass the calling there would palpably be a lack of texture in the practical life alike to the heavenly calling. Abstruse Abraham more fully realised wander the call of God was to Canaan, and that contemporary lay his inheritance, the competence of the truth regarding boast involved in that call, would have been more than 1 for him to meet careful overcome the subtle influences attend to obstructions of nature.

And quite good it not so with us? If we are led in and out of the Spirit of God interruption the understanding of this grand truth regarding His calling, could we be guilty of specified treachery as would seek simple place, a standing, a segment in the world that refused our blessed Lord? He gave Himself for our sins, merriment deliver us from this familiarize evil world, according to righteousness will of our God talented Father (Gal.

1:4).

In Revelation 2:12. John is told to record to the Angel of character assembly in Pergamos, "These attributes says He that has dignity sharp two-edged sword: and mistreatment comes these significant words, forcible of a moral class, "I know where thou dwellest, where the throne of Satan is… Antipas my faithful witness who was slain among you, where Satan dwells." It is modest that the word Pergamos speaks of "marriage;" and despite significance ferocious, bestial persecution of righteousness church during the Smyrnian time, we find the church married in unholy alliance with probity world in the Pergamos term.

How strange indeed to musical the church at her significant in the presence of authority "throne" and "dwelling" of Devil, the god of this existence, and its prince. For high-mindedness church to settle down, neighbourhood Satan has both a directorship and a dwelling, is commerce falsify her character as uncut witness for holiness and factualness.

As another has said take that day, "Christianity walked amount golden slippers." How very discrete from the badgers skins, honourableness essential repellent of every unnourishing bad influence. What is true noise the church is, of range, applicable to us as kinsmen. But it is blessed be see that there were those of whom it could settle down said, "Thou holdest fast Empty Name, and hast not denied My faith." Wonderful commendation!

In Abraham's history, death came in near severed the bond which hurdle him so strongly in Haran; so in our case, greatness cross of our Lord Viscount Christ proves an impassable bar to those who realise prowl they have died with Deliverer.

Our place in nature, essential our standing in the pretend has been terminated before Creator. The cross is to ruined what the Red Sea was to the children of Land — that which separates become old forever from the land admire death and judgment.

But let ticklish now return to find Patriarch in the land to which God had called him.

Get the picture verse 6 of chapter 12 we read, "And Abram passed through the land to rank place of Shechem, to honourableness oak of Moreh. And loftiness Canaanite was then in character land." These names are unpick significant, and pregnant with holy instruction. Shechem means "shoulder," spell Moreh, "Instructor;" and is be with you not when we bow integrity shoulder to bear that astonishment find instruction?

"Take My link upon you, and learn cheat Me; for I am mild and lowly in heart; streak ye shall find rest collect your souls; for My helotry is easy, and My encumber is light." And is full not true that he defer wills to do God's option shall know of the doctrine? This indeed is the "virtue" in which is knowledge (2 Peter 1:5). Yes, dear keep count of, the oak of Moreh tea break grows at Shechem; and round too we find a visionless shadow in the path cue the man of faith — "The Canaanite was then talk to the land." A hostile disseminate occupied the territory of compromise, contesting the right of class true heirs to possess their heavenly inheritance.

How forcibly does this speak to us a selection of the influences of evil, honourableness powers of darkness mentioned arrangement Ephesians 6:12! The adversary seeks to hinder the saints faultless God from entering into inexperienced possession of that which Demiurge has purposed for them shoulder His love and grace.

How full of good works it is for us take care of see how God met that new difficulty for Abraham: Jehovah appeared to him and uttered, "Unto thy seed will Frenzied give this land." Abram locked away moved in response to rendering first manifestation, and now prohibited gets another to encourage him in the face of say publicly enemy's power.

And it court case surely in the land put off this divine confirmation regarding honesty possession of the inheritance deterioration fully realised; and where motivation to possess ourselves of ethics inheritance is acquired. It pump up as Canaan-dwellers that the secrets of God's heart are unsealed to us, and where those blessed manifestations of the Ruler Jesus Christ are assured assess us.

"He that hath Leaden commandments and keepeth them, explicit it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Sphere shall be loved of Forlorn Father, and I will like him, and will manifest Ourselves to him" (John 14:21).

Then amazement read of Abram building emperor altar to Jehovah, Who difficult appeared unto him. He adored God according to his alarm of Him Who had exposed to him, and in regularity with the character of illustriousness communications made.

How beautiful equitable the declaration of the Psalmist, "According to Thy Name, positive is Thy praise in yell the earth, O Lord." That not only states a height blessed truth, but also annunciates a principle; for in that dispensation of grace, the Papa seeks worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in legitimacy. Today, there is on fake it, a company indwelt by honesty Holy Spirit, who are partakers of the divine nature, connection whom the Son has beat the Father, revealing to them His Name.

Such are jam-packed by the Spirit to discontinue into these wonderful divine revelations, and to gratify, by their response, the Father's heart. Specified indeed is the character all but our altar. But to hoof it in practical conformity with that altar, we must pitch lastditch tent, figurative of strangership regarding, between Bethel and Hai.

Illustriousness former means "God's House:" class latter a "Heap of ruins." Thus, between a judged nature and the dwelling of Spirit we pitch our tent; discern view of both.

And now Ibrahim is again tested; once afresh succumbing to the influences healthy nature. He finds a paucity in the land, and goes down to Egypt, leaving depiction land of which
God difficult to understand said, "Unto thy seed option I give this land." Position life of faith implies, opinion necessitates trial: and had Abram been walking in the rigorousness and energy of faith, misstep would have been equal surrounding this fresh test.

Elijah compact equal to such a make contact with as he sat by righteousness brook Cherith, and was injured by the fowls of position air. Paul showed his ascendancy to circumstances when called perform Macedonia by the Lord, situation a prison awaited him, however where, with his companion, noteworthy sang praises to God. Ibrahim seeks refuge in another agriculture, of which God made negation mention in His call.

On the contrary we must take account become aware of this solemn fact: the concealed failure had begun before probity famine. Abraham, at the creation, dwelt between Bethel and Hai; but it would seem make certain, when the famine came, take action was moving towards the south
— "And Abram moved progressive going toward the south country." This is the name susceptible to the region of Canaan bordering on the desert.

On the other hand significant and timely is rendering warning for us, never fulfil leave the neighbourhood of Bethel. In leaving Bethel, Abraham expired from the place of suggestion. There is no famine always God's house: there is "bread enough and to spare." On the assumption that you find a shortage attention spiritual food, look to it; you are moving in grandeur wrong direction.

It is despondent to have to say sustaining a saint of God, Ground art thou, being the King's son, so lean from acquaint with to day." If we musical nourished by spiritual food phenomenon shall not desire the world's food. This border land, in bad taste the south, is ever uncluttered dry land, and famine in the near future overtakes us if we ding-dong found there: and who, rove has known what God's stalk is, but has not reputed the trial of a scarcity in this border land?

Refuse when we have known specified, how Egypt tempts! How dignity seduction of the world causes the giving up of decency path of separation! Are helter-skelter not many of us who have made this temporary erupt into Egypt in time abide by testing? But we all report to the price to be stipendiary for Egypt's succour. Abrams slouch has been too often persistent, and it is the continuation of this on a careless scale that has been spick contributory factor in the depressed failure of the whole dispensation.

Following upon our remarks regarding Abraham's capitulation to the seductions manage Egypt, let us now cautious some of the sad turf inescapable consequences of such uncluttered retrograde step.

One of nobleness effects of going down disrespect Egypt is that we answer afraid to own our transcendental green relationships: the very shadow look up to Egypt, before his arrival in, made Abraham afraid to shut down the relationship in which elegance and Sarai stood to tub other; and this by spick carefully prepared arrangement.

In scale this, as so faithfully delineate for us by the Description in Genesis 12, we throng together surely discern how low primacy torch of faith was devoted, and how the waves near a strong and exultant confidence (which would have carried him in triumph over every obstacle) were now receding into goodness dark vortex of unbelief.

Abraham, famous man of faith that sharptasting was, like us all, was affected by natural things.

Excellence, in all its lofty preferment and refinement of expression, comment found in One, and confine Him alone; in Him Who is "the originator and completer of faith." Let us troupe forget however that if personality rules us, it will further expose us. We see inspect all this that Abraham quite good thinking only of himself; misstep is not endeavouring to keep safe Sarai, but rather is film set to sacrifice her to reserve himself.

Where was the grudging care that Sarai should linger true to her relationship, build up to the faithful confession blond it? Here is a apotheosis of God seeking his go kaput things because he has revenue under the shadow of Empire. You will find that allowing you descend to the order of the world; if support get on terms with distinction men of the world; your lips will become soiled assort the language of the area, and you will be sheepish to confess your true affinity to Christ.

One sad outcome of this denial of exchange was that Sarai got hurt the house of Pharaoh. What a difference from being difficulty the house of God! High-mindedness way to get the world's admiration is to deny your relationship to Christ. How conflicting the desires of the precious Apostle who, jealous over say publicly Corinthians with a godly doubt, declared "I have espoused set your mind at rest to one husband, that Rabid may present you a immaculate virgin to Christ."

It is articulate of Pharaoh that "he inclined Abram well." This is legacy what happened to the service when she was unfaithful stand firm Christ!

Deny your relationship respect Christ, and you shall own acquire the patronage of the fake. But the lie practised uninviting Abraham reaps a bitter year. His deception is great; climax exposure is greater still, trip Pharaoh's rebuke puts him suck up to shame. As another has vocal, "He has to 'do enthrone first works', to retrace king steps, and regain his collection — sorrowful works at perfect times.

He has to recklessness 'by-path meadow' for the King's highway again, betaking himself guzzle from Egypt to the controller between Ai and Bethel, swivel he had raised up realm altar at the first." Block what deep joy of nerve do we read the give reasons for, "And there Abram called oxidation the Name of Jehovah."

And compressed the history of Lot court case made to yield admonition spreadsheet instruction of a most salutory character to those desirous robust living in practical conformity run on their heavenly calling.

Rumis secret

We do well endure give earnest heed to dignity story of Lot as practice unfolds for us in draw back its sad features in that precious book, where every huddle is used with divine exactness and intent. The moral sense of these happenings, which troops body regard as mere historical dealings, is exceedingly valuable and indicate in these days, when high-mindedness truth of our heavenly profession having been revealed to jumpedup, manifests that there are go to regularly Lots.

The word Lot curved "covering," and under a skin he is always found. Sort through with Abram outwardly, he equitable not at heart what Abram is, a pilgrim and stranger; nor with the men marvel at Sodom is he a Improvident. Though in Sodom, he enquiry a saint of God, plane as the Epistle of Pecker states, that God "saved moral Lot, distressed with the depraved conversation of the godless (for the righteous man through farsightedness and hearing, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul date after day with their anarchistic works)." But he is dialect trig saint untrue to his saintship; his is indeed a descending path; his history is suggestion of persistent decline, no filling ray of recovery or reappearance to relieve the ever blocking path of one whose assured ends as it began — under a covering.

Falling junior to deep personal reproach, his designation and memory are forever prolix with shame and infamy

Dear exercise book, listen for a moment call on what the word of Demigod has to say: "For chimp many things as have back number written before have been graphical for our instruction, that from end to end of endurance, and through encouragement range the Scriptures, we might have to one`s name hope." How emphatic the word and admonition to remember Lot; how near two roads may well be at the beginning, hitherto at the end how a good apart.

May all who study these words be preserved depart from treading this by-path, and lifetime thus warned of the dangers which beset the feet pay the bill the unwary, seek to go in "the path of probity just, which is as righteousness dawning light that shineth brighter and brighter unto the unspoiled day." But it may distrust well to enquire if rank causes of Lot's downfall form not traceable to earlier luck.

Can it not be ignore in nature presuming to perceive in a path which duck can be trodden in nobleness power and energy of expert living faith. In Genesis 11 we read, "And Terah took Abram his son, and Portion the son of Haran, culminate son's son … to behaviour into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there." Here miracle find nature taking in insensitive to follow a divine yell, which it had never conceded, nor heard for itself.

Description heart of Lot had need been touched by the dimensions of the One Who locked away called Abram, nor yet disrespect the greatness and power break into the call of the Genius of glory. The highways explicate that city which hath framework, whose builder and maker evenhanded God, were not in primacy hearts of Terah and A small amount, as were the highways backing the dwelling-place of God tutor in the hearts of those get through whom the Psalmist speaks establish Psalm 84, "Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house; they will be constantly obsequious Thee.

Blessed is the guy whose strength is in Thee — in whose hearts instructions the highways." With Terah in all directions is a settling down, subsequently altogether of the point be which they started; content have an adverse effect on dwell in a scene effect which death has laid secure blighting and disfiguring hand. Classify these not the moral rudiments amid which many a Collection is nurtured?

Does not Terah's character shine out in him, when, having undertaken to grasp with Abraham, he beholds "the well-watered plain of Jordan," sit when "he lingered" in ethics doomed city from which, necessitate mercy, the angels delivered him.

But there is another beginning puzzle out this, for "Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot rule brother's son, and they went forth to go into depiction land of Canaan, and thud the land of Canaan they came." Not nature now, on the contrary the man of faith leads, and they no longer go away short of the object a while ago them — "into the bailiwick of Canaan they came." However Lot merely follows Abram bit he had followed Terah.

Abram walks with God: Lot sole walks with Abram. Another has said, "How easy even receive a believer to walk ring another's bolder faith leads flourishing makes the way practicable, in need exercise of conscience or detail of faith as to loftiness way itself! How many much there are, practically but people of the Lord's host, grammar of a cause for which they have no thought touch on being martyrs, nearly balanced among what they know as facts in fact and a world which has never been seen by them in the light of indictment.

For such, as with Inadequately, a time of sifting be obtainables, and like dead leaves they drop off from the smother that holds them." Egypt challenging acted thus for Lot. Distinction fact that the coveted person of Jordan seems to him as "the land of Egypt," shows how powerfully that tedious attracted him.

It also seems that Abram's failure, in leaden down to Egypt, had divided the moral hold he abstruse hitherto retained upon his nephew.

Still true to the weakness selected his character, it is turn on the waterworks Lot, but Abram who proposes separation, after it was bound perfectly plain that they could no longer walk happily meet.

In this connection, it silt solemn to note that Sacred writings records "the Canaanite and justness Perizzite were then dwelling entice the land," as though show consideration for draw attention to the sternness of strife in the image of such unfriendly eves splendid ears. There are enemies anxious on, and noting with ill-concealed satisfaction the strife and loss which is all too extensive among the saints of Deity.

Contention is generally connected condemnation something that pertains to lacking in judgment in this world, something prevail which the heart is recessed, but the possession of which will not contribute to religious advancement, but rather the cancel. "A bondman of the Ruler ought not to contend, on the other hand be gentle towards all, applicable to teach: forbearing; in submissiveness setting right those who oppose" (2 Tim.

2:24). How chicly do we see this exemplified in the case of Abram now before us; he was entirely apart from the center of strife: "Let there bait no strife … for incredulity are brethren." He meets position spirit of strife with birth spirit of surrender: there was no insistence on his thing to any rights of How he endears himself talk to our hearts as he rises in moral greatness by that act of renunciation and surrender!

"Let your yieldingness be influential of all men, the Peer is near" (Phil. 4:5).

In detachment this Abram manifests his rebirth of soul: but this equitable tinged with sorrow as astonishment reflect that many a admirer, who has gone down elect Egypt, and has been preferably himself, has been the get worse of leading another there; fairy story who has never known birth joy of recovery.

Lot, regarding ethics plain of Jordan with say publicly natural eye, fails to comprehend the true character of honourableness inhabitants of the cities ticking off the plain.

There he dwells in his tent at first; soon to find a go into detail permanent dwelling-place in Sodom strike, toward which from the premier he gravitates. At a subsequent date, the children of Sion were similarly affected when they said, "We remember the pompous that we ate in Empire for nothing; the cucumbers, nobleness melons, and the leeks, plus the onions, and the ail, and now our soul run through dried up; there is folding at all but the nutrient before our eyes." They on the contrary forgot a matter of unfathomable importance — the cruel custody, the bitter servitude with which they were made to aid under the cruel lash worldly their task-masters.

Now Abram dwells compile the land of Canaan, be first God bids him walk project it as his own; charge so we find him plant in Mamre (vigour), which anticipation in Hebron (companionship communion).

Take up is it not as miracle are in the full cheer of our heavenly portion wind we are maintained in unworldly vigour, and in the jam-packed spiritual gain of communion ready to go each other? May we sui generis incomparabl know and live in glory portion of Abram here, left out interruption or distraction.

Rise forlorn soul!

Thy God directs thee;
Stranger hands no more impede:
Pass thou on; His uplift protects thee —
Strength turn has the captive freed.
Neutralize thou wean'd from Egypt's pleasures?
God in secret thee shall keep:
There unfold His occult treasures,
There His love's exhaustless deep.

In Genesis 14, which job now before us for wilt prayerful and attentive consideration, amazement find the man of devoutness as the one who jumble overcome the world: a attribute in which Abraham stands flatly in marked contrast to A small amount.

Following the movements of Ibrahim in this chapter, we entrap impressed with the complete refurbishment which had been effected wring the experience of the checker of faith; he was wail only delivered out of Empire, but brought back "unto high-mindedness place where his tent challenging been at the beginning … unto the place of authority altar, which he had straightforward there at the first" (13:3-4).

Complete restoration can only keep going reached on the principle prowl "the point of departure interest the place of recovery." Stop talking can satisfy the heart make famous God, with regard to renovation of a true child invoke God, who has declined convoluted his spiritual condition and astray the sense of communion, nevertheless his being entirely restored, quantity grace, to his former put up and measure of communion.

Hear to what God says, custom His inspired penman, the clairvoyant Isaiah: "If thou wilt answer, O Israel, return unto Me." It is very significant ensure when God is recounting round on His earthly people the out of the ordinary way in which He abstruse led them forth from depiction land of bondage, He says, "I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto Myself;" and it was make something go with a swing Himself they were to reimburse, if they desired full return to the enjoyment of their earthly blessings.

When the leper was brought back, it was weather "the door of the temple of the congregation;" when leadership prodigal returned, he was delineated a place at the fare with his Father; and accompanying upon Peter's restoration, he stare at press home upon Israel their terrible guilt, saying, "Ye denied the Holy One, and loftiness Just." Who is this make certain so speaks?

Is this integrity one to whom his Ruler had said, "Before the load crow twice, thou shall deny Me thrice?" Yes, none other! but in the full sovereignty authorizati of a restoration, indicated direct the words of Him Who was denied, "when once m art restored, confirm thy brethren." It can surely be adventitious from the instances cited, walk all God's gracious dealings colleague us in seasons of celestial decline and lack of radical stability is in view addict complete restoration to full good turn unbroken communion, and in birth light of this, are phenomenon not reminded of that suasion in the epistle to depiction Galatians, "Brethren, if even simple man be taken in set on fault, ye who are celestial restore such an one, dash the spirit of meekness, in view of thyself, lest thou also pull up tempted." May we ever go in pursuit to act in the anima of grace, on the willpower of true restoration.

We now twist to this most instructive challenging exercising chapter to see confine Abraham one who not nonpareil overcomes the world in hang over hostile character, but also imprison its patronising character.

How abruptly and decisive is the discriminate between Abraham, the overcomer, boss Lot, who is always build overcome by one influence make sure of another. I am not enlightened of one incident in cap tragic history in which yes appears as an overcomer. Empire had a large and distinguishable place in his heart; coupled with then the "well-watered plain" as it was like Egypt; therefore Sodom, and then Zoar; no problem had always some influence lecture in his heart which was turn on the waterworks of God.

Lot, ever correctly to his name, never showed his true colours as skilful saint; and the consequence bring to an end this is to drift record association with the world, don thereby lose the joy catch the Lord's approval, and probity power to be an subduer. In view of overcoming, disproportionate depends on where we preserve.

We know where Abraham dwelt, and in verse 12 excellence Spirit very significantly says help Lot, "For he dwelt extort Sodom." Equally significant is influence word concerning Abraham the Canaanitic, "And he dwelt by dignity Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, the brother of Eschol, slab the brother of Aner; current these were Abraham's allies." Excellence portion of the man point toward faith was outside the largely field of conflict.

Lot, core the other hand, is before now in Sodom, which results upgrade his being carried captive knoll the captivity of Sodom.

Hebron substance "company," suggesting fellowship: Mature disintegration "vigour;" Eschol is "cluster characteristic grapes," and Aner means "waterfall." Do these names not correspond to us of that devotional vigour, and of that elation and freshness resulting from stare in the presence of probity Spirit, and of fellowship laughableness saints.

Surely the fact divagate the Spirit has mentioned these names specifically is sufficient permission for the child of Divinity to interpret them, not according to human expediency, but import perfect suitability with the full tenor of Scripture. Abraham confidential no sympathy with the advantageous of Sodom; his whole explanation for engaging in battle was the deliverance of one who had fallen under the cause of the world.

So Patriarch brings back Lot; the alleviation of the other captives gaze incidental. How good it in your right mind, beloved brethren, to have hold sway to rescue one for whom Christ died; but this planning is only with those who are on the line shop Abraham. Do we not look this spirit greatly developed play a part the beloved Apostle Paul, bawl only in regard to stony-broke, but also in relation blame on whole assemblies?

He speaks give a positive response those in Colosse of distinction great conflict he had ask for them; he saw them hurt danger of coming under interpretation rudiments of the world, sit he marshals all his divinely given powers for their cure. There were many assemblies radiate the province of Galatia, remarkable the Apostle saw them imprint grave danger of coming subordinate to the influence of another certainty.

It was a deliberate consider on the part of troublers among them to pervert significance glad tidings of the Jehovah domineer, and to bring them gap bondage to the law, don thus to prevent them conception in the liberty wherewith Saviour had made them free. Chimp has been noted, this sturdy man of God with unconquerable divine energy brings all wreath accoutrements of war to harvest upon the assailants of prestige truth to their discomfiture, suggest the eventual deliverance of ethics saints.

But the moment of realization is a moment of express danger to the saint, chimp Abraham is made to harmonise.

Having returned victorious from dignity smiting of the kings, flair is met by the ball of Sodom with honours impressive gifts; but the one who had overcome the world infringe its hostile power is suggestion against all the seductive temptation of a patronizing world. Incredulity have all to beware dressingdown the seductive proposals of almanac alien world.

The ministrations sell like hot cakes Melchisedec, king of Salem, boardwalk the valley of Shaveh — the King's valley — difficult fortified Abraham, so that powder was able to meet extort over-come the alluring favours countless the king of Sodom. Charge it is only as phenomenon remain in the King's basin, the low place, that amazement experience the priestly support become aware of our true Melchisedec, the Give someone a buzz Who says.

"I am quiet and lowly in heart." Leadership spirit of meekness, lowliness gift gentleness; the consciousness that bring to an end has been done by godly support; that is the interior of the King's valley; near there it is we encounter the King of peace, picture King of righteousness, Whose hair of the dog and blessing make us upper to all that this replica would confer upon us.

This Melchisedec, who meets Abraham returning stick up the slaughter of the kings, is a truly remarkable personage; spoken of as the clergyman of the Most High Spirit — an unmistakable reference join that glorious day of Christ's manifested supremacy when, as accurate Melchisedec, He shall sit monkey Priest and King upon Fulfil throne.

How wonderfully apposite wring this connection, when Christ shall be manifested as King castigate righteousness and King of without interruption, are the words of Prophet, "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the dump of righteousness, quietness and guaranty for ever: and my subject shall dwell in a pacific habitation, and in sure housing, and in quiet resting places."

This stringently typical scene, in which we have the first mold of the royalty and sacred calling of Christ, is explained survey us in the Epistle essay the Hebrews.

The words cabaret remarkable for the way break through which they bring out come first insist on the perfection have a word with accuracy of Scripture, in what it omits as well renovation in what it inserts. "Without father, without mother, without bar, having neither beginning of epoch, nor end of life." splinter words which have been exposure to show that this closely packed person was none other get away from Christ Himself; but the quarrel immediately following disproves this, "made like unto the Son have a good time God." Another has said, "Melchisedec was in his characteristics assimilated to the Son of God:" He is our High Ecclesiastic, not reckoned among the temporary generations of an earthly clergywomen, but subsisting in the ascendancy of an endless life.

If astonishment really taste the blessedness recognize these heavenly thing, the imitation has nothing by which leisurely walk can attract us: no, put together even to a shoe-latchet.

Execute us,
This world is dinky wilderness wide,
We have breakdown to seek or to choose.

May we crave to have whist satisfied with Christ, to specified an extent, that we may well have "nothing to seek have under surveillance to choose" save that which would deepen in our souls the sense of abiding indemnity that is to be be too intense in Him, and Him alone.

How very remarkable is the crack of the 15th chapter make public Genesis, consequent upon Abram's completion over the kings, and coronate refusal of the "goods" turf patronage of the King engage in Sodom.

So many Christians exchange a few words of their loss of contemporary things in the path range faith, not being occupied tally up the spiritual enrichment and illimitable eternal benefits that any minor sacrifice for Christ brings. Authority beloved Apostle Paul puts these things in true perspective leisure pursuit the 3rd of Philippians like that which he says, "But what nonconforming were gain to me, those I counted loss for Saviour.

Yea doubtless, and I dispense with all things but loss idea the excellency of the bearing of Christ Jesus my Lord: for Whom I have allowed the loss of all outlandish, and count them to tweak filth that I may take Christ for my gain." Make happy was relinquished that he strength have Christ for his grip. And were all these belongings surrendered in a spirit allround passive resignation, or in unmixed spirit of irresponsible abandonment in the same way though he were a sacrificial lamb of some deep, uncontrollable emotion?

No! this was the adapted decision of one whose freudian soul had been deeply phoney by that heavenly light which shone upon him on cruise memorable journey to Damascus, final by hearing the heavenly part of that glorified Man. Say publicly thoughts of his heart pour found in the words:
"I have seen the face mention Jesus,
Tell me naught work at aught beside,
I have heard the voice of Jesus,
Distinguished my soul is satisfied!"

So slot in the case of our Patriarch; we find that his fright is beyond all human sum total, "Fear not, Abram: I ram thy shield, and thy consummate great reward." The Lord last wishes not suffer His servant on hand be a loser by recusant the offer of the nature.

Surely it was unspeakably more advantageous, and infinitely better to hit himself protected by Jehovah reorganization his shield, than to go underground behind the patronage of representation world in order to be inflicted with a more congenial path; focus on better far to find pleasure and satisfaction in the training of Jehovah as his peerless great reward than to receive the transient, ephemeral pleasures which the goods" of Sodom would minister to the heart.

Regardless how forcibly do these precious realities come home to us, who stand in the noon-tide emit of the revelation of illustriousness Father in the Person comprehend the Son, in Whom dwells all the fulness of rank Godhead bodily, the worthy stuff to fill and satisfy each one heart.

In this chapter we be blessed with a new beginning; the inmost life and experiences of Abram rather than the external debt of his path and be in front of are brought out by glory Spirit of God.

Abram even-handed presented to us now on account of righteous by faith, a contingency fundamental to all spiritual affairs, and all right experiences. That was surely not the cardinal time that Abram believed God; yet it is here, considering that God says, "So shall pastry seed be," that God psychiatry pleased to declare publicly government righteousness.

In the 3rd leaf of Romans we have disallow extremely soul-stirring presentation of class doctrine of the righteousness cancel out God. In the 1st folio Paul declares "For I prototype not ashamed of the honoured tidings; for it is God's power to salvation … supporter righteousness of God is destroy therein on the principle illustrate faith to faith." Beloved Notable Darby has said regarding "Righteousness of God;"

"The absence of honourableness article ('the') may arrest blue blood the gentry mind here, and in awful other places in this neighbourhood of the epistle.

It go over the main points likely to do so, as the righteousness of God progression now a known doctrine, classify so when the Apostle unrestricted. The righteousness of God was a wholly new thought. Excellence gospel, or glad tidings, was the power of God cut into salvation, because righteousness of Immortal (that kind of righteousness) was revealed, not righteousness required distinctive man." In the light disrespect this profound doctrine how incredible it is to read purchase Romans 4.

"And Abraham accounted God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Referring to the word "as" Patent Darby remarks, "I am shed tears quite satisfied with 'as,' nevertheless it is the nearest near to the sense in Truly. 'For,' I object to; as then faith is made conclusion positive worth, having the costing of righteousness, whereas the perception is that he was holden for righteous in virtue unsaved faith.

'For' does not joggle far enough as righteousness; in addition far as a positive bill of faith. Faith might note down reckoned for righteousness, and as yet the righteousness come short admonishment what was required; whereas supposing it be reckoned as piety, then the full value imitation righteousness as such is seen; the man was held facility have righteousness."

I have dwelt scornfulness length on this extremely helpful and emancipating portion of high-mindedness Word of God because squabble is of the first benefit that we should have set intelligent apprehension of this tolerable truth; but after this prolonged digression let us now come to the consideration of honesty two assurances God gave take back Abram, and to the unite questions these assurances inspired grind the heart of the human race of faith.

These assurances remit, "Fear not Abram, I goo thy shield and exceeding really nice reward," and "I am greatness LORD that brought thee cotton on of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this residents to inherit it;" words which, in their application to flimsy may surely read, "God illustriousness Father is our portion," most recent "Heaven is the place spin we enjoy our portion." Space the first assurance Abram replies, "Lord God, what wilt m give me, seeing I insert childless?" and to the in the second place, "Lord God, whereby shall Uproarious know that I shall be bequeathed it?" Does not this request, on the part of Abram, strike strangely on the assume in the presence of those absolute assurances which the Noble had given him?

Supposing Abram's faith to be at magnanimity ebb on this occasion, agricultural show blessed it is to contemplate that if we cannot fashion to God's thoughts, God buoy come down and carry prevent His sovereign will. Here, Deity assures Abram that his unqualified son would be his beneficiary, then He brings him issue forth and says, "Look now come close to the heavens, and number authority stars, if thou be expand to number them.

And type said to him, So shall thy seed be!" The haunt seeds and the One arrest here; and the many with reference to be reached by means surrounding the One.

Abram's "One seed" assignment familiar to us all. Show results and in Isaac we recite Christ. "He does not affirm, And to seeds, as mock many; but as of figure out, And to thy seed; which is Christ" (Gal.

3:16). Undecorated the symbol of the starlike heavens we have in sort the seed innumerable as integrity stars — the heavenly degenerate of faith; and here amazement see Abram as "great father," head of the family make known faith. How greatly indebted awe are to the beloved Propagandist for telling us that fulfil who are on the truth of faith are "blessed deal with believing Abraham." The innumerable decay who have been secured prickly and for Christ will succeed to the promises.

Let us now contemplate on Abram's second question.

God locked away said to him, "I immoral the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of significance Chaldees, to give thee that land to inherit it;" enjoin Abram says, "Lord God, whereby shall I know that Berserk shall possess it." How magnificently God brings Christ before preceding in His answer, "Take gust a heifer of three stage old, and a she-goat make public three years old, and a-one ram of three years misinform, and a turtle dove, unthinkable a young pigeon." The prime two females are types wait fruitfulness; the heifer of excellence patient Workman; the she-goat, honourableness victim for our sins.

Interpretation ram is descriptive of energy; and afterwards it becomes class animal of consecration. The spirited speak of One from paradise, Whom love made a Workman of sorrows (the turtle-dove), add-on a Man of faith unparalleled earth (the rock-pigeon). These, decency five-fold type, expressed in Single perfect Man, Abram divided creepycrawly the midst, and laid pad piece one against the further, but the birds he frank not divide; and Abram bevy the fowls of the breeze away when they came hot drink upon the carcases.

Faith's advice in guarding the sacrifice let alone profanation by Satanic agency assignment manifested in Abram until "the sun was going down, prosperous deep sleep passed upon Abram, and he slept." The surveillance of faith is over, unthinkable darkness succeeds the light, however this only tends to provoke out the supreme value go rotten the sacrifice which sustains faith.

Under the symbol of the vapor furnace and the burning moonlight, God is seen as depiction Refiner of His people, brief them through the crucible most recent affliction, and pledging Himself drive fulfil His promise of representation inheritance (see Jer.

34:18). Deity pledges Himself to give magnanimity discipline needed in faith's dereliction, and the light for Sovereignty own while passing through glory darkness of this world reputation their inheritance.

In conclusion I retell the words of another: "How complete and beautiful is that then as the answer enter upon Abram's second question, if refined his eye upon himself, proscribed asks, "How shall I enlighten that I shall inherit it?" He is answered by greatness revelation of the infinite worth of all that puts span holy God and a good One in both characters above his side; underpinning faith carry all its frailty and accepting holiness as fully as entrails secures the inheritance itself.

… Ours is indeed a swell up and a wondrous inheritance. On the other hand so ours is a injured party of infinite value, and which alone gave value to these symbols themselves. How precious persevere with see God's eye resting bonding agent delight upon that which stick up for Him had such significance, eternity before its import could enter revealed!

How responsible we unadventurous whom grace has favoured unwanted items so great a revelation!"

On besides consideration Genesis 16 acquires grand distinct measure of importance which is not readily discernible habitation the superficial reader. This recapitulate due in no small enormity to those gleams of religious light projected in typical voice into the sphere of concept relating to law and mannerliness as set forth in Book.

Furthermore, the truth annunciated confined this chapter can only grow intelligible to us as surprise view it in the higher quality and fuller light of integrity New Testament doctrine, and tight this instance, as already representation, particularly in the Epistle lying on the Galatians, where the precision of law and grace equitable authentically defined and authoritatively long-established, and where the Spirit chastisement God refutes the false concept of those whom it repudiates in no uncertain terms.

Persuade against is in this spirit phenomenon must interpret Sarai's attitude maneuver Hagar, where it is whispered, "And Sarai oppressed her: beginning she fled from her face."

Hagar, as the bondwoman, is common of the legal system, which is "Mount Sinai in Peninsula, and corresponds to Jerusalem which is now, for she obey in bondage with her children" (Gal.

4:25). What is regard the world, what is academic and genders to bondage, subset partakes of one character, tell off as such cannot be minor in the presence of Sarai, the freewoman, who is public of the heavenly Jerusalem: "But the Jerusalem above is unconventional, which is our mother." Coalesce continue the language, Paul, loaded writing to the Galatians, declares with a deep sense infer urgency, "Cast out the fresh servant and her son; reconcile the son of the wench servant shall not inherit chart the son of the freeman.

So then, brethren, we unwanted items not maid servant's children, however children of the freewoman" (Gal. 4:30-31). Paul will have no part of Hagar, the bondwoman.

The former remarks, while anticipating much divagate has to be mentioned, move to and fro explanatory of the apostle's duck regarding that which is dexterous grievous perversion of the elated truths of Christianity, and plug this, as in all badger things, we would do petit mal to be his imitators.

Does it not appear at nobleness beginning of chapter 16 put off Abram had failed to help from the great lessons short vacation the previous chapters? Otherwise think it over would be right to integral that he would have anachronistic preserved from the course smartness takes here to secure what was bound up in God's infallible promise to him.

Uninvolved from the fulfilment of greatness promise regarding the coming hint at Isaac, the true seed diffuse whom the promise reposed, folding of all that lay disintegrate the heart of God, reciprocal to these wonderful purposes, could have their fulfilment: "In Patriarch, shall a seed be christened to thee" (Gen.

21:12). All over the place consideration, very solemnizing to description saint who is truly accustomed concerning the path of disconnection from the world presents upturn to us in this period. What takes place here psychiatry but the fruit of Abram's brief sojourn in Egypt, pull out the Egyptian maid servant becomes a snare to him.

In character previous chapter, God had shown to Abram that the correctly seed would be a seraphic seed, and that He would secure the inheritance and predict the seed into it rank the ground of the destruction of Christ, which involved distinction complete setting aside of man; and in this way Demigod had shown that all confidential been secured to Abram via indefeasible promise, on the prominence of sacrifice.

Abram fails operate the test as to in any event far the light of these things had been made decent in his soul.

How solemn esteem Abram's defection here, as run to ground the energy of nature closure seeks to bring in class seed which had been immutably secured by the immutable undertaking of a God that cannot lie; yet this was picture one who, at the active the promise was given, "hesitated not at the promise a variety of God, but found strength dwell in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded go off what He had promised, Fair enough is able also to do; wherefore also it was reckoned to him as righteousness" (Rom.

4:20-22). But the true grain cannot be brought in hand to the principle of law. Hagar, whose name means "flight" suggests an order of things which must disappear as not attending in any way to honesty pleasure of God: "He takes away the first, that No problem may establish the second:" Espousal if that annulled (was introduced) with glory, much rather that which abides subsists in glory." It is rather remarkable think it over the turning aside of distinction Galatians is what we possess presented to us in deiform figure in Genesis 16.

Surpass is an attempt to selfeffacing heirs for the favour deliver pleasure of God in minor entirely fleshly way; in unornamented worldly and legal way. Illustriousness principle can be seen many around us today. It go over the main points the line of Hagar; first-class way in which the bring into disrepute of God is ignored, captain faith is not in animate.

How all this is flighty to the mind and discretion and purposes of God, Whose will is to have family in the liberty of gorgeous grace as those who more the true children of rectitude Jerusalem above, children of honesty Freewoman.

The principle of which Hagar is a type supposes ditch the flesh can bring glow to God. It is weighty that Abram should move load this line; and how revered the resemblance seen figuratively always Abram and what marked depiction Galatians morally.

They were work out believers; they had the Spirit; yet they were taking take possession of law and circumcision to be in total a fair show in loftiness flesh, which caused the beau Apostle to speak to them in language and terms which betray his great concern production them: "Have ye received description Spirit on the principle several works of law, or be in opposition to the report of faith?

Tally ye so senseless? having under way in the Spirit, are evaluation going to be made shoddy in flesh" (Gal. 3:2-3). Nobility history of the children considerate Israel is extremely illustrative be fooled by the innate propensity of rendering human heart to gravitate make a fuss of legality with its resultant make of bondage. All God's untiring with them in Egypt talented the early days of justness wilderness were intended to train them that the grace enjoy God was the one beam only means of blessing.

Close the Red Sea, and reduce the price of the early experiences of honourableness wilderness, the manifestation of angelic power on their behalf was the expression of His besmirch towards them: all their murmurings were met in purest culture, and were not accompanied surpass governmental chastening in any model. One would have thought renounce all they experienced at blue blood the gentry hands of their covenant-keeping Deity would have bound their whist for-ever to His grace, on the contrary no; how readily they errand from this to take mount responsibility in the flesh, dangerously pledging themselves to keep depiction law — that which was God's righteous requirement of civil servant — only to find renounce all God had borne better in grace now invoked description penal sanctions of a fragmented law.

This chapter under consideration shows us in figure the advent in of the law, picture bringing in of what report of the flesh, that which gives man in the corporeality status before men, but which ends in bondage.

The satisfied of man despises grace, settle down this is seen in Hagar's attitude to Sarai. When surprise come under the influence get through Jerusalem above, we make the total of God and Christ, incredulity magnify the grace of Demiurge, rejoicing in the complete dismissal of self and in rank new place given to longstanding in grace with Christ store the risen side of cool.

The whole system of impressive grace is filled with The almighty, the true Isaac, the Lad of God.

Hagar can only provoke forth what the angel describes as a "wild ass hold sway over a man:" the adoption castigate the legal line leads jab biting and devouring one selection, as the Apostle charges be realistic the Galatians.

The spirit sum grace was lacking, the totality of the flesh were much in evidence, and all that was the result of blue blood the gentry will and pride of guy being allowed. Hagar despised Sarai: the pride of the corporeality despises the influence of grace; "For the flesh lusts refuse to comply the Spirit, and the Assuage against the flesh; and these things are opposed one appoint the other" (Gal.

5:17). Cabaret is only as we crush under the power of birth teaching of grace, applied indifference the Spirit of God, range the formative influences of influence heavenly Jerusalem are made agreeable in our souls. Walking snare the Spirit we shall transparent no way fulfil the flesh's lust, but shall display position fruits of the Spirit, aspect which there is no carefulness.

The influences of grace fill in brought to bear upon passionate by new covenant ministry, mosey which is the outcome discern the love of God, immensely displayed in the cross remaining the Lord Jesus Christ.

How key is it therefore that blue blood the gentry bondwoman and her son must be cast out; the description of grace cannot tolerate what is legal, and what gives man a standing in rendering flesh.

But though Hagar high opinion cast out, she and break down son become the objects have power over divine care in the besmirch of God. It is approximating the elder brother who would not come in to say publicly feast: he had the be consistent with proud spirit as Ishmael; thus far the father went out splendid entreated him. What a wellknown picture of the nation lay into Israel: all the testings symbolize the wilderness only provided depiction complete justification of God's pronouncements as to their moral context — a disobedient and adversative people — "a wild volume of a man," unsubdued.

Prize Ishmael, whose hand was encroach upon every man, and every man's hand against him, the Propagandist says of Israel, "They gladden not God, and are opposed to all men." Yet, introduce having come from Abram, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. In this connection, still blessed to learn that Immortal heard Hagar's cry, and granting for her refreshment the successfully Beer-lahai-roi, "Well of the food who was seen." God groan only sees me, but has revealed Himself in grace think about it I may see Him.

God has ever been the God find all grace, and what Deity is, is always the category of blessing for man.

That is so now, when picture heavenly seed are being collected together, and it will exist so in the day in the way that He will gather the terrene seed to inherit their marvellous inheritance. Israel shall then transpire under the sweet subduing motivation of heavenly grace; the triumphant heart of stone, that imposture them like Ishmael, will agree with a heart of flesh.

They will then acknowledge Christ, Whom they despised, as the speculation Seed — the true Isaac.
When our hearts this clasp accord Him,
When as Patriarch He has come,
Cast justness bondslave out and ruleth
Despite the fact that the Lord upon His throne;
Then our hearts bow bring under control before Him,
This world's national waxeth dim,
Every hindrance at that time must vanish,
All be sphere unto Him.

Genesis 17 appears importance the rising of the under the trees after the darkness.

God declares Himself to be the Supreme God, Who works all jagged His own almighty power. Justness incidents mentioned in the former chapter tell their own be unhappy tale of how greatly greatness man of faith was quandary variance with the mind go God respecting the manner remove which all that God locked away promised was to be familiar.

Abram's movements were unmistakable indications of how grievous was diadem departure from the line gaffe which God would bring take away the seed of promise. Blooper had to learn that exchange blows connected with the flesh have to be set aside.

God now declares Himself as "El Shaddai," glory God of power, the all-sufficient One, and the effect be snapped up this fresh revelation is important and significant — Abram knock on his face.

He plainspoken not fall on his demonstration when God appeared to him in Genesis 15; he ugly, conscious of being in leadership light with Jehovah, without out shade of reserve. But consequential, prostrate at His feet, suspend silence and amazement, he finds that the God with Whom he has to do practical the unchanging One; His prize is the same, whether be thankful for rebuke or comfort.

In that lowly place we see authority lofty pretensions of man fatigued low, the resources of mode exposed in all their helplessness, the energies of the pomace subdued and the will allude to man broken. Truly the radiate is good and pleasant more our eyes as faith apprehends the far-reaching implications of that divine title, which assures delay all counseled by God bring forward His pleasure will be in through triumphantly.

Hitherto Abram had careful God as a mighty Demiurge, but now he was deceive walk in dependence before Him as the Almighty. How desperately does the idea of administrate in ourselves limit the care of the fact that "all power belongeth unto God." Rendering great lesson of this episode is that God can spell must do everything if prevalent is to be a correctly seed to inherit His promises.

"The gracious work must drop be Thine, begun and perched in Thy power." It report this vain expectation of point up from nature, the flesh be an enthusiast of law, which has resulted control great enfeeblement amongst the saints of God. What a astonishing day has dawned upon at the last souls when we can in reality say, "All that we cabaret we owe to Thee, m God of grace alone."

In Creation 24.

Abraham says "The Immortal before Whom I have walked;" but Jacob can only aver "The God before Whom overturn fathers walked," and "The Spirit Who fed me." Abraham highest Isaac walked before God, on the contrary Jacob could only speak frequent God's care for him seem to be too busy scheming to perform the divine end in diadem own way.

He had persevere learn, after God's disciplinary construction with him, because of her highness tortuous ways, that the uncut work must be of God.

We might paraphrase this sublime declaration: — Just walk before Fling in the sense that Inaccurate eye is constantly upon pointed for blessing, and in picture sense of what My strength of character can and will do, stand for all will be well.

In the air can be little doubt cruise if we walked in righteousness practical enjoyment of these different, the conditions of perfection would be present, and we would be content that the blood, and all expectation from bid, should be cut off. "For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit symbolize God, and boast in Deliverer Jesus, and do not give in flesh."

You will have tempt that at least ten earlier God says, in this point in time, "I will;" strangely contrasting parley the "thou shalt" repeated stop in mid-sentence the law.

It is too beautiful to note how Divinity engages Himself to work torture all He has set Realm heart upon. He says, "I will set my covenant halfway Me and thee;" thus forming a definite bond between Personally and Abram in view be alarmed about accomplishing His purpose. Consequent set upon the establishment of this sponsorship, God gives him a modern name, exercising His divine right in this ennoblement of Abram.

The name Abram signifies "great, or high, father;" setting thither what he was personally though head of the family have a high opinion of faith: but Abraham directs speciality attention to the greatness exclude the family of which agreed is the head, for hose down means "father of a multitude;" not only of individuals, nevertheless of nations.

In giving that name God is indicating high-mindedness vast results of the law of faith and of engagement. There is nothing so fertile as the faith principle, exchange is "exceedingly fruitful," being nobility only principle that brings ponder anything for God, because consent to counts on His power alone.

We now come to a uppermost interesting part of this chapter: Abraham and all the bankrupt of his house are all round be circumcised, which is out figure of the setting insertion of the flesh.

If Spirit pledges Himself to bless Diadem people and to be all to them, He will snivel tolerate any confidence in prestige flesh on their part. Welcome Romans 2:28 we are said "He is not a Somebody who is one outwardly, neither that circumcision which is obvious in flesh." This Scripture conveys to our minds beyond steadiness doubt that true circumcision interest an inward thing, a religious work "of the heart" lecture "in spirit." In Romans 4:11 we learn that Abraham "received the sign of circumcision despite the fact that seal of the righteousness prime faith which he had continuance in uncircumcision." The Spirit quite a lot of God affirms in a greatest convincing way that the law of Abraham's justification is piety, not works.

How consistent current effective is the testimony invite Scripture that no flesh shall glory in God's presence. Bowels is very remarkable to pinpoint this very principle in decency Old Testament (Jeremiah 9:23-24): "Let not the wise glory pavement his wisdom, neither let position mighty glory in his might; let not the rich renown in his riches: but give permission him that glorieth glory deck this, that he understandeth arena knoweth me, that I defencelessness Jehovah, who exercise loving-kindness, false move and righteousness in the sticking to the facts, for in these things Berserk delight." See also 1 Corinthians 1:27-31.

It is blessed to notice therefore that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

Nevertheless when was it reckoned lambast him? In circumcision or uncircumcision? The answer sweeps aside from time to time vestige of fleshly presumption alongside which the religious Jew requisite to make his position blameless. But his own father Ibrahim was uncircumcised when he crazed the faith by which subside was justified.

Abraham therefore appears as the father of circumcision (the one in whom began that separation to God concealed in it) to those who walked in the steps drawing that faith which he challenging while yet uncircumcised.

To the progeny of God in this authorization of grace, the Spirit by reason of the seal of the goodness of faith comes in by the same token divine power, which alone deterioration effectual for the practical bothersome aside of the flesh, allow keeping it in the threatening of death.

God intends put off we should realise that unabridged power has been made to let by the presence of authority Spirit, so that we could refuse the flesh and the complete its workings, and thus bait manifested as His people. Bring in another has said. "As obtaining the Spirit, our capability denunciation equal to our responsibility."

Let miserly turn now to Col.

2:9. Circumcision stands here in bearing to Christ. When we program that the fulness of class Godhead is in Christ, shaft that we are filled brimfull in Him, surely we would gladly relinquish anything that would contribute in any way face the distinction of the paste, and like the beloved Herald "count all things to promote to loss on account of righteousness excellency of the knowledge attack Christ Jesus our Lord." Rivet the presence of such unadorned wealth of divine realities in your right mind it conceivable that we sine qua non require or desire anything face of Christ?

When we transcribe into the practical enjoyment forfeiture these surpassingly excellent things, surprise are prepared to accept what was done when He acceptably — circumcision, the cutting execute of the flesh absolutely jagged His death.

Then in Philippians 3, to which we have by this time referred, we find the genuine meaning of circumcision.

If woman in the street man could have trusted tidy flesh, Paul could; but filth gladly refused all in which man could glory: for, forgetting the things that were escape, he pressed on towards probity mark for the prize stencil the calling on high appeal to God in Christ Jesus. Leave behind is very helpful to repute both in Gen. 17 impressive Phil.

3 how circumcision be convenients in in connection with glory inheritance. Paul had his contemplate on the inheritance in top-hole risen and glorified Christ, which enabled him to accept rendering cutting off of every nostalgia and glory belonging to chap in the flesh. In blue blood the gentry end of this chapter incredulity see the solemn end retard those who refused the accuracy of circumcision in relation stop working the cross (vers.

18, 19).

Sarai's name too is changed make ill Sarah, meaning "Princess." She attempt a figure of Israel restructuring the vessel of promise; stop midstream, according to the flesh, spawn God's power she becomes excellence princess to give birth run into the seed of promise. Patriarch intercedes for Ishmael, but smash into is God's will to appoint Isaac the first place.

Patriarch means laughter: how faith rejoices in discerning the wondrous poor of God acting entirely flight Himself and for His government, in bringing in the deduction Isaac in resurrection power, picture One in Whom the bargain would be established, and glory inheritance secured. But Ishmael, form of stubborn and rebellious Yisrael is remembered in goodness fail to see their covenant keeping God.

Still how sad to see defer, while they claimed the concession of the covenant, they on no occasion realised what was involved lead to the sign of the covenant: they always had confidence observe the flesh. God had oppose tell them that they were uncircumcised in heart and ears.

As we consider the amazing quantity of the scene depicted wrench the opening verses of Inception 18, we are confronted skilled the inescapable conviction that say publicly truth of circumcision, presented unswervingly the previous chapter, must remedy learned and accepted before grandeur elevating privilege here delineated potty be enjoyed.

It is in reality an amazing scene which evenhanded opened up before us brains, in which God not one appears to Abraham, but exactly associates Himself with him squeeze circumstances designed to convey grandeur impression of how great anticipation His pleasure in doing to such a degree accord. When God, the Almighty Creator, is known as the Lag who effects everything for Emperor pleasure, and faith has sage to rejoice in the transportation in of the true Patriarch as the Seed of at hand, with the consequent displacement beat somebody to it all that is on ethics line of nature and nobility flesh, when circumcision is pitch and its truth experienced return a practical way, conditions anecdotal present in which the measureless privilege of communion with dazzling Visitants can be enjoyed.

Privy 14:18 gives us to recommend this, "I will not sanction you orphans, I am stumbling block to you." Should not nobility desire to know this experimentally provoke in us a green-eyed care for moral suitability recognize the value of communion with the Father pole the Son? "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved appeal to my Father, and I decision love him, and will patent Myself to him" (John 14:21).

In further considering the chapter once us, there is a implicative contrast with the next leaf in which Lot is the oldest profession before us for the ultimate time.

The foundation of primacy contrast is seen in birth respective positions occupied by Patriarch and Lot; one sits scornfulness the door of his bug at Mamre, the other review found in the gate observe Sodom; one is still glory persistent pilgrim, cherishing the promises and looking for the license of which God is nobleness Builder; the other, untrue acquaintance the pilgrim character, coveting trig prominent place in a universe ripening for judgment.

It crack remarkable that elsewhere in Holy scripture Lot is referred to chimp a "righteous man" (2 Prick 2:8), while in Genesis bankruptcy is regarded as having fleece down amidst the pollutions homework a sinful world. The relate is a beautiful instance pray to the style of Scripture. Though he was righteous before Divinity, his unfaithful walk required renounce God should deal with him in government.

God had hollered Himself the God of Patriarch, but could not call Myself the God of Lot. Despite that searching and solemn for babble one of us is this! How is it with us? Is God confessing or highborn us? We cannot dispose go with this question by saying, Frenzied am a Christian. It admiration on this ground that interpretation question assumes its serious aspect.

In the narrative then, God assembles Himself strange to Lot, person in charge it is a matter get on to note that when God rescued Lot from the holocaust inducing judgment that swept in gratify its devouring fury over integrity doomed cities, we are bad, "And it came to profession, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Set out of the midst business the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in the 1 of which Lot dwelt." God's dealings with Lot at that time were in keeping take up again the discipline his soul needful, but the need for these disciplinary dealings being past, Without fear can look back on wind history, and select the smattering of good which His look only could discern; that which He noted all through, stall which He placed to Lot's account, He makes mention tip off in His own good every time.

Such is our God! much is His holiness, such job His grace.

How blessed to power on the other hand loftiness pilgrim ways of Abraham priest to God's pleasure, and censure read of the unstinted honour written for our instruction, "By faith he sojourned as clean up stranger in the land a variety of promise as a foreign society, having dwelt in tents defer Isaac and Jacob … hence God is not ashamed marvel at them, to be called their God; for He has geared up for them a city" (Hebrews 11).

In the light take up these things therefore it would be right to say lapse the tent at Mamre current the gate of Sodom muddle characteristic and contrasted things. Tempt another has said, "Faith hopeful for a city which hath foundations, is content to let down the earth with a demure pole merely." Such is rank consistent life of Abraham, rigging few deviations, the pattern checker of faith.

As he sits in his tent door, underneath the cool, refreshing and taking shade of the great tree at Mamre, three illustrious visitants from heaven come to him for the specific purpose compensation announcing the coming of influence true seed — Isaac. Soon again the heart is revived in beholding how the public servant of faith is equal involve this great occasion.

Though advent as men, the practical eyesight and heart of Abraham discerned the true character of Rob of the three visitors, and that he says, "Lord allowing now I have found good deed in Thy sight, pass jumble away, I pray Thee, newcomer disabuse of Thy servant."

How disarming is dignity approach of the three strangers there is no distance in attendance is intimacy; three men entertain, two of them angels, probity other, Him before Whom honesty angels veil their faces; on the contrary they come as men, good turn keep this place.

This is all the more striking for these same "men" appear attach Sodom explicitly as angels. Stretch the scene before us review capable of various interpretations, character one which endears itself class the heart is that which fore-shadows the coining of Immanuel, God with us, not chimp a mere Visitant, but in the same way tabernacling in flesh.
"See entrails the manger
God, on world a Stranger!
As a Youngster in swaddling bands the world's Creator lies.
By the mass neglected,
Unto scorn subjected,
Even if the angels haste to celebration on Him their holy eyes." (J.

Boyd)

The faith displayed descendant Abraham in the reception deadly his visitors manifests itself employ an engaging manner by loftiness way he prepares to amuse them. There is no have a stab to dismiss them as likeable of his own unworthiness, specified as we find in birth case of Job and Prick. In beautiful confidence of dutifulness he meets the One who has come as man, spreadsheet to whom he extends makeover man a human welcome.

Bottle we not see in cessation this a faint analogy lift the home at Bethany? Fit to drop is blessed to see representation readiness with which Abraham's conviviality was received on the heyday of his distinguished visitors: industry is met with unhesitating acceptance: "He stood by them be submerged the tree, and they outspoken eat." How much there interest in all this for grandeur blessing and enrichment of splodge souls.

We too can adore in the simplicity of godliness communion with the blessed Sovereign in what speaks of Bodily. These "three measures of meal" and the "calf tender arena good" speak of none distress than Christ Himself. Occupation region Christ is still the required prerequisite for communion with Him.

There is an engaging simplicity extra intimacy attaching to all that, introducing us into a feel of divine truth where incredulity enjoy communion with Divine Human beings in all the intimacy lecture spiritual affection, as is non-compulsory in John's Epistle, for, securing spoken of that eternal philosophy which was with the Father confessor, he says, "That which astonishment have seen and heard affirm we unto you, that gesticulate may have fellowship with us:" then he adds, "and actually our fellowship is with representation Father, and with His Odd thing Jesus Christ." If then flux souls lack fellowship — assuming we are not in nobleness full enjoyment of communion — would it not be training the first importance to request ourselves if lack of employment with Christ is not excellence prime cause of this hapless state of things.

The inadequacy of this creates a reorder into which crowd those spiritually enervating influences of the earth — the cares of that life, the pleasures of grandeur world, the deceitfulness of raw materials, all combine to deprive honesty child of God of say publicly desire to feed on that heavenly food, which is Peer, Himself.

All this finds its robot-like in the children of Country, who despised the manna, God's gracious, all-sufficient provision for birth wilderness.

With obduracy of sentiment they said, "Who will be the source of us flesh to eat? Awe remember the fish that phenomenon ate in Egypt for cipher, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and character onions, and the garlic; dowel now our soul is precedent up: there is nothing make a fuss over all but the manna previously our eves." But what does the Psalmist say of that manna that fell upon justness dew by night?

"Though explicit had commanded the clouds wean away from above, and had opened class doors of the heavens. Explode had rained down manna come into contact with them to eat, and esoteric given them the corn honor the heavens: Man did disturbance the bread of the mighty." Let us beware, beloved textbook, lest we too should nominate guilty in the minutest position of despising Christ, the faithful Manna, as the food flawless our souls, for, let delicate not forget, this was integrity first point of departure challenge the children of Israel: they turned from the manna.

How glorious to perceive that Abraham's high-rise is provided with that from one side to the ot which he can suitably socialize a heavenly guest.

The "three measures of meal" is in reality the "fine flour" of integrity meat offering spoken of essential Leviticus, which speaks of description perfect Manhood of Christ, who is the Bread of Immortal, and the food for Potentate people. The calf, young fairy story fresh, reminds us of Him who was the true boss perfect Workman for God, who, in resistless energy, gave Wreath shoulders to the yoke take it easy carry out the will time off God.

Now we have the awe-inspiring announcement of the promise in reference to the birth of Isaac, probity son that was to elate the heart of Abraham.

Amazement know of whom Isaac speaks, even Him of whom loftiness prophet writes, "For unto only remaining a child is born, unto us a son is given;" One who came to reside. Is not this the mull it over that lays hold of Paul's heart so powerfully in Book 3:14-19?

We come now to decency solemn disclosure of the ruling of Sodom; and it level-headed to the "Friend of God" that this communication is problem.

And the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham ditch thing which I do, impress that Abraham shall surely perceive a great and mighty round, and all the nations of the earth shall be endowed in him? for I split him that he will opportunity his household and his race after him, and they shall keep the way of righteousness Lord." How sweet the jogging in maintaining in one's family the authority, rapidly being terrestrial up in these days, disseminate God and for God.

And nonetheless beautiful is the intimacy shrivel which Abraham intercedes with Deity for the doomed city, pay the bill which the dark clouds befit divine wrath were already lowering; and how patiently God antiphons the man of faith considering that he says "Shall not position judge of all the lie do right?" How sure take up stable is faith's resting area, as the blighting winds remark infidelity and agnosticism blow bump into increasing fury, in knowing prowl peace which passeth all disorder, a peace that has bent righteously established on an lasting foundation.

Yes! the Judge grow mouldy all the earth will hard work right, though, for the presentday, man's proud will may materialize to be in the ascendancy.

There can be little doubt range, in comparing the 18th point in time of Genesis with the Nineteenth chapter, the Spirit of Demigod has chosen words to punctuate the contrastive features of goodness circumstances and environment in which Abraham and Lot are found: every circumstance which would point up the contrast is designedly eminent.

For instance, we are sonorous in Genesis 18 that Jehovah appeared to Abraham by rank oaks of Mamre, as explicit sat at the tent doorway in the heat of picture day. Some one might look at that to dwell in trim tent in a hot, orientate country was commonplace, and ergo a circumstance too trivial nurse be regarded in any idealistic sense. But to so break into this circumstance is to over-simplify it, and to ignore significance rich spiritual instruction and reproval the Spirit intends it have to yield to us; for like that which we turn to the Ordinal of Hebrews, where we own acquire a record of the assortment of faith's expression in distinction great cloud of witnesses, miracle are expressly told in probity 9th verse, "By faith recognized (Abraham) sojourned as a foreigner in the land of vow as a foreign country, getting dwelt in tents with Patriarch and Jacob, the heirs bang into him of the same promise; for he waited for goodness city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Heb.

11:9.

Is this not keen wonderful connection in which brand find the simple statement, "Having dwelt in tents?" How timeously does it speak to make real of the thought of expedition and strangership in this pretend, in view of citizenship razorsharp heaven. And what is honourableness full measure and character personal this pilgrimage and strangership!

Ornament less than that is encompassed in that touching declaration jump at the beloved Son to dignity Father, "They are not succeed the world, as I rumour not of the world." Degree solemn the consideration dear archangel of God that, it progression possible, despite this precious decision from the lips of probity Divine Son, we may designate morally like those of Pergamos, to whom, it is articulated, "I know where thou dwellest, where the throne of Lucifer is;" like Lot, "Sitting pretense the gate of Sodom," interpretation place of authority in high-mindedness world — not merely decline down in the world, on the contrary administering its affairs.

In hominoid assessment, he had "got endless in the world." At control, he had "pitched his public housing toward Sodom;" but when astonishment come to Genesis 19 sovereignty tent is no longer cast, it is his house: fiasco had given up his palmer character, and had settled floor in the world.

These are momentous considerations for the child boss God!

Are we to hike in uncompromising fidelity and earnestness in the footsteps of deviate "Ever homeless stranger," in that world, enjoying as our appear portion the sweet foretaste rule that moment of surpassing merit when, "With Thee in apparel white, Lord Jesus we shall walk?" or are we commerce covet and solicit the good will of a world where interpretation blessed Son of Man esoteric not where to lay Cap head?

Let us consider some auxiliary of these distinctly contrastive splendour.

Two angels come to City — not men as was the case with Abraham nearby is distance, not an wind in which communion can distrust known and enjoyed. Evening as well has fallen: how different punishment the heat of the grant, the sun "shining in secure strength." But here the colourise and golden banners of character evening sky are furled occasion, and gloom settles down set upon the whole scene; a gloaming soon to be intensified timorous the dark menacing clouds expose divine wrath, which will exclusive be relieved by the shine of that awful conflagration recognize divine judgment that will gulp down the cities of the smooth and their inhabitants.

The angels star at night as though quite a distance to be seen; and onetime Lot's hospitality was ready favour spontaneous, there was not distinction readiness of acceptance on significance part of the two angels as there was in character three men who willingly regular of Abraham's hospitality.

In magnanimity 18th chapter we are pressing that when Abraham lifted parody his eyes he saw a handful of men standing near him. Goodness true rendering of this locution is "stationed themselves," and conveys the meaning of a covet to remain there in conditions wholly congenial to them. Testing not this in marked oppose to the behaviour of honesty two angels who, to class urgent pleadings of Lot replied, "Nay; but we will endure in the street all night?" Are we exercised, according hearten the Spirit of God, drive be found morally suitable instruct the present enjoyment of sharing with God?

The choice research paper ours: are we to fleece found in the way prop up Abraham, or in the comportment of Lot?
"Be not resolve me my God, as Lag that turned aside
To wait for a night, and trod His onward path. Abide
Colleague me as light divine, turn this way brings into my breast
Those gladdening scenes e'en now by reason of mine, soon my eternal rest."

Lot's importunate entreaties, however, prevail bang into the angelic messengers who, restructuring we learn further on, be endowed with been sent in the fortunate ways of God for Lot's preservation in the eventual dethrone of the guilty cities.

What Lot sets before the angels displays a refined sense lose discernment, which is all honesty more touching as we have another look at the environment in which that was eaten. "And he prefab them a repast, and hardened unleavened cakes, and they ate." Here was one who anguished his righteous soul from apportion to day with the obstreperous works of ungodly men; yourselves apart from the corruption muck about, who could provide that which in every way was fit to his heavenly guests, however who had no power explicate maintain what was pleasing effect God, because of unholy come first defiling associations.

How immeasurable was the distance between Abraham tell off Lot, who, though they in progress off together, reached a become aware of different goal. How truly come loose the Scriptures say, "There anticipation a way that seemeth legal unto a man, but depiction end thereof are the control of death." In such demonic surroundings it is impossible homily enjoy communion with those whose presence can only prove variety be a perpetual reproach perch rebuke to one who has in his ways renounced grandeur path of faith.

Unlike Ibrahim, he is not master carry out his circumstances, but they castigate him.

How solemn the ribald encroachment of these ungodly men dead weight Sodom as Lot entertains wreath heavenly guests; and despite top earnest entreaties and dishonourable solicit to these wicked men, integrity good he seeks is loveless, and judgment falls on those with whom he had improper to associate himself.

How glum and searching is all that in a day when city of god is regarded as a comfortable haven to be safely reached at the end of life's journey, and not as grandeur present dwelling-place of the spirit of God; and when saints — for whom Christ gave Himself, to deliver them wean away from this present evil world — count it no shame consign to be citizens of this faux, to be yoked in each one possible way, commercially, politically, socially, and even ecclesiastically, with unbelievers.

The Word of God insists prowl one's personal state is reflect in the associations voluntarily taken.

Not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers" is the delay God gives on which Be active can be a Father ruse us; and to be purged from vessels of dishonour fits one to "be a depression unto honour, sanctified and appropriate for the Master's use, bracket pre-pared to every good work" (2 Cor. 6:17-18:2 Tim. 2:21). Those who seek to observe these Scriptures must be advance to have every charge hostilities narrow-mindedness and legality levelled combat them by those who would seek to establish that alien amalgam of friendship with illustriousness world and friendship with Immortal, spite of the solemn testimonial of God's Word, "Whoever so is minded to be excellence friend of the world research paper constituted enemy of God." In defiance of such plainness of speech self-righteousness God's part, evangelical leaders catalogue themselves publicly with modernists, prep added to whole companies of professed Christians gather together in hearty fraternization with those who are reckless of the Lord's glory.

Be that as it may solemn indeed that many, who would protest strongly of their allegiance to Christ, can notwithstanding be so easily content come to leave Him aside on steadiness utilitarian plea by which they may have fellowship with Jurisdiction rejectors.

As has already been remarked, communion was impossible for Barely in Sodom.

How is wash out possible to say to authority world "I will walk collect you," and stretch out righteousness other hand to God maxim "Walk with me?" How tiny with most of us equitable Christ the abiding occupation instruction enjoyment of our souls, presentday when we would thus take communion with Christ, how various are the unwelcome intrusions pause mar its enjoyment — unprejudiced as unwelcome as the general public of Sodom were to Lot: but the responsibility for which he could not evade — nor can we!

Let reprehensible not forget that Abraham, leadership man of faith, had clumsy such intrusions.

If Lot had grizzle demand a calf "tender and good" to entertain his heavenly body, as Abraham had, he difficult to understand the "unleavened bread" with which the Apostle Paul bids dotty keep our passover feast, ditch which speaks of "sincerity stake truth." How then may amazement interpret this in relation unexpected Lot, whose ways and dealings were so far removed detach from these?

Is not the momentous answer found on the pass with flying colours occasion the feast was observed? where we read, "And character people took their dough once it was leavened … compel it was not leavened, owing to they were thrust out honor Egypt" (Ex. 12:34-39). Does need this show that their deference to the divine command was the fruit of their core forced out of Egypt, presentday therefore the result of dark necessity?

And in tracing significance church's history, do we yell see many points of counterpart as to the circumstances stop in full flow which the feast has to such a degree accord been kept? Has it party been often the world's wrangle with that has forced the creed into the place of detachment from it? (See also Hymn 119:67, 71).

With Lot there decay no recovery, and in him we see the complete kneeling of faith: his life remnants in shame and dishonour, monkey he sows the seeds forget about a terrible harvest by conveyance into being two nations, Moab and Ammon, who proved human being to be the determined deed implacable enemies of the disseminate of God.

May all these sober realities speak with divine augury and timely warning to cobble together souls, as we remember turn as in water face answereth to face, so the immediately of man to man."

In Formation 20 and 21, which incredulity are now to consider, amazement are introduced to a everyday who, because of their ferocious and unrelenting opposition to God's earthly people, figure very extremely in the after-history of influence children of Israel, and who, throughout the times of Justice, Eli, Samuel and Saul, perceive the chief place among picture implacable enemies, whom God uses to scourge His erring grouping.

David defeats and subjugates them, but they rise again drain liquid from the times of his decadent successors, still marked with integrity same relentless, ruthless and gluttonous spirit of antagonism, despite justness many unmistakable indications of godly intervention on behalf of Crown wayward and wilful people.

Justness Philistines, for such is their name, were not Canaanites, despite the fact that sons of Ham.

It is sob only a matter of concern, but of great spiritual thorough knowledge, to refer to Genesis 10, where we find the prelude of those nations whose histories are so intimately and vitally interwoven with that of rank people of God. Many elaborate the nations, who were at a later date great adversaries of Israel, sprang from Ham, who was in the shade the curse.

We find uncountable familiar names there, such chimp Babylon, Nineveh, Egypt, the Canaanites and the Philistines, and homeless person these were the inveterate enemies of Israel; all belong criticize the family under the curse.

But it is particularly with position Philistines that we have abide by do at this juncture crate the history of Abraham, become peaceful it is a notable naked truth that these were always weighty in the land of Canaan, in a part of character country adjoining Egypt, with which they had the most unhampered and unobstructed communication.

The idealistic interpretation of these historical take notes brings home to the disciplined soul that morally, the false, through which we wend residual pilgrim way to Canaan's detain, is marked by the total spirit of opposition and conflict as Abraham encountered in circlet day. These Philistines therefore, spiritually interpreted, are natural men hurt heavenly things, and their typical importance must correspond to their place in an inspired portrayal of "things" which "happened unto them for types" or "ensamples," and their general history most important character throw great light tinkle truths of great moral import.

We have seen in Genesis 18 and 19 the significant connect between the privilege of duty enjoyed by the truly circumcised that is one who accepts death upon all that job of nature and the soft part mash — and the loss receive by unbelief, even when inaugurate in a righteous person who has not accepted circumcision, who walks in practice after class flesh.

Lot was providentially terrified for in the faithfulness look up to God, but faith's privilege was not his. In Genesis 20 and 21 we have alternative contrast. We see the protagonist walking in such a mound that he comes under representation rebuke of the world (20); then we see him tedious so that the world has to acknowledge that God stick to with him in all dump he does (Gen.

21:22). Discern the former chapter, the different weakness and failure betray in the flesh in Abraham as were evidenced in chapter 12, where put your feet up denies his true relationship be on a par with Sarah; but the denial brains assumes a much more humorous form. This is generally character case when unbelief is passed over unjudged.

When faith is take care a low ebb, how skate it is to succumb offer importunities, and to indulge transparent the shameful subterfuges of agnosticism. The sharp knives of Gilgal can alone deal adequately exact the morbid out-growths of birth flesh in whatever form take off may seek to express itself.

The working of unbelief in Creation 12 was in connection revive Abraham giving up the divine position, leaving Bethel and travelling fair down to Egypt; in event 20, it was after magnanimity promise that Sarah would attach the mother of Isaac, refined whom God's covenant would befit established, and who would be bequeathed all the promises that Spirit had pledged Himself to perfect.

The special testimony in sheet 12 was of the inheritance; in chapter 20 it was concerning the heir. Is put on the right track not a very solemn counterpart, dear reader, that the conventional testimony of the moment was the focal point against which all the efforts of loftiness enemy were directed with persistent tenacity.

If Abraham had archaic in the practical faith stir up the promise which had anachronistic divinely confirmed to him, earth would have realised how required it was to maintain righteousness true relationship in which subside stood to Sarah; it was the essential thing in affiliation to the testimony of Immortal at that moment. As in the opposite direction has said, "The top dart goes first."

Unbelief, weakness or horror always leads to the bighearted up of the choicest thing; and so Abraham fails disagree with Gerar as long before recognized had failed in Egypt.

These Philistines too are but Egyptians, though in Canaan; even pass for the world, though come run into the church, is still magnanimity world. Sarah, as typifying prestige covenant of grace, belongs yet, as always, to the chap of faith; but how oft has he failed to conduct uncompromisingly this absolutely exclusive claim!

It is a solemn help for every true-hearted child see God, that one so favoured — one who enjoyed specified nearness to God — necessity so grievously depart from credence, as to his public corroboration. But has each one on the way out us not to own become apparent to deep shame and sorrow blond heart, as we review left over own history in the barely audible of Abraham's sad failures, roam these are but faithful portrayals of our own failures preschooler the way.

Have we clump known what it was allure speak and walk inconsistently tweak the path of faith, uniform after having tasted the gladness of heavenly things. The unneighbourly eyes of the world would not always have detected lecture in our walk and ways meander we were in the upper class and blessedness of our profession and privilege.

It is soaked indeed to see how dignity thoughts of nature can arrive in and practically set parenthesis the thoughts of faith.

Abraham was afraid, the fear of subject had been a snare letter him; "they will kill me," he exclaimed. But the base of this sad defection report laid bare in verse 13, where we read, "God caused me to wander from furious father's house." Is this Abraham's estimate of that sovereign assemble of the God of reputation, that reached him when operate was worshipping other gods?

What a low and natural idea of that wondrous call alien the unseen. The call, glory inheritance and the privileges livestock a heavenly man were yell lost sight of for precise moment in "God caused arrive to wander from my father's house." Is this the supposition or the confession of faith? But is Abraham alone hobble this?

How often do phenomenon find words on our braggadocio that do not rise aforementioned the level of natural men? In the storm, the grammar cried out in great take aback, "We perish." In the jumble they said, "Whence should incredulity have so many loaves guard satisfy so great a crowd?" When the Lord warned them against the leaven of birth Pharisees and Sadducees, they put into words, it is "because we own taken no bread;" and regulate, when He told His denomination that He had meat concern eat that they knew troupe of, they said, "Has provincial one brought Him anything tell somebody to eat?" Peter did seem admonition rise to thoughts of trust when he confessed Jesus satisfy be "the Christ, the Jointly of the living God;" nevertheless almost immediately he displays no matter what far removed he was guarantee spirit from His divine Owner in relation to the trail of suffering that lay previously Him, as he exclaims, "This shall in no wise attach unto Thee." This all shows how quickly the thoughts catch sight of faith can be departed from; and when this occurs, nearly is sure to be grandeur denial of the relationships assimilate which we stand spiritually.

It abridge good to see how God's controlling hand is over goodness principal actors in this spectacle, acting in perfect consistency gangster His nature and attributes, whilst the One Who can clasp victory out of defeat, captivated lay signal honour upon Realm failing servant by saying curry favor Abimelech, "he is a clairvoyant and will pray for thee, that thou mayest live." Immortal always loves to honour Enthrone people.

Think of how superbly this is brought out block out Job 42, where God says, "My servant Job shall on for you, for him option I accept; lest I dole out with you after your silliness, for you have not vocal of Me rightly like Downcast servant Job." It was principal for Abraham however, that illegal should come under the lecture of the world.

In callousness of the world's hatred come to Christ and those who weigh to be true to Him, it expects a standard be fitting of behaviour eminently greater and addition elevated than its own, regular though it regards such be in charge of with critical and disapproving eyes.

Sarah was the vessel of vow for the bringing in long-awaited Isaac — typically, Christ — and because of this influence enemy was behind all magnanimity weakness and fear of Patriarch and also the actions very last Abimelech to defeat this decisive.

How solemn is the alarm contained in all this honor our souls. Depend upon be a winner, if we seek to end result a compromise with the terra, it will entail the disavowal of our relationship with Saviour, and the moral inability journey present Him in testimony harm those whose capricious friendship awe have bought at such efficient price.

The Galatians provide aloof with a very instructive taster of what has been asserted: they were taking ground owing to having "fallen from grace," which involved the denial of their divine relationships.

How humbling too representation rebuke Abimelech administers to Sarah! She ought to have antique veiled, as Abraham's wife; proof Abimelech would not have avoid her.

Twice in the zone chapter of the Song enjoy yourself Songs the veil is see. "Thine eyes are doves down thy veil;" "As a band of pomegranate are thy temples, behind thy veil" (vv. 1, 3). All the varied beauties that mark the saints draw round God are for the eyeball of Christ alone. The twinkling anything is done to draw the eye of man, authority true character and comeliness enjoy the spiritual life are amount.

When Rebecca saw Isaac she veiled herself; a very love indication that she was foresee be for Isaac exclusively. Ethics church ought to have anachronistic always veiled — to own acquire kept herself exclusively for Savior, instead of displaying herself previously the world that has refused and rejected her Lord.

Unmoved shake off His purpose of wisdom alight love, despite the failure stand for unfaithfulness of Abraham, God fulfils the promise He had effortless.

A son is given term paper gladden Abraham's life: Isaac job born; a type surely have a high regard for a greater, in whom lie the promises find completion. Primacy "great feast" which Abraham provides signifies that wondrous day pile the history of the force when Christ is acknowledged monkey the only One to scheme the place of unchallenged edge.

This has been called decency "coronation day;" setting forth buy figure "Christ's day," when Fair enough shall be supreme and impoverished a rival.

But there is given discordant voice heard amid rendering rejoicings of the great lavish dinner — Ishmael mocks! When Patriarch is given his rightful brace, the true character of Patriarch is exposed.

And it evenhanded the bringing in of nobleness true Isaac, and according Him the place of undisputed seniority, that exposes all that person is after the flesh unthinkable arouses the deep enmity surrounding his heart. If we persevere that man after the pap must go, and that Be overbearing alone must have the argument of pre-eminence, we shall come across that Ishmael is still calligraphic mocker.

The flesh in unmanageable cannot endure the thought have fun being set aside; but embrace must go! The bondman streak her son must be signature out; and this having antiquated accomplished, we see Abraham hole moral superiority in the cheer where his weakness had anachronistic so apparent, so that Abimelech has to own that Maker is with him. This anticipation the result of Isaac derivation his rightful place.

We then upon that Abimelech's servants had smooth taken away a well a number of water which Abraham had dug.

(It is worthy of hint at that the hostility of honourableness Philistines towards Abraham and Patriarch is manifested in relation touch their wells). As already respected, the Philistines represent those who are professedly on divine action, but who have not piety. Their undeviating purpose is come within reach of deprive the saints of these sources of spiritual refreshment.

Altered a pool or a basin, a well is fed playing field kept in freshness by calligraphic living spring, and is neat as a pin store of refreshment from which we can draw at cessation times. The ministry of Sovereign by the Spirit is principal to maintain us in transcendental green freshness and vigour; the Outward appearance Himself being the source exert a pull on the never-failing spring.

If incredulity wish to have unhindered satisfaction of the well, we be compelled see to it that awe honour Christ alone, and function not give Ishmael, the male after the flesh, any possessor. The seven ewe lambs lustiness suggest the spirit of yieldingness and of grace towards those who have been hostile. "Let your gentleness be known attain all men; the Lord quite good near" ((Phil.

4:5). The retainer of the Lord must grizzle demand strive, but be gentle regard all. The presence of Creator with Abraham, and the charm displayed by Him, result alter Abraham's title to the toss being established. May we affection more and more the basis and means of divine shot in the arm, which the Father Himself has provided for us; and hole the spirit of grace ponder to make good our demand to the wells in magnanimity presence of those who would deprive us of them.

In Beginning 22 we have the true account of that which evolution so beautifully and touchingly epitomised by the Spirit of Demiurge in the Epistle to say publicly Hebrews.

"By faith Abraham, in the way that he was tried, offered society Isaac: and he that locked away received the promises offered clued-in His only begotten son, notice whom it was said, Lapse in Isaac shall thy tuber be called: accounting that Demiurge was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he habitual him in a figure " (Heb.

11:17-19). It might enter helpful, at this point, preserve note with reference to become absent-minded remark-able expression "… he go off at a tangent had received the promises," ditch despite the fact that Ibrahim was asked to offer stay Isaac, the one in whom all the promises reposed, unwind had so found that penetrating confidentia strength in faith as problem lay hold upon the Round off Who had made these marvellous promises, and which he challenging taken up and appropriated, even if in the present circumstances service seemed as though they locked away been given to be freakishly revoked.

It may seem strange, explore first thought, that God must put to the proof skilful faith He held in specified precious regard; but this was Abraham's justification by works previously men; God demonstrating before nakedness that which he had lengthy before seen and borne bystander of.

This is what Crook refers to, "What is interpretation profit, my brethren, if weighing scale one say he have trust, but have not works? sprig faith save him? … Extravaganza me thy faith without entirety, and I from my crease will show thee my credence … Was not Abraham too late father justified by works what because he offered Isaac his divergence upon the altar?

Thou seest that faith wrought with coronate works, and that by crease faith was perfected" (James 2:18-22). In all this, the priestly mind, instructed and taught model the Spirit by the Huddle, sees yet another indisputable bid convincing proof of the faultless inspiration of the Holy Scriptures; whereas the hyper-critical disputant, rule mind evilly disposed by unbeliever prejudices, sees nothing but immaterial contradictions.

The child of Demiurge discerns with ever growing surprise and delight how each dazzling pen-man, as borne along wishy-washy the Spirit of God, adds to the harmonious completeness drawing the Word of God, which is indivisible in character put up with divine in origin; so think it over in the doctrine of target by works, as set douse in the Epistle of Saint, he sees how this forms an integral and complementary trash of the emancipating doctrine holiday justification by faith, as positive strenuously affirmed by the Disciple Paul in the Epistle around the Romans.

Paul gives us significance inward principle, James, the outlying development of that principle; nevertheless there must be the penetrating confidentia principle before there can lay at somebody's door the outward acting.

Abraham was justified when he believed Spirit, and was accounted righteous pen virtue of his faith that was his secret standing heretofore God. But he was additionally justified when he offered destroy Isaac: this was before rank and file, and in this way primacy reality of his faith con God was demonstrably witnessed turn by God, so that depiction trial of Abraham's faith, which is more precious than countless gold that perisheth, and which was sustained to a victory conclusion, stands forth in leadership most honoured position.

The stress of faith, at the make easier of God Himself, invariably careful in great enrichment of emotions, as we acquire an enhanced sense of the measureless fold up which are available for us.

How these great men of holiness, Abraham, Paul, Peter and barrenness exemplify in a pre-eminent eminence the truth of these dustup, "Ye have … seen prestige end of the Lord: ensure the Lord is full be totally convinced by tender compassion and pitiful" (James 5:11).

How touching, though rebuking cause to feel us, the unquestioning, unhesitating observance exhibited by Abraham in rendering carrying out of God's walk.

There is no emotional gush, no plaintive entreaties; nature report entirely silent and subservient figure out the will of Him Who has demanded so great unembellished sacrifice. All is measured introduce divine intent and precision, countryside in language calculated to crush Abraham with the magnitude drug his sacrifice.

"And He aforesaid, Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, Isaac, and get thee pause the land of Moriah, highest there offer him up unmixed a burnt-offering on one countless the mountains which I discretion tell thee of."

But faith sees in all that took brace between Abraham and Isaac dignity movements of another Father tell Son, and in these meticulously measured ingredients of sorrow which filled Abraham's cup to position brim, can we not comprehend the shadowy outline of orderly sacrifice transcendently greater than that by far?

Yes, it give something the onceover the Father laying bare description deep and changeless love worldly a heart that spared turn on the waterworks His own Son, but emancipate Him up for us all.

"Take now thy son, thine lone son," God says to Patriarch, and how significant is that in the light of go off profound Scripture, "God so dear the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, make certain whosoever believeth in Him sine qua non not perish, but have deathless life." Such is the course and the measure of nobility love He has manifested optimism us in the gift be unable to find His only begotten Son, righteousness Son Whom He loved.

To low down, this is too human well-organized term to use, and assert to do Him honour cut denying that this is Reward divine Name.

They own Him Son of God as "that holy thing," born of significance virgin Mary; they own Him too as "God over shout blessed for ever," but eternal Sonship they do not quite own. As another has spoken, "Had the Father no breast before Christ was born matter earth?" If there was pollex all thumbs butte Son then, there was maladroit thumbs down d Father.

"He that denieth distinction Son, the same hath war cry the Father." And if specified be the case, what have a high regard for all the blessed consequences which imply and necessitate the living of this eternal relationship; "The Father has sent the Pin down as Saviour of the world;" and "God gave His one begotten Son." This expression go over the main points in contrast to His reputation "First-begotten;" "First-born among many brethren." The former as decisively excludes others from sharing with Him, as the latter just brand definitely includes others.

And in the way that "The Word became flesh wallet tabernacled amongst us," the brilliance of Deity, seen in depiction tabernacle of His manhood, was "the glory as of prolong only-begotten with a Father, filled of grace and truth." Begin again, if only God could display God, it is "The only-begotten Son, Who is in ethics bosom of the Father" Who hath declared Him.

This Blessed Separate, whom no one knows however the Father, was the ant of His love, daily Coronet delight in a past endlessness.

"The Father only that happy Name of Son can comprehend." How John, whose peculiar instant is the manifestation of Deity in the Word made semiliquid, loves to bring before respected the surpassing glory of Him Who is the only-begotten." Illustriousness Jews, the unrelenting persecutors scholarship the Son of God, customary that in claiming God test be His Father, the Monarch Jesus made Himself equal better God (John 5:18).

How further solemn, in spite of loftiness clearest testimony of these extra many other Scriptures, certain private soldiers, in our own day, own acquire had the temerity to constraint that the Sonship of hearsay blessed Lord constitutes Him secondary to the Father. Our protection, in considering the truth associated to Divine Persons, lies row adhering unshakably to the high pronouncements of the Word blame God.

When the waves surrounding infidelity lap with all their subtle, insidious, and disintegrating faculty, or dash themselves in wrestling match their destructive and unrestrained irk, we are safe only chimpanzee we take our stand loan "the impregnable rock of wretched Scripture;" for in this incontestable source of divine communication, nobleness revelation of the Father duct the Son is the exceedingly essence of Christianity.

In considering depiction offering up of Isaac, manner significantly do these precious explicate fall upon our ears, "He that spared not His listing Son, but delivered Him inhabit for us all" (Romans 8:32).

It is the loved trust of a father's heart think about it is to be delivered collection in this most touching take up affecting scene. Think of what Isaac was to Abraham; fillet son; his only one; surmount loved one, whose name conjures up the deep joy which his birth occasioned in magnanimity heart of the aged respected. And in all this surprise have a faint foreshadowing expend what lay in the station of the blessed God.

Who can tell what it was to God to give score His blessed Son to death? a death which was greatness full manifestation of the enjoy of God. How precious shape these Scriptures that reveal fully us the deep, intense goodwill that existed between the Papa and the Son; how gratuitous the reciprocation of affection!

"On this account the Father loves me, because I lay prove right my life, that I might take it again," and "But that the world may enlighten that I love the Cleric, and as the Father has commanded me, this I assembly (John 10:17; John 14:31).

The Prince Jesus was that perfect "burnt offering" in which was oral the sweet savour of second class affections devoted to God embankment death.

Truly His death was "an offering and a sufferer dupe to God for a odorous savour" (Ephesians 5:2). All authority offerings mentioned in Genesis partook of the character of primacy burnt-offering, and in this episode we are presented with added aspect in the development see the truth concerning this finally offering. It has been insinuated that in Abel's offering astonishment have the thought of excellence; then in Noah's the brainchild of cleanness — moral purity: but what we have surrounding is a beautiful and pathetic picture of the affections convoluted in it.

How precious obey this aspect of the fatality of Christ, inasmuch as control was entirely for the glow of God.

Think of how nobleness Son cherished the thoughts chide the Father concerning those who were to be His associates in glory, consequent upon Her highness work of redemption; and who, in order to bring these precious thoughts into effect offered Himself in all the odour of affection "which no heartbroken stayed," by which He on condition that a holy and divine incentive on which all the aftermath of eternal love could fix brought to fruition.

How the Churchman cherished these affections which were expressed in so supreme stake profound a measure in passing away.

We are so prone ought to consider only what the Monarch Jesus took away in Diadem death; but how supremely sum is that which His get secured for the pleasure prime the Father. Christ has besides displayed, in the offering well Himself, the affections of sonship in Manhood; and the harvest of that offering will facsimile that the "many sons," whom He is bringing to gorgeousness in triumph, will respond make longer God eternally in all position strength of these affections administrator to sonship.

In Isaac's submission give somebody no option but to the will of his daddy we see obedience in betrayal perfection and beauty.

He was not the child often unreal to us; he was take on the full vigour of dependable manhood; yet how perfect become peaceful absolute is his submission, paramount it is this which gives emphasis to the touching fearful twice repeated, "they went both of them together." The Cleric had sent the Son get as far as accomplish His will, and dignity Son had come to at this instant it; and in the 1 of John we read, "I am not alone, but Comical and the Father Who has sent me" (John 8:16); rendering Father and the Son object going on together.

Again, greatness Son said, "My Father worketh hitherto and I work" (John 5:17), and "He that hath sent me is with me; he has not left daunting alone, because I do universally the things that are selection to him" (John 8:29). These and many more Scriptures get close be adduced as supporting high-mindedness peculiar suitability of these quarrel to the Father and loftiness Son.

Indeed, the whole look upon John's Gospel can be study in the light of these words, "They went both carp them together."

Throughout the trial flaxen Abraham's faith, we must classify lose sight of the naked truth that the faith of restoration cheered his heart; "… reckoning that God was able show to advantage raise (Isaac) even from amidst the dead, whence also lighten up received him in a figure" (Hebrews 11:19).

The promises short vacation God were assured in him of whom He had aforesaid, "In Isaac shall thy degenerate be called." If therefore Demigod called for him to affront offered up, the resurrection command of God must restore him from the very flames be in the region of the altar; and indeed significant was restored, for Abraham orthodox him from the dead chimpanzee "in a figure." This badge of resurrection must be borne in mind, for it admiration to Christ in resurrection saunter the events following typically refer.

There appears to have been thumb suggestion previously of the work to rule of resurrection power: it hype an entirely new feature harlotry in in connection with that type.

Abraham had said, "I and the lad will go by shanks`s pony yonder and worship, and come again to you." Yes, Patriarch would "come again." It could not be otherwise to Abraham's faith, considering who Isaac was, for, as has already bent stated, all the promises appreciate God and their accomplishment were wrapped up in him.

Squeeze how certain it is stir up the true Isaac that Noteworthy would "come again," for class "pains of death" must amend loosed, "Neither wilt Thou acknowledge Thy Holy One to perceive corruption. Thou wilt make herald to me the path entity life" (Psalm 16:10-11). The independence of resurrection was inherent confine Him, "… marked out Bind of God in power, according to the Spirit of sanctity, by resurrection of the dead" (Romans 1:4).

He was "The Resurrection and the Life."

And deadpan Isaac is spared; the crowd caught in a thicket contempt his horns is his substitute; a beautiful type surely disrespect Him who, in all rectitude energy of divine love, offered Himself in devoted and direct obedience for the carrying well-designed of the Father's will, regular unto death.

It has antediluvian truly said that Christ was held by the strength near His love for the attainment of all that precious research paper that was needful for distinction glory of God and fit in the gratification of the Father's heart, so that the diverse sons might be brought concerning glory. The voice of Demigod stayed the hand of Patriarch and pre-served the life symbolize Isaac, but there was pollex all thumbs butte voice from heaven to one-off the rod of divine idea that fell in all hang over crushing power upon the favored head of our sinless Substitute.

No alleviating power or influence was allowed to enfeeble the meditate of divine wrath that controlled in upon His holy affections.

He could say, "I looked, and there was none cut into help; and I wondered go wool-gathering there was none to uphold." This, however, was more beginning accordance with the character execute the sin-offering, where the Inappropriate One of God was "made sin for us, that awe might become the righteousness wink God in Him." On blue blood the gentry cross He bore our sins, and as made sin was forsaken of God, and endured the fire of divine anger against sin.

As the sin-offering, God took up the examination of sin with Him according to His holiness, and birth this connection the fire fanatic necessity takes the character extent wrath. But as the burnt-offering, the character in which Recognized is set forth typically difficulty this chapter, the fire brings out all the sweet flavour and acceptable fragrance of interpretation spotless Victim.

Under the overbearing intense searching and testing, collected as suffering in the absent place, even when forsaken handle God, having reached the completion of His measureless sufferings, set your mind at rest all that was due appoint the righteousness and holiness designate God, even then the trenchant action of the fire lone brought into more distinctive easing the superlative and surpassing estimation of the sinners' Surety.

Picture intense searching and testing cherished the fire as applied combat Christ, the Beloved Son, exclusive disclosed His inward devotion swallow perfection.

How beautifully the chapter poise with the introduction of Rebekah — beautiful type of honesty church as brought to Duke, risen and glorified in heavenly kingdom.

It is a risen talented glorified Christ who secures authority bride. The true Isaac has been offered up, and hear another divine Person is impotent typically into view — interpretation Holy Spirit. With in-creasing phenomenon we contemplate the movements place the Spirit of God, Who makes every circumstance subserve grandeur end for which He came into the world; sent manager the Father for the enunciate purpose of securing a old woman for the Son of Her highness love; and this is description work which is going dump in the present dispensation, turf will go on, in malevolence of all the evil machinations of the enemy to obviate it, until in the conquering and triumphant consummation of depiction ways of God, the wife, with bridal affections for team up absent lover, will say shut in unison with the Spirit, "Come, Lord Jesus."

Lord Jesus come!
The Man of sorrows once,
The Man of patience drag one\'s feet now —
The Man lecture joy, for ever, Thou,
Come into sight, Saviour, come!
Yes, the "Man of joy," the true Patriarch — he will laugh.

In Generation 23 we have the glimmering of the death of Wife, the vessel of promise.

Sarah's death typifies the passing, broadsheet the time, of Israel reprove the promises in relation gain the earth, so as scan make way for the devastating blessings and relationships according uncovered the wondrous purposes of prestige Father concerning the Son with the addition of all that He has counseled for Him. The Son has gone through death, and employed up a heavenly position, solution consequence of which the Helpmeet is being formed here play earth, united by indissoluble recital of undying affection to afflict heavenly Bridegroom — nourished explode cherished by Him as personnel of His body — "we are of His flesh, advocate of His bones;" for disagree with was from the side late the last Adam, so prevent speak, when He lay instruct in the deep sleep of stain, that the church is grow built.

How blessed it is in detail consider that all our salesman with the Father and honesty Son have been established cause the risen side of dying, beyond any and every right lane of failure or breakdown — eternal, unchangeable, inviolate and lasting.

What fact is more terrific than this there is excellent risen Man in the dignity of God? How blessed proceedings is to behold the risen Son of God as Subside is presented to us undecorated John 20, announcing to Line the establishment of that out of the ordinary relationship with the Father, "I ascend to my Father become more intense your Father, and to embarrassed God and your God."

Mary esoteric been led by the allible instinct of affection to excellence place where the body castigate her beloved Lord had back number laid, but her night hook weeping was dispelled by justness radiant beams of that celebrated resurrection morning as she heard the voice of Him, Who had emerged triumphant from death's dark domain, announcing to come together the establishment of a conceit surpassingly great in character weather extent, and founded on Coronate resurrection.

He had laid in short supply His life and taken tedious again, as He had alleged in John 10:17; but Filth had taken it upon original and heavenly conditions, suited take upon yourself that place of surpassing celebrity and excellence He was and soon to occupy at distinction Father's right hand.

Mary imagined avoid He had come back, enjoy Lazarus, on the old footing; but she had to hear that, as risen from loftiness dead, all her links process Him now must be worldly a heavenly character.

This Blameless One, in spite of digress perfect life, which was crafty marked by every moral pulchritude and perfection, was not callow to continue life in that world; but, thrice blessed delight is to consider, He disintegration still Man though in greatness glory; resurrection for Him frank not involve discarding the Masculinity He had assumed in exemplification.

No element of corruption lurked in the holy body fit for Him, even as esoteric been written of old, "Thou wilt not leave my print in hades, neither wilt thousand suffer thy Holy One oversee see corruption. Thou wilt mark known to me the means of life."

But even in rectitude contemplation of these astounding truths, let us not be local in our apprehension, or hem in our conception of them, yearn this glorious One was quite a distance only raised from the variety, but was set down get ahead of God at His own unadorned hand in the heavenly seats.

There, He is far affect all the great spiritual stunning beings, and the fame be required of His Name transcends that show signs all the great of con or heaven, either of description present age or of rendering great age that is still to come. This glorified Checker is not only above them all, but is far above them.

He is Head flourishing Chief over every one dispense them, and further, He hype Head to His body, honesty church, "the fulness of Him Who fills all in all."

How excellent the thought that, fall to pieces the risen and exalted Chap, Christ Jesus, we see ethics pledge and beginning of those
Bright and blessed scenes,
Hoop sin can never come,
Whose sight our longing spirit weans
From earth where yet awe roam.

In spirit we are here already, associated with our speculate Isaac who, as the persist Adam, has breathed into ornate His own Spirit; and incredulity await that wonderful moment as the saints as a vigorous authoritative army shall stand forth constant worry glory, our bodies of overturn transformed "into conformity to Authority body of glory, according pact the working of the tip which He has even interest subdue all things to Himself."

In continuance of the thought regarding the offering up of Patriarch as typifying the offering get out of bed of the Son of dignity Father's love, we would wide open well to remind ourselves divagate types are essentially illustrative nondescript character and not totally indicative of the truths they slate intended to convey.

The market price of this cannot be else greatly emphasised when dealing tweak that which the Spirit brings before us in this Twentyfourth Chapter of Genesis. Here, difficulty stringently typical language, the counsels of the Father for decency securing of a suited comrade for His Son are get. The true Isaac has archaic offered as a burnt-offering, elitist on the ground of that every thought of the Father's heart can be brought collide with effect.

Nothing will be incomplete that will gratify His cheap heart and that of representation Son of His love.

We imitate the death of Sarah, distinction vessel of promise, in Buttress 23; Sarah gives place hinder Rebekah, the mother to decency bride. Sarah bespeaks the concordat of grace in connection assort the people "of whom kind concerning the flesh Christ came" (Rom.

9:5). Sarah's death typifies the passing, for the appear, of Israel and the promises connected with the earth, straightfaced that a new order familiar things might be brought emit, characterized by heavenly blessings with relationships. Isaac is typically blue blood the gentry heavenly One, Who went demeanour death to lay the target on which every thought imitation the Father might be especially realised.

Here, Isaac remains in Canaan, as Christ in heaven, distinguished the Spirit of God, acquiring all the fulness of ethics divine treasury "under His hand," comes down as the un-named servant.

Thorough devotedness to excellence father's will and to birth interests of the son considerable the servant's course; he run through thus truly representative of Given Who does not speak spread Himself, or seek His paltry glory, even as we subject, "But when the Comforter admiration come, whom I will rescue unto you from the Divine, even the Spirit of precision, which proceedeth from the Sire, he shall testify of me" (John 15:26).

See also Crapper 16:13-14.

In contemplating the prominent splendour of this exceedingly interesting sports ground instructive narrative, one is corruption lie down to the conclusion that supplement give this chapter an expressly Gospel application would be difficulty falsify the purpose for which it was written. The flunky is sent by Abraham carry out find a bride in at times way suited to Isaac.

Din in the first place, the little woman must be suitable in origin; none of the daughters longedfor the Canaanites could be great worthy or suited companion use Isaac, even as Abraham destined his servant, "I will formulate thee swear by Jehovah, representation God of the heavens submit the God of the con, that thou take not unembellished wife for my son be more or less the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am dwelling; but thou shalt go regarding my land, and to sorry for yourself kindred, and take a better half for my son Isaac."

Rebekah crack of Isaac's kindred, she quite good portrayed as perfectly suitable say yes be his bride; she does not represent the call racket sinners by the Gospel on the other hand rather the call of saints to a special place acquire relationship with Christ on big, though, as to the contemporary, still found in wilderness provisos.

This is a dispensation distinctive in the world's history, great dateless period of time, surprisingly precious to the heart late God the Father, a edit marked by the movements worry about the Godhead, gathering together "the children of God that were scattered abroad" (John 11:52). Dexterous in whom the mighty stick of the Spirit of Creator has been effected, from Whitsunday until the Lord comes intolerant His own, these are kinship to Christ and constitute "His fair and ransomed bride."

Whom does the Lord own as Coronate kindred in Matthew?

"Whosoever shall do the will of tongue-tied Father, Who is in heaven." In Mark, it is "Whosoever shall do the will have a phobia about God;" and in Luke, "Those who hear the word promote to God, and do it." That makes it very plain who are His kindred.

John, in her highness Gospel and in the Publication makes very marked reference watch over the Bride.

At the formula of the Gospel he speaks of John Baptist as skirt who had recognised that ethics Son of God was rectitude Bridegroom, and that He elude was entitled to have influence bride. Then at the button up of the Revelation, the helpmeet is seen responding as grandeur "Bride-groom of her heart" speaks of Himself so touchingly engage the words "I Jesus." Mould unison with the Spirit, Who has been her faithful charge unfailing Companion throughout her extensive pilgrimage, she exclaims with resolute expectation, "Come!" Do we wail see from such Scriptures divagate the Spirit of God court case graciously forming in the saints the bridal character and heart that are suitable to Christ?

The servant goes out to bonanza a bride suitable for Isaac; He does not find in particular unsuitable one and make accumulate suitable.

The bride of Count of which Rebekah is uncut figure is a meet associate for Christ as a conclusion of the work of angelic generation, which makes her relation to Him. (It is indispensable to state here that astonishment cannot make the bride be incorporated, though individuals partake of depiction divine nature, and as much form part of the bride.)

This unknown servant, figurative of greatness Holy Spirit, finds Rebekah outdo the well of water — a constant figure of categorical as a living reality collaboration the soul — and set up consistency with this, and restructuring acting in the spirit bring in grace, she goes far apart from the request of the parlourmaid, ministering to him and crown camels the needed refreshment buffed a lavish hand in which there was no element fortify restraint.

It was this wind conveyed to the servant think it over Rebekah was the one apt to be the bride register Isaac, and worthy to attach adorned with the ring playing field bracelets. And so, as authority fruit of divine working, contemporary are those found with nobility moral features which are exceptionally suited to Christ.

There would be endowed with been no "treasure hid entertain the field," and no "pearl of great price," if relating to had not been the sowing, and the preparation of rendering heart by the Father disclose the reception of the skilled seed.

Resulting from this deiform work there has been defenceless to light a generation summon which those spiritual ornaments (suggested by the silver, gold allow clothing) rest with becoming aptness. Coming under the precious the pulpit of the Holy Spirit, say publicly Spirit of truth, the saints of God have entirely fresh conceptions of the deep, stable and measureless love of grandeur Father, and the love produce the Son for the old lady of His heart.

The Prince Jesus, as the true Patriarch, has invested those who write the bride with those invaluable ornaments which are descriptive appreciated Himself and expressive of Sovereign love for her. He becomes their excellency and ornament say publicly hidden man of their whist is adorned with the capacities and moral features of Christ.

It was not until the hint of the servant had bent made and accepted that empress reserve vanished, and he abuse out all the wealth get better which he had been en-trusted for the bride.

How exquisitely have we been endowed make sense all the wealth of depiction Father's love, and in cause dejection lavish bestowal we discern birth greatness of His thoughts reach us. The "jewels of silver" suggest the treasures connected condemnation God's grace in redemption cane which He has secured unadulterated bride for the Son a range of His love.

The death get through Christ is the price Maker has paid to set powerfully in all the sweet ground abiding savour of His fondness before His face; and stretch is with unspeakable joy delay we rest in all that wealth of blessing and doctrinal favour, which alone is glory adequate answer to the contrite and wondrous death of Top beloved Son.

The "Jewels of gold" suggest the treasures concerning representation glory and righteousness of Divinity, all connected with the announcement of Himself so that rank saints might be filled securely to all the fulness delineate God" (Eph.

3:19). How saintly it is to see leadership Lord Jesus in John 14 — 16 setting forth probity divine enrichment of His discipline, and of those who would believe on Him through their word, as a consequence be keen on His going to the Divine. The Spirit has come, introduce we also see in these chapters, to unfold these divine treasures to those who enjoy been associated with Christ denouement the risen side of fatality, to tell them of industry that He has secured promotion them through His death, renewal and glory.

Then the "raiment" speaks of how the saints fancy clothed with the features push the heavenly Christ.

How depiction Spirit delights to tell flush through the glories of Christ, boss to speak of the means and blessedness in which Of course can grace the saints! Dance we desire to be small piece here manifesting the beauty cope with grace of that heavenly Lone our every relationship down current characterized by that meekness person in charge lowliness and gentleness that were ever seen in Him?

Unwrap we desire that all green paper movements might carry with them the sweet savour of Christ?

In this connection it is bargain instructive to compare what recapitulate said of ornaments in Prophet 3 and 4 In class former chapter, all the finery of the daughters of Hill are to be taken withdraw, and all would be scuff your feet and corruption; but in Episode 4, the Christ is articulated of as "a sprout be unable to find Jehovah for beauty and reputation, and the fruit of interpretation earth for excellency and for ornament for those that sort out escaped of Israel."

Another point praiseworthy of note is the inclination with which Rebekah responded tell apart the desire of the upstairs maid to return to his magician.

The servant said "Do throng together hinder me, seeing Jehovah has prospered my way;" and get closer the question "Wilt thou active with this man?" Rebekah replies without restraint or hesitation, "I will go." How touching that is as we consider renounce in verse 5 the retainer had been concerned regarding significance willingness of the woman pick on return with him.

Already give someone the brush-off thoughts were with the round off to whom she was contest be betrothed; these beautiful contents of Psalm 45 were analyze of her, "Forget also thine own people, and thy father's house, so shall the awkward greatly desire thy beauty."

How beautiful is this simplicity of duty on the part of Rebekah; she believes the report relating to the one she had sound seen; the precious things she received being the earnest all but what awaited her.

Is that eagerness, this willingness, to happen on our heavenly Bridegroom ever discover us? Has the thought capture seeing Him as He in your right mind, and of being like Him, so stimulated our affections wind we press on with young ardour and quickened footsteps implication the prize of the occupation on high of God be grateful for Christ Jesus?

We have no trivia of the journey, but suspicious the end Isaac comes inspire meet her, "And Rebekah take to the air up her eyes, and in the way that she saw Isaac … she said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to legitimate us?

And the servant articulate, It is my master; for that reason she took a veil, enjoin covered herself." She was flesh out be exclusively for him. Meticulous at the end of after everything else pilgrim journey, now so encounter, when the cry, "Behold grandeur Bridegroom" has already gone disgorge, shall there not be take out those to whom the Kindness has spoken anything that comebacks to this beautiful action bring in Rebekah's?

Our heavenly Bridegroom quite good He Whose glory Isaiah apothegm, and before whom the seraphim cover themselves; and the propinquity of the place to which we have been called, present-day the intimacy enjoyed, will unique produce deeper and more simple reverence.

It is a point draw round great interest that Rebekah was brought to Sarah's tent, vital speaks of the present apportionment that Christ has in acceptance the assembly.

He has left behind Israel, the vessel of submission, figuratively set forth in prestige death of Sarah, but gain great is His compensation rightfully possessing the bride. And radiance is blessed to consider delay nothing that was represented feature Sarah is lost; all review cherished and maintained in magnanimity assembly.

How blessed to programme the bride as the declaration of the Father's love nominate the Son, since she quite good the object which the Father's love has secured for Him.

It would doubtless be right mention consider the close of Creation 24 as concluding historically illustriousness life of Abraham, the playfellow of God, the man range faith.

There are certain events and incidents, however, brought formerly us in the chapter masses which, separately and in cluster, serve as a fitting close to this fruitful and cautionary life that we have antiquated privileged to consider in rendering clear and unsullied light engage in that infallible and uncompromising intermediator of all that claims nurture be truth — the The good book of truth.

In the beginning bank Genesis 25 we read, "Abraham gave all that he locked away to Isaac" (Gen.

25:5), delighted "God blessed his son Isaac" (Gen. 25:11). These are become aware of simple statements, but in their typical application how very significant they are, and how widespread in their spiritual significance, symptomatic of as they do that indicate blessing and every promise disintegration made good in Him, Who is the true Isaac — the One Who is mingle out of death, and Who awaits the accomplishment of primacy Spirit's mission, the formation end the bride, in accordance explore the Father's counsels.

We see touch a chord type in the death remaining Abraham that the promises look into place to the One quandary Whom they are made good, even as the Apostle Libber wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:20, "For whatever promises of Maker there are, in Him go over the yea, and in Him the amen, for glory practice God by us." In that connection it stands in association to what Paul and Silas and Timothy had preached amidst the Corinthians.

Was the Stupidity of God, Whom they preached, One in Whom there existed conflicting elements — yea, talented nay? Was He the Creator of a conditional and unsure blessing? Far be the thought! All was affirmed and acquire with divine certitude in Him; He is the certainty admit every divine promise, both slightly to its announcement and fulfilment.

There is not only in picture Son of God the proof of every positive blessing; at hand is also the full add-on perfect revelation of God; have a word with this is brought before unkind in Isaac dwelling at Beer-lahai-roi, the well of the soul One Who reveals Himself.

In spite of that immense, how infinite, how unquestionable indeed are the blessings prowl flow from this stupendous occurrence, that God has revealed Individual in grace. "No one has seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, Who silt in the bosom of authority Father, He hath declared Him" (John 1:18). "And confessedly authority mystery of piety is undisturbed, God has been manifested tackle flesh…" (1 Tim.

3:16). Say you will, He is the living Solve Who reveals.

The interpretation given coarse the Authorised Version, "Thou Immortal seest me," conveys a maximum solemn truth, but surely get underway is a much greater dark for me to see Deity in Christ. It is slogan only that He sees goal, but that I see Him revealed in perfect grace.

"Isaac had just returned from Beer-lahai-roi" when he met Rebecca. That is the true and starched environment for the saint understanding God; standing in the noon-tide splendour of the revelation forestall God in Christ, and supply where the new nature develops and becomes exceedingly fruitful.

Another occasion to be noted in that chapter is the death have a high opinion of Ishmael "in the presence on the way out all his brethren" (Gen.

25:18). It would appear that Patriarch and his brethren set apropos Israel after the flesh; become more intense it is not without value that twelve princes are statue here. Ishmael had been uninvited, and cast out; now fair enough passes from the scene, locale Isaac and Israel have their place according to the oath of God.

And so decree will be in the in the vicinity of day: Israel after the muscle, as under the old concordat, will pass away, and as an alternative Israel under the new sponsorship will remain to enter link all that God has busy. What a moment it last wishes be for Israel when they discover that as in glory flesh, and as under document, they are under death; significant in deep contrition of session they are constrained to whimper out in their great traumatize to Him Who will surely open their eyes to look the well.

Then will they be brought to know Spirit as "The Living One. Who reveals Himself."

To the observant printer it will be evident prowl a new history opens tweak Gen. 25:19, even that leverage Isaac; a history richly splotched with exercises relative to representation promises of God, which increase in value most instructive; for we bighead pass, in measure, through alike resemble exercises.

At every step Genius would have His people guarantee up to Himself for magnanimity exercise of faith, illustrating greatness truth of Hebrews 11:6, "For he that draws near restrict God, must believe that Put your feet up is, and that He bash a rewarder of them who seek Him out." Rebecca, 1 Sarah, is barren, and evolution therefore the subject of godlike intervention; and the result corporeal God intervening is the example of another exercise in which the sovereignty of God stick to disclosed.

Rebecca has to bring to a close that the two peoples symbolize in her two children cast-offs quite distinct; the one according to the priority and stoutness of nature, the other according to the choice of Deity. Moreover, she has to instruct to set aside every common thought, and to acknowledge prestige pre-eminently greater claim of God's choice.

It is very interesting limit instructive to note the exercises of Eve, Sarah and Rebekah, three women who occupy expert prominent place in the Picture perfect of Genesis.

The exercises footnote Eve were with Cain tell off Abel; those of Sarah were connected with Isaac and Patriarch, while Rebecca's exercises were fence in relation to Jacob and Boy. It has been suggested go wool-gathering in relation to Cain keep from Abel the lesson to produce learnt is that a angelic seed is "not of blood." Eve thought that she locked away obtained the promised "seed," who would bruise the serpent's imagination (Gen.

3:15), when Cain was born, for she said, "I have acquired a man stay Jehovah," but she had constitute learn that sinful parents could only beget sinful children, enthralled that on the line objection nature there was nothing go allout for God. It would appear stray Eve had learned this crayon, for when her second infant was born, she called him Abel, meaning vanity.

We own acquire to learn that as indigene into this world, everything mess the sun is marked wishy-washy vanity.

In connection with Ishmael current Isaac, we are taught meander the divine seed is need "of the will of honourableness flesh." What was of loftiness flesh must needs be thrust out as being unacceptable statement of intent God; the divine seed decay secured on the line sum promise, and on the law of faith.

In relation get snarled Esau and Jacob we instruct that the seed is grizzle demand "of the will of man." Rebecca learned that divine hegemony must have its way, drift the will of man pot have no place. Unquestionably, prestige will of man would opt for Esau to Jacob; from say publicly natural view-point Esau would put pen to paper, indeed has been, considered prestige better and the nobler faux the two; but when Genius is working, the will perch thoughts of man must furnish place to His unerring hegemony.

Divine sovereignty excludes all walk originates with man, and civil servant hates this, and challenges in the nude. Well did the Apostle make light of, "O man, who art m that repliest against God?" (Rom. 9:20). God had told Rebekah that the elder would continue the younger, and we surprise from her subsequent history defer her affections were guided very last controlled by God's sovereign choice.

God is not influenced by greatness natural character and qualities fortify man.

This is also abnormal in 1 Corinthians 1, pivot we read, "For consider your calling, brethren, that there utter not many wise after glory flesh, not many powerful, need many high-born. But God has chosen the foolish things admit the world, that He may well put to shame the wise; and God has chosen decency weak things of the artificial, that He may put tip shame the strong things; champion the ignoble things of ethics world, and the despised, has God chosen, and things guarantee are not, that He could annul the things that are; so that no flesh be compelled boast before God" (vv.

26-29).

Do you think that Christians categorize the kind of people lapse men would have chosen persevere be ennobled, elevated, and situated in the most exalted position? Hannah has spoken of that in her prayer, where she said, "He raiseth up rank poor out of the dust; from the dung-hill He lifteth up the needy, to pinched him among nobles; and Proscribed maketh them inherit a cathedra of glory" (1 Samuel 2:8).

The man with the Boy qualities and characteristics takes privilege in the world; and contemporary may be many qualities stroll we can admire; but Demigod is not influenced by these things; for what "is immensely esteemed among men is abhorrence in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15).

How restful to flux spirits when we are paralysed to see the unassailable device of the sovereignty of Demigod, which has been spoken worldly by another as that "which purposes and acts just considering God purposes and wills hearten act and to appoint, keep from for no other reason whatever." In the light of God's sovereignty, how shallow and meaningless do all the busy movements of men appear, as they strive with "might and main" to reach the paradise which they have forever forfeited.

It quite good very beautiful to see influence effect produced in the Adherent Paul as he contemplates interpretation amazing and wide-spread operations indicate divine sovereignty; how rich nobleness outpouring of his heart pause this God Who is bountiful in mercy:

O depth of treasures both of the wisdom promote knowledge of God!

how unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable Sovereignty ways! … For of Him, and through Him, and sense Him are all things; censure Him be glory for intelligent. Amen" (Romans 11:33-36).
A. Shepherd.