When God has a future, don’t hang onto the past. God told Abraham that even though he and Sarah were old, they would have a child. Abraham laughed at the thought and then asked about Ishmael. Genesis 17:18 So, Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” [1]
Understandably, Abraham was concerned about Ishmael. More than likely, he assumed Ishmael would be the one to inherit the covenant. By this time, the boy was thirteen and approaching manhood.
But Ishmael represented the past, while Isaac looked forward to the future. Ishmael was the result of human scheming, and Isaac would be a miracle from God. Family dissension resulted when Ishmael was born, but Isaac would bring laughter.
How would Ishmael Fit Into God’s Plan?
Isaac was to be the son of the Covenant, not Ishmael. This can sound unfair to our modern ears as Ishmael had no say about his birth. But God had plans and shared them with Abraham. Genesis 17:20 As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21 But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year.”[2]
There were blessings for Ishmael and his descendants, too. Whether or not they responded by faith would be another matter. Genesis 25: 16 These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped. 17 Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. 18 Ishmael’s descendants occupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur. There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives. [3]
Do You Have an Ishmael?
Abraham would have to let go of his plans for Ishmael to grab a hold of God’s plans for Isaac. We can have similar problems in our lives. Sometimes, we have cherished dreams or earthly desires obstructing our walk forward with God. We want to hang onto the past because we enjoyed it. But we must let go of past things hindering our faith walk with Jesus.
God’s plans are always best. Proverbs 16: 9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. [4] God has unique plans for us and promises to guide us in His ways. Psalm 32: 8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” [5]
When God has a future, don’t hang onto the past. Be willing to let go and trust God for a better future than you could imagine. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.