DAILY TEXT, Today Friday May 13, 2022, Abraham was waiting for the city that has true foundations, of which God is the designer and builder (Heb. 11:10).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday May 13, 2022

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Friday May 13, 2022

Abraham looked forward to the city that has true foundations, of which God is the designer and builder (Heb. 11:10).

Abraham had so much faith in the divine promises that it was as if he could see the Anointed One or Messiah who would be King of the Kingdom of God. That is why Jesus told the Jews: “Your father Abraham rejoiced exceedingly that he would see my day, and he saw it and rejoiced” (John 8:56). It is clear that Abraham knew that his descendants would be part of a Kingdom founded by Jehovah and was willing to wait for him to fulfill his promise. How did Abraham show that he expected the city—or Kingdom—founded by God? First, he did not become a citizen of any earthly kingdom. He decided not to settle down or give his support to a human king. Also, he didn't try to create his own kingdom. Rather, he always obeyed Jehovah and waited for him to fulfill his promise. Thus he demonstrated extraordinary faith in God. w20.08 3 paras. Four. Five

What family complications did Abraham have to deal with?

Abraham's family went through difficult times. His dear wife, Sara, was barren. They lived with that bitter sorrow for many years. In time, she gave Abraham to her servant Hagar as her wife. Thus Sarah and Abraham could have children through Hagar. But, when she became pregnant with Ishmael, she began to despise Sara. Things got so bad that Sarah had Hagar run away from her house (Gen. 16:1-6).

What situations involving Ishmael and Isaac tested Abraham's trust in Jehovah?

Finally, Sarah became pregnant and gave her husband a son, whom he named Isaac. Abraham loved his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. But because Ishmael did not treat Isaac well, Abraham had to send Ishmael and Hagar away (Gen. 21:9-14). Years later, Jehovah asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22:1, 2; Heb. 11:17-19). On both occasions, Abraham had to trust that Jehovah would fulfill what he had promised him about his children.

Why did Abraham have to wait patiently for Jehovah to act?

Throughout this time, Abraham patiently waited for Jehovah to act. He was probably over 70 years old when he and his family left Ur (Gen. 11:31-12:4). And for about a hundred years he lived in tents and traveled through the land of Canaan. He died at 175 years of age (Gen. 25:7). However, he did not see how Jehovah fulfilled the promise to give his descendants the land through which he traveled. He also did not get to see the city established that he expected, the Kingdom of God. Still, the Bible says that he died “satisfied after a long life” (Gen. 25:8). Although he suffered many problems, he kept a strong faith and was willing to wait for Jehovah to act. Why was he able to put up with it? Because he throughout his life had the protection and friendship of Jehovah (Gen. 15: 1; Is. 41: 8; Jas. 2:22, 23).

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