Promises and Patience
Watch: Pastor Cam’s message entitled “Unwrapped: Finding the Gift of Jesus” (Part 1), and then work through the following.
Scripture Reading: Selected scriptures from the story of Abraham & Sarah, leading to the birth of Isaac (Genesis 12-21)
Summary: As we approach Christmas, many of us are flooded with memories of past celebrations and the joy of giving and receiving gifts. The anticipation and excitement that come with unwrapping presents are a big part of the holiday season. In this devotion, we will explore a similar theme of anticipation through the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis and how it relates to the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ.
Promises: In Genesis, God called Abraham to leave his country and promised to bless him, make his name great, and give his descendants the land He showed him (Genesis 12:1-2, 12:7). Despite being childless and advanced in age, Abraham and Sarah received multiple reassurances from God about this promise. Even though Abraham faced moments of doubt, especially as he neared 80 years old, God's promise remained firm (Genesis 15:4).
Patience: Just like waiting to open Christmas presents, waiting for God's promises requires patience and faith. Hebrews 6:12 reminds us not to be sluggish but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Abraham’s story teaches us that God's timing is perfect, even if it requires waiting and trusting beyond our understanding.
Mistakes in the waiting: In moments of impatience, Sarah offered her servant Hagar to Abraham, resulting in the birth of Ishmael. This decision led to strife and complications, emphasizing the consequences of stepping out of God's will. Despite this, God's plan for Abraham and Sarah remained unchanged.
Promise Fulfilled: The birth of Isaac was the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah, showcasing God's faithfulness and power (Genesis 21:1-4). This miraculous event also foreshadowed the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed.
Unwrapping the Gift of Jesus: Both Isaac and Jesus were promised long before their births, required faithful patience, and were born under miraculous circumstances. These stories highlight God's power and faithfulness, and they invite us to trust in His promises. As we unwrap the story of Abraham and Sarah, we find prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus. God's promises offer us forgiveness, love, the Holy Spirit, peace, victory over sin and death, and the return of our Savior King Jesus.
This Christmas season, let's be reminded of God's promises and find joy in the anticipation of all that He will do. We are now recipients of a glorious inheritance as children of God
Key Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-2, 7; Genesis 13:15-16; Genesis 15:4; Hebrews 6:12; Romans 4:20-21; Genesis 17:16, 19; Genesis 18:14; Genesis 21:1-4; Hebrews 11:11-12; Galatians 4:4-7
Discussion Questions:
How do you feel when you reflect on the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? Did it match the anticipation you had before opening it?
What parallels can you draw between waiting for a Christmas gift and waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled in your life?
How do you handle moments of doubt or impatience when waiting for God’s promises?
What lessons can we learn from Abraham and Sarah's decision to take matters into their own hands by involving Hagar?
How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham through the birth of Isaac strengthen your faith in God's promises for your own life?
Personal Application:
Establish Faith on God’s Word: Just as Abraham trusted in God’s promises, immerse yourself in scripture and hold onto God’s promises, even when circumstances seem challenging.
Depend on the Holy Spirit: Regularly seek guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit to stay aligned with God's will and remain patient in waiting.
Be Obedient to God's Word: Follow God’s instructions and live in obedience, trusting that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
Stay Active in Faith: While waiting for God’s promises, continue to actively serve and live out your faith, knowing that your efforts are not in vain.
Find Joy in Anticipation: Embrace the joy of anticipation, knowing that God’s promises are sure. Let this anticipation fuel your faith and hope in God's faithfulness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
As we reflect on the story of Abraham and Sarah, we are reminded of Your unwavering faithfulness and the power of Your promises. Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of Your promises and the source of our hope and salvation.
Lord, during this Christmas season, help us to remember the joy and anticipation that comes with unwrapping Your promises. Teach us to trust in Your perfect timing and to remain patient and faithful as we wait for Your plans to unfold in our lives. Strengthen our faith, fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and guide us to live in obedience to Your Word.
May we find joy in the anticipation of all that You will do, and may our hearts be filled with peace, love, and gratitude for the inheritance we have as Your children. Thank You for the assurance that Your promises will never fail.
We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.
Amen.
