Fifth Symbol of the Jesse Tree: Isaac

By
Fifth Symbol of the Jesse Tree: Isaac (a ram)
(After years of waiting for God’s promise, Abraham and Sarah finally receive a son—Isaac—only to be called to risk his life in a great test of faith. In the end, God provides a different sacrifice so that Isaac would go free.)

Genesis 21: 1-7 and 22: 1-19;
Hebrews 10:4-10

Reflection on Isaac
 by John Isaac McCollum

At birth, I was named John Isaac. I have always  cherished the name John for it represented the Beloved One.  I felt it was a special recognition of love bestowed upon me by my parents.

I did not accept the name Isaac so willingly.
It was a strange name with an odd spelling.
It was not until my studies for confirmation did I grow to appreciate the name of Isaac. I learned that Abraham was willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice of his son to God. God sparing Isaac rewarded Abraham’s faith in God.
          I witnessed this faith in God through the actions of my parents. My father was cured of terminal cancer through faith. My mother was raised without a father, survived multiple thyroid surgeries, and withstood the death of a husband and son in the same year.
Her faith did not falter.
I am thankful that I have not been tested as my parents. Yet come what may, I pray that my faith will be as strong as the faith demonstrated by my parents and exemplified by Abraham. Come what may, I know that God will provide.

(more about Isaac and the story of how he met his wife, Rebekah, at the well can be found in Genesis 24)


 __________________________________________________________________

Kids Corner

Discussion:  Abraham worried and wanted his Isaac to have a good wife...so he prayed for it.  Do you pray for things you worry about?  What are some things you worry about? Can you talk to God and pray right now?


Activity: "Godly Play" is a great way to tell Bible stories with little ones.  Even bigger kids enjoy retelling and exploring the stories through things found at home.  Here is a great example of Isaac and Rebecca's story: http://ourcountryroad.blogspot.com/2011/04/isaac-and-rebekah-story-box-godly-play.html?m=1

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for answered prayers. Amen


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Seventh Symbol of the Jesse Tree: 12 Tribes of Israel

By
Image
Seventh Symbol of the Jesse Tree: 12 Tribes of Israel And Israel (previously named Jacob) had 12 sons who didn't all get along (despite their Father's dying attempt to gather them together for blessing and peace...). These sons became the 12 tribes of Israel. Genesis 49:1-28  God could have chosen any tribe or any family lineage--God could have skipped the family drama and tribal violence of the Old Testament tribes, but God chose to remain faithful to those ancient promises. God chose to root new  life and new  peace in a previously violent story. Praise be to God!  Just for fun: Which of the Twelve Tribes of Israel are you? (online personality quiz)  Tribe of Jesus: · Matthew 1:1–6 and Luke 3:31-34  describe Jesus as the tribe of Judah . ( “Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” ~Revelation 5:5) ·   Mary, Jesus’ mother, was also related to Elizabeth who came fr
Read more

Eleventh Jesse Tree Symbol: Gideon's Clay Pitcher

By
Image
Eleventh Jesse Tree Symbol: Gideon's clay pitcher The Israelites enter the promised land, but the next generation stops worshipping God. When enemy armies attack and conquer them, the  Israelites turn back to God and cry out. God--in grace--raises up a judges (like Gideon) who leads Israel back to victory.  Gideon 6:11-16, 7:19-23 (or all of 6-8 if you're feeling ambitious)   Gideon--Peace by Karlie Harper I love the story of Gideon because it is an underdog story. In this story we see a man who is so full of doubt of himself that he does not recognize the Spirit of the Lord sitting right in front of him. For someone like me who battles doubt and anxiety, this story is particularly meaningful.  In the verses we see the Lord trying to build up Gideon’s courage by calling him a “might warrior” and telling him “Peace, do not be afraid”. But Gideon, not unlike myself, doesn’t listen to his Lord right away. If we read the story we go on to learn how Gideon—the weakest
Read more

Twelfth Symbol of the Jesse tree: Ruth's wheat

By
Image
Jesse Tree Symbol #12: Ruth, shaft of wheat I n the days of the Judges, famine left an Israelite woman named Naomi widowed and without both her sons. As she moved back to her hometown, one daughter-in-law (Ruth) stayed with her. This  penniless  foreigner--this outsider--Ruth was cared for and brought in to the Israelite family tree... the roots of Christ  Ruth 1:6-9,15-18; 2:1-12 and 16 Matthew 1:1-5                                       Reflection b y Peg Powell After reading these passages in Ruth, I was reminded of one of my favorite stories. Long ago, there was a mayor who lived with his only son in the hills of China. None of them in this village owned a horse, but one day, out of the blue, a stallion appeared at the mayor’s home.  All of the people exclaimed, “How lucky you are.” The mayor said, “We’ll see.” A few days later, the stallion disappeared, and all of the town’s people said,” How sad.” The mayor said, “We’ll see.” A week later the stallion retu
Read more