Progression of the Promise
by Michael Shipman
Advent Devotional ~ Day 6
Read Genesis 21:1-8
Waiting. It is something that none of us do well. Even those that appear to outwardly have it all together while waiting, are internally exploding. The most essential perspective of the Christian life, that is better learned earlier than later, is the perspective of God’s sovereign providence. Sadly, many Christians today go through the new life God has purchased for them with the notion that they are the captain of their destiny; this will surely not cause you to lose your salvation (because you can’t) but it will cause you to live in a manner that lacks the joy and peace God has impowered you to receive and experience. This is most easily exposed in the process of what we have called waiting... Here are some reflections on the birth of Isaac and Christ that may aid each of us as we learn to wait upon our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s visitation always produces. Whether it is grace, or gladness, and yes, sometimes gloom; His aseity (His Being) is effectual. The Lord’s promises are always fulfilled, not one exception. Whether it is a promise of blessing, or bounty, and yes, sometimes burden (think Babylonian captivity (See Jeremiah 21-29)). In our passage today we are given a special privilege to see both realities simultaneously (vs 1 “visited.... promised...”). God promised in chapter 15 that He was going to make a great nation from Abraham. Then in chapter 16, Abraham decided to not wait upon God and took matters in his own hands, the birth of Ishmael. God’s promise of His visitation toward Sarah can be read in 17:15-18:15;
that passage is the contextual backdrop for our passage today. What is critical to grasp is that both Abraham and Sarah laughed in disbelief. God’s promise was ridiculous, outlandish, and downright impossible. Their response reflected their theology; but our God was lovingly patient with them.
25 years had passed from the moment of promise to fruition; 25 years is a lot longer than the “express” line at the supermarket...to only find out, it’s not so “express.” None of this turned out as they themselves had planned, and now their laughter of unbelief and mockery have been turned into laughter of Joy. So much so, that they name the manifestation of this promise... Isaac, which means “he laughs.” The time period that Abraham and Sarah walked through during this waiting period could be classified what is called by theologians “The already, and not yet.” Meaning, they had all things in promise form, seed form, in the spoken promise of God. There was no need to doubt or desire anything beyond the promise; only to rest and relish in its reality because of the character of the Promiser.
All accounts in Scripture in some fashion lean, aim, terminate, and find their ultimate meaning in Christ; that is, His eternality, advent, life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and return. This account of Isaac’s birth is no exception. Christ’s advent was first promised only a short time after the Creation and fall (Genesis 3:15). But it did not find it’s fruition until thousands of years later. How well did we wait? Turns out, not good at all. Israel was in a perpetual cycle of pursuing idol after idol (to include human kings) instead of waiting patiently for the One, God had promised. When it was time for Christ to penetrate time and space, Israel was once again found in an adulterous relationship with another pagan god called Rome. But despite all of this, God was faithful to His promise of visiting the virgin. He was faithful to carry out the seed of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, & Joseph.
Reflection
The Progression of God’s promises are sure and immutable (unchanging) because He, Himself is sure and immutable.
Application Questions
1. Why is waiting upon God’s promises difficult? What do you suppose is the root of this difficulty?
2. In what ways can we practically worship while we wait for His second advent?