December 7, 2024

Passage Read: Genesis 21-24
Meditation Verse: 22:21

Thought

This hasn't stood out to me before, but Aram descends from Abraham's own brother. A people who will become an enemy and a snare to Israel is one of their own relatives. Moab, Ammon, Edom and the Ishmaelites, Aram, these are all people who come from Abraham's extended family. And they are all hostile to Israel, often used by God to discipline them. How good, indeed, when brothers dwell together in unity, because it seems so difficult and rare. Enough time passes, and they forget all connection, treating each other as strangers and enemies.

Application

The natural state of man is evil, selfish and greedy, even jealous. There will be wars and rumors of war to the very end of the age. Even family is no guarantee of peace and brotherhood. Only Jesus is. Brothers may honor the relationship for a generation or two, but enough time passes, and the collective memory is lost, even by people who value family history! Descendants are strangers and mistrusted. Only Jesus brings peace and unity, because all must submit their wants and wills to His rule, and only He can change the nature of man. The only sure foundation for loyalty is Jesus Christ, not flesh and blood. I cannot truly trust or entrust myself to anyone who does not truly love and honor Jesus Christ. Nor should I be surprised at the betrayal of anyone who does not love Him first and foremost--even if they look the part.