WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.140 Good morning. My name is Matthew Capone and I'm one of the pastors here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church and it's my joy to bring God's word to you today. 00:00:11.140 --> 00:00:20.560 Today we are continuing this morning our series in the book of Genesis which we were in, you'll remember, last summer. 00:00:20.800 --> 00:00:30.699 Last summer, summer 2025, we were in the story of Abraham. Of course, Genesis tells the larger story, the origin story of God's people, Israel. 00:00:30.699 --> 00:00:35.439 And so last summer we were in chapters 11 through 25 which talk about Abraham. 00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:43.539 This summer we're in the story of Isaac and Jacob, mostly Jacob, chapters 25 through 36. 00:00:44.140 --> 00:00:54.159 And to a certain extent, it's kind of the same theme of last summer. Remember our question was, what does it look like to follow God in faith? 00:00:54.739 --> 00:01:02.619 And that will continue in the Isaac-Jacob story. We're also going to see some new layers though, some new themes that get special emphasis. 00:01:02.619 --> 00:01:09.719 One of them was introduced last week. Andy talked about this, this emphasis on God's faithfulness. 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:19.900 So we have God's faithfulness to his covenant in the midst of human failure. Remember Andy pointed out last week that there's no good guys in the story. 00:01:20.019 --> 00:01:29.599 Everyone's flawed and imperfect. God's faithfulness also, and this is kind of the emphasis this week, God's faithfulness generation by generation. 00:01:29.599 --> 00:01:37.759 So we finished chapter 25 last week, the birth of the twins, Jacob and Esau, to Isaac and Rebekah. 00:01:38.039 --> 00:01:42.799 This week we're starting chapter 26, which is actually moving back in time. 00:01:43.299 --> 00:01:48.899 So chapter 26 is going to tell us about some things that happened before the birth of the twins, 00:01:48.899 --> 00:01:54.899 and it is about Isaac taking on the mantle of Abraham. 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:59.140 And so you're going to hear some things, if you were with us last year, that sound familiar, 00:01:59.140 --> 00:02:02.760 because there's going to be some repetition from chapter 12. 00:02:03.260 --> 00:02:07.560 When God comes to Abraham, he's now going to say the same things to Isaac. 00:02:08.120 --> 00:02:14.500 And so this passage, this chapter, is ultimately about God's faithfulness to his covenant. 00:02:14.500 --> 00:02:20.159 So with that, I invite you to turn with me to Genesis chapter 26. 00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:23.759 You'll find it on page 7 of your worship guide. 00:02:23.860 --> 00:02:29.979 And as we turn to it, remember, Proverbs chapter 30 tells us every word of God proves true. 00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:34.819 He's a shield to those who take refuge in him. 00:02:35.520 --> 00:02:39.620 And so that's why we read now Genesis 26, starting at verse 1. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:46.480 Now there was a famine in the land besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. 00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:51.480 And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech, king of the Philistines. 00:02:52.039 --> 00:02:54.080 And the Lord appeared to him and said, 00:02:54.620 --> 00:02:56.319 Do not go down to Egypt. 00:02:57.180 --> 00:02:59.680 Dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:05.300 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you. 00:03:05.300 --> 00:03:09.920 For to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands. 00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:16.000 And I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham, your father. 00:03:16.980 --> 00:03:20.800 And I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, 00:03:21.180 --> 00:03:24.920 and will give to your offspring all these lands. 00:03:25.860 --> 00:03:30.460 And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. 00:03:30.460 --> 00:03:34.900 Because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, 00:03:35.360 --> 00:03:38.640 my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. 00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:43.120 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:03:44.640 --> 00:03:49.580 Our Father in heaven, we do this morning praise you and thank you once again 00:03:49.580 --> 00:03:53.719 that you have brought us together on a Sunday morning 00:03:53.719 --> 00:03:57.040 to sing praises to you, to hear from you in your word. 00:03:57.039 --> 00:04:00.679 Lord, we ask that you would pour out your Holy Spirit 00:04:00.679 --> 00:04:04.659 in a powerful and special way among us here and now. 00:04:05.159 --> 00:04:07.599 That you'd be at work by your word. 00:04:08.340 --> 00:04:11.840 That you would open up our eyes, you'd unstop our ears. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:15.459 That you would soften our hearts, you'd clear our minds. 00:04:15.819 --> 00:04:19.379 That we would be able to see and hear and believe and understand 00:04:19.379 --> 00:04:22.199 everything that you've written for us in your word. 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:25.420 Most of all, we ask that you would set our eyes on Jesus, 00:04:25.420 --> 00:04:26.980 that we would see him clearly, 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:30.800 that he would be more beautiful to us than ever before. 00:04:31.340 --> 00:04:34.540 And we ask all of these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:35.140 --> 00:04:35.360 Amen. 00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:43.639 There is an important concept in police work or criminal investigations 00:04:43.639 --> 00:04:47.860 that I imagine some of you are already familiar with, 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:51.500 and it is the idea of a chain of custody. 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:57.939 And the chain of custody is a list of who had an item in their possession 00:04:57.939 --> 00:05:01.020 and when they had that item. 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:03.180 So imagine there's a crime scene, 00:05:03.819 --> 00:05:06.680 you come to the scene, you're the police after the fact, 00:05:06.720 --> 00:05:08.500 and there's a knife there at the scene, 00:05:08.600 --> 00:05:09.540 and so you pick it up. 00:05:10.139 --> 00:05:14.120 At that point, you have to keep track of who has the knife 00:05:14.120 --> 00:05:17.819 and when they had it from the moment it is taken. 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:21.420 And if there's a gap in the chain of custody, 00:05:21.560 --> 00:05:25.680 well, it's going to be very hard for you to use that knife as evidence. 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:27.819 So you take me to court, and you could say, 00:05:27.899 --> 00:05:31.060 Matthew, your fingerprints are on the knife. 00:05:31.600 --> 00:05:32.899 We think you're the murderer. 00:05:33.560 --> 00:05:36.300 And I would say, okay, show me your chain of custody. 00:05:36.300 --> 00:05:38.360 Because if there's a gap, 00:05:39.579 --> 00:05:43.660 we know that's when you planted my fingerprint on the knife. 00:05:45.100 --> 00:05:49.319 You have to prove that you knew where it was at all times. 00:05:49.939 --> 00:05:50.960 Now you might be wondering, 00:05:51.220 --> 00:05:54.180 what in the world does chain of custody have to do 00:05:54.180 --> 00:05:56.560 with the book of Genesis chapter 26? 00:05:57.460 --> 00:05:59.600 I'm glad you're wondering that because I'm going to tell you. 00:06:00.340 --> 00:06:04.019 September 2025, we ended the Abraham story, 00:06:04.019 --> 00:06:06.500 and then we return to our series in the book of Genesis. 00:06:07.039 --> 00:06:09.699 And in the first half of Genesis chapter 25, 00:06:09.919 --> 00:06:12.139 which we looked at September of last year, 00:06:12.659 --> 00:06:13.599 Abraham dies. 00:06:14.819 --> 00:06:17.579 And Abraham's death raises this question, 00:06:18.079 --> 00:06:23.359 who will inherit the promises that God made? 00:06:24.299 --> 00:06:27.039 God made promises to Abraham over and over again. 00:06:27.319 --> 00:06:29.459 He gave him these blessings, these commands, 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:34.000 these promises in Genesis chapter 12 and 13 and 15 and 17. 00:06:34.019 --> 00:06:38.399 They were promises about land and offspring 00:06:38.399 --> 00:06:40.339 and blessing to the nations. 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:43.740 God said that he was going to make Abraham's name great. 00:06:43.879 --> 00:06:45.859 He said that Abraham was going to inherit 00:06:45.859 --> 00:06:47.659 and possess the land of Canaan, 00:06:47.979 --> 00:06:49.259 and that not just a king, 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:54.060 but kings would come from Abraham's line. 00:06:55.359 --> 00:06:56.779 So the big picture, 00:06:57.359 --> 00:06:59.399 the main point of this passage, 00:06:59.519 --> 00:07:00.919 these first five verses, 00:07:00.920 --> 00:07:02.160 is this, 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:02.180 is this, 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:07.660 to confirm that God's promises to Abraham 00:07:07.660 --> 00:07:11.939 do indeed pass to Isaac. 00:07:13.200 --> 00:07:15.580 The point is to confirm, 00:07:15.740 --> 00:07:19.759 to validate that in fact Isaac is the right heir, 00:07:19.860 --> 00:07:24.200 the one to receive everything given to his father. 00:07:24.580 --> 00:07:26.700 In fact, it's explicit in verse three. 00:07:26.699 --> 00:07:33.399 I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham, 00:07:33.399 --> 00:07:35.399 your father. 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:41.279 So chapter 26 is giving us the chain of custody 00:07:41.279 --> 00:07:43.019 of God's promises. 00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:45.740 By the way, this is going to continue throughout the book. 00:07:46.219 --> 00:07:48.139 So we see it go from Abraham to Isaac. 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:52.560 Isaac then is going to bless Jacob, chapter 27. 00:07:52.719 --> 00:07:53.699 If you're familiar with the story, 00:07:53.699 --> 00:07:55.339 you know it's a stolen blessing. 00:07:56.079 --> 00:07:57.180 And then what happens? 00:07:57.360 --> 00:07:58.899 Jacob, near the end of Genesis, 00:07:59.039 --> 00:08:01.099 is then going to pass the blessing on 00:08:01.099 --> 00:08:03.259 to the 12 tribes of Israel. 00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:05.399 So this is the first transfer, 00:08:05.579 --> 00:08:07.480 but not the last, in the book. 00:08:09.219 --> 00:08:11.399 We've gotten ahead of ourselves a little bit though. 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:14.139 There's three things we're going to look at this morning 00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:17.639 as we see God's faithfulness to his covenant. 00:08:17.899 --> 00:08:19.379 And the three things are faith, 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:21.860 and promise, and mission. 00:08:21.860 --> 00:08:23.580 You don't need to write those down. 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:25.379 They're on page seven of your worship guide 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:29.300 because they're conveniently the title of the sermon. 00:08:30.040 --> 00:08:31.840 So let's look first at faith. 00:08:32.500 --> 00:08:33.519 Verse one tells us, 00:08:33.680 --> 00:08:35.360 now there was a famine in the land 00:08:35.360 --> 00:08:38.740 besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. 00:08:39.539 --> 00:08:41.720 And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech, 00:08:41.879 --> 00:08:43.480 king of the Philistines. 00:08:43.840 --> 00:08:46.860 So the former famine is referring to Genesis chapter 12. 00:08:47.279 --> 00:08:48.460 You may remember this. 00:08:48.460 --> 00:08:50.300 Abraham experienced a famine, 00:08:50.440 --> 00:08:51.980 and so then Abraham goes down to Egypt. 00:08:52.400 --> 00:08:54.200 The larger point though here, 00:08:54.320 --> 00:08:55.440 the reason he's telling us, 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:57.019 hey, there was a famine before, 00:08:57.240 --> 00:08:58.900 is not really about the famines. 00:08:59.460 --> 00:09:01.600 It's part of this larger comparison 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:02.780 that he's making to say, 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:05.460 look, I want you to see all the ways 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:08.759 in which Abraham is connected to Isaac. 00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:10.660 Remember, that's the focus of this passage. 00:09:10.780 --> 00:09:12.440 So link Abraham to Isaac. 00:09:12.840 --> 00:09:13.740 Abraham had a famine. 00:09:13.920 --> 00:09:14.920 Isaac has a famine. 00:09:14.919 --> 00:09:17.419 And therefore, get again and again 00:09:17.419 --> 00:09:21.740 at this continuity of God's faithfulness to his people. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:23.879 Abraham faced a famine. 00:09:24.459 --> 00:09:26.379 Isaac faces a famine. 00:09:27.079 --> 00:09:29.479 Now, what do you want to do if you're in a famine? 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:32.279 If you're in a famine, 00:09:32.779 --> 00:09:36.360 the logical thing would be for you to go down to Egypt. 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:37.500 Why? 00:09:38.360 --> 00:09:39.519 Well, the reason there's a famine, 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:40.279 most likely, 00:09:40.459 --> 00:09:42.599 is that there's not enough water. 00:09:42.600 --> 00:09:44.139 And who has water? 00:09:45.379 --> 00:09:46.600 Egypt has water. 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:49.580 There is this thing called the Nile River. 00:09:50.659 --> 00:09:53.620 What did Abraham do when he faced a famine? 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:56.779 Abraham, chapter 12, goes down to Egypt. 00:09:57.220 --> 00:09:59.800 So Isaac here is doing the logical, rational, 00:10:00.040 --> 00:10:02.120 smart, wise, prudent thing. 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:07.279 He is most likely starting his trip down to Egypt. 00:10:07.639 --> 00:10:08.600 So he goes to Gerar, 00:10:08.700 --> 00:10:11.440 which is closer to the coast than Bir-le-Hi-Roi, 00:10:11.440 --> 00:10:12.600 which is where he is. 00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:15.880 And what happens next, then, 00:10:16.360 --> 00:10:18.520 should come to us as a surprise. 00:10:19.420 --> 00:10:21.820 Verse 1, Abraham's doing the smart thing. 00:10:22.700 --> 00:10:23.300 Verse 2, 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:25.320 the Lord appeared to him and said, 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:29.180 do not go down to Egypt. 00:10:29.179 --> 00:10:32.179 That's a big ask. 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:36.459 A command is counterintuitive, 00:10:36.559 --> 00:10:39.019 but it goes against all human wisdom. 00:10:39.579 --> 00:10:41.519 And it's not just that he's not going to go down 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:42.719 to where the Nile is, 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:43.919 to where all the water is. 00:10:44.120 --> 00:10:45.620 It's going to be even worse than that. 00:10:45.699 --> 00:10:46.359 Verse 3, 00:10:47.359 --> 00:10:48.199 he tells him, 00:10:48.439 --> 00:10:50.539 sojourn in this land. 00:10:50.939 --> 00:10:52.639 If you're familiar with Old Testament words, 00:10:52.739 --> 00:10:53.919 you know that a sojourner 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:55.319 is a foreigner, 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:56.000 an immigrant. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:58.480 So a sojourner is always at a disadvantage. 00:10:59.039 --> 00:11:00.559 They are in a place of political 00:11:00.559 --> 00:11:01.980 and social vulnerability. 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:03.580 So don't go to Egypt. 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:06.019 Actually stay in this other place 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:06.740 where you're standing. 00:11:06.940 --> 00:11:07.940 That's a little shaky. 00:11:07.940 --> 00:11:12.200 And so, 00:11:12.660 --> 00:11:15.360 what happens here with Isaac 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:16.320 is similar, 00:11:16.740 --> 00:11:17.600 once again, 00:11:18.020 --> 00:11:19.340 to what happened with Abraham 00:11:19.340 --> 00:11:21.360 in chapter 12. 00:11:22.540 --> 00:11:23.460 Chapter 12, 00:11:24.400 --> 00:11:24.780 Abraham 00:11:24.780 --> 00:11:27.280 had to exercise faith 00:11:27.280 --> 00:11:28.900 when God said, 00:11:29.460 --> 00:11:29.660 go. 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:32.680 Chapter 26, 00:11:33.640 --> 00:11:34.080 Isaac 00:11:34.080 --> 00:11:36.660 must exercise faith 00:11:36.660 --> 00:11:37.860 when God 00:11:37.860 --> 00:11:38.740 says 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:39.720 stay. 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:42.879 Abraham 00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:44.280 has to have faith 00:11:44.280 --> 00:11:44.700 to go. 00:11:45.300 --> 00:11:45.780 Isaac 00:11:45.780 --> 00:11:47.040 has to have faith 00:11:47.040 --> 00:11:47.960 to stay. 00:11:53.060 --> 00:11:53.620 Now, 00:11:53.680 --> 00:11:54.160 as I mentioned, 00:11:54.300 --> 00:11:55.460 staying away from Egypt 00:11:55.460 --> 00:11:56.840 is a big ask. 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:58.560 And because it's a big ask, 00:11:58.780 --> 00:12:00.300 it also requires 00:12:00.300 --> 00:12:01.680 a big 00:12:01.680 --> 00:12:02.700 promise. 00:12:02.700 --> 00:12:02.780 promise. 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:04.940 Remember I told you, 00:12:05.420 --> 00:12:06.360 we're talking about faith, 00:12:06.640 --> 00:12:07.020 promise, 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:07.920 and mission. 00:12:08.800 --> 00:12:09.740 We talked about the faith, 00:12:09.940 --> 00:12:10.700 that's what it requires 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:11.800 for Abraham to stay. 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:13.840 Now that moves us, 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:15.220 it helps us understand 00:12:15.220 --> 00:12:16.000 why God then 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:16.660 immediately 00:12:16.660 --> 00:12:18.140 goes on to explain 00:12:18.140 --> 00:12:19.500 his promise. 00:12:20.060 --> 00:12:20.620 That's in verses 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.860 three and four. 00:12:22.620 --> 00:12:23.720 Sojourn in this land 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:24.840 and I will be with you 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:25.960 and will bless you. 00:12:26.400 --> 00:12:27.060 For to you 00:12:27.060 --> 00:12:27.840 and to your offspring 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:29.280 I will give all these lands. 00:12:30.060 --> 00:12:31.000 And I will establish 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:31.640 the oath 00:12:31.639 --> 00:12:33.019 that I swore to Abraham, 00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:34.299 your father. 00:12:35.100 --> 00:12:36.139 I will multiply 00:12:36.139 --> 00:12:36.879 your offspring 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:38.480 as the stars of heaven 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:39.819 and I will give 00:12:39.819 --> 00:12:40.580 to your offspring 00:12:40.580 --> 00:12:42.699 all these lands. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.620 And in your offspring 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:46.399 all the nations 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:47.720 of the earth 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:49.100 shall be blessed. 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:52.399 Yes, Abraham, 00:12:53.120 --> 00:12:55.039 what I am telling you 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:55.620 to do 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:57.559 makes no sense 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:59.319 from a human perspective. 00:12:59.320 --> 00:13:00.900 but 00:13:00.900 --> 00:13:02.220 and 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:03.160 verse three 00:13:03.160 --> 00:13:03.760 you will have 00:13:03.760 --> 00:13:04.520 my presence 00:13:04.520 --> 00:13:05.520 and my blessing. 00:13:07.200 --> 00:13:07.760 But 00:13:07.760 --> 00:13:08.340 and 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:09.100 verse three 00:13:09.100 --> 00:13:10.420 everything I promised 00:13:10.420 --> 00:13:11.100 to Abraham 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:12.180 is now given 00:13:12.180 --> 00:13:13.200 to you. 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:14.020 Yes, 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:15.100 verse three 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:16.080 you will 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:17.760 receive the land 00:13:17.760 --> 00:13:18.980 to you and your offspring 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:19.600 I will give 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.520 all these lands. 00:13:21.060 --> 00:13:21.379 Verse four 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:22.340 he repeats it again 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:23.440 not just the land 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:24.340 but the lands 00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:24.800 plural. 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:26.399 verse four 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:28.959 your people 00:13:28.959 --> 00:13:30.240 will be as many 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:33.259 as the stars 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:34.679 of the heavens. 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:36.639 Yeah, 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:37.639 it doesn't make sense 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:38.620 for you to stay in Gerar 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:40.139 but you know what? 00:13:40.679 --> 00:13:41.799 I'll be with you 00:13:41.799 --> 00:13:43.179 I'll bless you. 00:13:44.679 --> 00:13:45.799 The promise 00:13:45.799 --> 00:13:48.379 is even greater 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:50.019 than the command. 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:52.059 The promise 00:13:52.059 --> 00:13:52.740 to Abraham 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:53.960 is now 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:54.740 the promise 00:13:54.740 --> 00:13:55.919 to Isaac. 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:58.220 In case we missed it 00:13:58.220 --> 00:14:00.120 in these five verses 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:01.579 Abraham's name 00:14:01.579 --> 00:14:02.960 appears three times 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:03.720 verse one 00:14:03.720 --> 00:14:04.860 verse three 00:14:04.860 --> 00:14:06.079 verse five. 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:08.100 He's going to give 00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:08.659 Abraham 00:14:08.659 --> 00:14:10.059 and now he's going 00:14:10.059 --> 00:14:10.779 to give Isaac 00:14:10.779 --> 00:14:11.679 land 00:14:11.679 --> 00:14:12.579 and people 00:14:12.579 --> 00:14:13.899 and blessing. 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:16.179 Yeah, 00:14:16.240 --> 00:14:17.139 it doesn't make sense 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:19.179 from a human perspective 00:14:19.179 --> 00:14:20.759 to stay in Gerar 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:23.039 and it also 00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:23.699 doesn't matter 00:14:23.699 --> 00:14:25.939 and it doesn't matter 00:14:25.939 --> 00:14:27.159 because God 00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:28.179 has promised 00:14:28.179 --> 00:14:29.539 his presence 00:14:29.539 --> 00:14:31.120 and his blessing 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:32.500 to Isaac. 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:40.639 Point is this 00:14:40.639 --> 00:14:42.019 and we talked 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:42.779 about this before 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:44.419 obedience 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:45.620 to God's 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:46.159 commands 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:49.000 are always 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:49.740 enabled 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:50.919 by belief 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:51.839 in his promises. 00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:54.399 Obedience 00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:55.360 to God's 00:14:55.360 --> 00:14:55.939 commands 00:14:55.939 --> 00:14:57.279 always find 00:14:57.279 --> 00:14:58.120 their power 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:59.139 their motivation 00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:00.620 in the promises 00:15:00.620 --> 00:15:01.379 he's made 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.079 to his people. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.659 Faith 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:05.259 and promise 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:06.199 always 00:15:06.199 --> 00:15:07.399 go together. 00:15:08.319 --> 00:15:09.500 It is not 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:10.079 a coincidence 00:15:10.079 --> 00:15:11.299 that God 00:15:11.299 --> 00:15:12.480 says stay 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:14.000 and then 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:14.819 immediately 00:15:14.820 --> 00:15:16.120 reminds 00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:17.000 Isaac 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.200 why. 00:15:20.400 --> 00:15:21.080 God's 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:21.500 commands 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:22.300 for us 00:15:22.300 --> 00:15:23.520 also 00:15:23.520 --> 00:15:24.400 go 00:15:24.400 --> 00:15:25.180 against 00:15:25.180 --> 00:15:26.360 human wisdom. 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:28.280 They're also 00:15:28.280 --> 00:15:29.400 counterintuitive. 00:15:29.540 --> 00:15:30.379 They are also 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.220 things that 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:32.520 don't make sense. 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:33.840 Wait, 00:15:33.900 --> 00:15:34.220 so you're 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:34.940 telling me 00:15:34.940 --> 00:15:35.340 God 00:15:35.340 --> 00:15:37.400 that abundance 00:15:37.400 --> 00:15:38.620 in this life 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:40.420 actually comes 00:15:40.420 --> 00:15:40.980 from giving 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:41.660 things away. 00:15:41.659 --> 00:15:43.779 doesn't make 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:44.299 any sense. 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.059 God 00:15:46.059 --> 00:15:46.819 says be 00:15:46.819 --> 00:15:47.399 generous 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:48.719 that's the 00:15:48.719 --> 00:15:49.079 command 00:15:49.079 --> 00:15:51.000 and then he 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:51.459 says I will 00:15:51.459 --> 00:15:52.339 provide for you. 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:53.860 That's the 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:54.219 promise. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:56.120 Wait, 00:15:56.219 --> 00:15:56.819 you're telling 00:15:56.819 --> 00:15:57.439 me that 00:15:57.439 --> 00:15:58.139 satisfaction 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:59.059 in this 00:15:59.059 --> 00:15:59.579 life 00:15:59.579 --> 00:16:00.559 over against 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:00.879 what the 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.480 world tells 00:16:01.480 --> 00:16:01.639 me 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:02.139 actually 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:02.699 comes 00:16:02.699 --> 00:16:02.980 from 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:04.039 containing 00:16:04.039 --> 00:16:05.819 and restraining 00:16:05.819 --> 00:16:06.259 sex 00:16:06.259 --> 00:16:06.699 so that it's 00:16:06.699 --> 00:16:07.579 only within 00:16:07.579 --> 00:16:08.039 marriage. 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:09.740 that doesn't 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.219 make sense. 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:11.959 God 00:16:11.959 --> 00:16:12.719 says be 00:16:12.719 --> 00:16:13.120 pure 00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:13.799 in heart. 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:14.919 That's the 00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:15.259 command. 00:16:16.579 --> 00:16:17.000 And then he 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:17.459 says I will 00:16:17.459 --> 00:16:18.120 give you 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:18.719 real 00:16:18.719 --> 00:16:19.819 and true 00:16:19.819 --> 00:16:20.379 joy. 00:16:21.579 --> 00:16:22.179 Joy 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:22.620 that the 00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:23.000 world 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:23.360 cannot 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:23.759 offer 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:24.279 to you. 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:25.879 That's the 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:26.240 promise. 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:27.659 Wait, 00:16:27.719 --> 00:16:28.059 so you're 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:28.679 telling me 00:16:28.679 --> 00:16:28.899 God 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.599 that true 00:16:29.599 --> 00:16:30.360 and real 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.179 and lasting 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:31.819 and full 00:16:31.819 --> 00:16:32.399 and final 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.159 justice 00:16:33.159 --> 00:16:34.860 come from 00:16:34.860 --> 00:16:35.379 trusting 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.120 you 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.659 and not 00:16:37.659 --> 00:16:37.860 from 00:16:37.860 --> 00:16:38.200 taking 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:38.779 revenge. 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.480 Doesn't 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:42.000 make sense. 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:44.919 God 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:46.080 says trust 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:46.820 me. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:48.139 That's the 00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:48.440 command. 00:16:49.560 --> 00:16:50.740 I will 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.480 punish 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:52.340 the wicked. 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:53.560 That's the 00:16:53.560 --> 00:16:53.860 promise. 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:57.060 Trust me. 00:16:57.940 --> 00:16:58.299 Believe 00:16:58.299 --> 00:16:58.799 me. 00:16:59.320 --> 00:17:00.100 I'm 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:00.639 actually the 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:00.960 one who 00:17:00.960 --> 00:17:01.299 has the 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:02.100 good stuff, 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:02.740 the best 00:17:02.740 --> 00:17:03.220 stuff, 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:04.339 the real 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.119 stuff. 00:17:06.119 --> 00:17:06.919 Faith 00:17:06.919 --> 00:17:08.219 and promise 00:17:08.219 --> 00:17:09.759 go together. 00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:11.859 And so 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:12.399 the command 00:17:12.399 --> 00:17:12.959 in verse 00:17:12.959 --> 00:17:13.379 two, 00:17:14.059 --> 00:17:14.459 do not 00:17:14.459 --> 00:17:14.819 go down 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:15.319 to Egypt 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:15.959 is in 00:17:15.959 --> 00:17:16.799 some sense 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:17.439 actually a 00:17:17.439 --> 00:17:17.839 question. 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:20.139 Do you 00:17:20.139 --> 00:17:21.019 trust me 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:22.659 more than 00:17:22.659 --> 00:17:23.179 you trust 00:17:23.179 --> 00:17:23.459 what you 00:17:23.459 --> 00:17:24.019 can see 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:24.500 with your 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:24.839 eyes? 00:17:25.979 --> 00:17:26.679 Do you 00:17:26.679 --> 00:17:27.239 believe that 00:17:27.239 --> 00:17:27.639 I am 00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:27.819 going to 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:28.359 provide for 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:28.579 you? 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.139 Do you 00:17:30.139 --> 00:17:30.559 believe my 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.099 promises 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:32.119 are real 00:17:32.119 --> 00:17:33.239 and true? 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:35.759 are you 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:35.940 going to 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:36.200 put me 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:36.559 first? 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:37.779 Are you 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:37.880 going to 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:38.140 put me 00:17:38.140 --> 00:17:38.660 first not 00:17:38.660 --> 00:17:39.039 just in 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:39.640 the words 00:17:39.640 --> 00:17:40.000 that you 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:40.440 say and 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:40.859 the songs 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.140 that you 00:17:41.140 --> 00:17:41.599 sing in 00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:41.880 Sunday 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:42.279 morning? 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:42.620 Are you 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:42.839 going to 00:17:42.839 --> 00:17:43.240 put me 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:45.359 first when 00:17:45.359 --> 00:17:45.839 the rubber 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:46.359 meets the 00:17:46.359 --> 00:17:46.620 road? 00:17:47.819 --> 00:17:48.460 Do you 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:48.940 really 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:50.380 believe? 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:53.380 Jesus 00:17:53.380 --> 00:17:54.200 says something 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:54.779 similar to 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:55.220 us in 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:55.440 Matthew 00:17:55.440 --> 00:17:55.779 chapter 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:56.200 six, 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:58.140 but seek 00:17:58.140 --> 00:17:59.099 first the 00:17:59.099 --> 00:17:59.900 kingdom of 00:17:59.900 --> 00:18:00.940 God and 00:18:00.940 --> 00:18:01.180 his 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:01.740 righteousness 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:03.380 and all 00:18:03.380 --> 00:18:04.320 these things 00:18:04.320 --> 00:18:05.180 will be 00:18:05.180 --> 00:18:06.220 added to 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:06.500 you. 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:08.480 Seek 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:08.860 first the 00:18:08.860 --> 00:18:09.300 kingdom of 00:18:09.300 --> 00:18:09.680 God, 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:10.720 command. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:13.019 All these 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:13.780 things will 00:18:13.780 --> 00:18:14.580 be added to 00:18:14.580 --> 00:18:15.040 you, 00:18:15.940 --> 00:18:16.220 promise. 00:18:17.540 --> 00:18:18.640 Faith and 00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:20.100 promise always 00:18:20.100 --> 00:18:21.280 go together. 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:26.700 Okay, 00:18:26.800 --> 00:18:27.580 I promised 00:18:27.580 --> 00:18:28.340 you faith and 00:18:28.340 --> 00:18:28.920 promise and 00:18:28.920 --> 00:18:29.259 mission. 00:18:29.259 --> 00:18:29.839 We've seen 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:30.339 faith. 00:18:31.579 --> 00:18:32.119 Abraham had 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:32.700 to exercise 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:33.599 to stay. 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.019 We've seen 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:35.839 God's promise 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:36.259 of his 00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:37.019 presence and 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:37.660 his blessing 00:18:37.660 --> 00:18:38.240 to enable 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:38.539 that. 00:18:38.619 --> 00:18:39.160 That takes 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:40.519 us to 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.000 the idea 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:41.779 of mission. 00:18:42.059 --> 00:18:42.339 Remember, 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:42.759 we talked 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:43.119 about this 00:18:43.119 --> 00:18:43.519 back in 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:44.420 chapter 12. 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:45.140 God's 00:18:45.140 --> 00:18:46.180 blessing is 00:18:46.180 --> 00:18:46.619 not just 00:18:46.619 --> 00:18:47.279 for Abraham, 00:18:47.559 --> 00:18:47.879 not just 00:18:47.879 --> 00:18:48.539 for Isaac, 00:18:48.680 --> 00:18:49.039 not just 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:49.519 for their 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.140 line. 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:50.900 No, 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:51.700 the blessing 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:52.920 to Abraham 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:53.759 and Isaac 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:54.279 is, 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:54.660 verse 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:55.240 four, 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.339 for a 00:18:57.339 --> 00:18:57.960 blessing 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:59.480 to the 00:18:59.480 --> 00:18:59.900 nations. 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:02.079 I will 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:02.480 multiply 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:02.819 your 00:19:02.819 --> 00:19:03.319 offspring 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:04.880 as the 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:05.360 stars of 00:19:05.360 --> 00:19:06.440 heaven and 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:06.799 will give 00:19:06.799 --> 00:19:07.079 to your 00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:07.700 offspring all 00:19:07.700 --> 00:19:08.299 these lands. 00:19:08.840 --> 00:19:09.299 That's great. 00:19:10.120 --> 00:19:10.819 And in 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.220 your 00:19:11.220 --> 00:19:11.819 offspring, 00:19:12.279 --> 00:19:13.319 all the 00:19:13.319 --> 00:19:14.340 nations of 00:19:14.340 --> 00:19:14.960 the earth 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.720 shall be 00:19:15.720 --> 00:19:16.120 blessed. 00:19:16.860 --> 00:19:17.900 So yes, 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:18.420 it is a 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:19.319 blessing to 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:19.759 you. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:20.840 It's not 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:21.279 less than 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:21.539 that. 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:23.019 But it is 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:23.640 more than 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:23.940 that. 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:24.259 it is 00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:24.880 also a 00:19:24.880 --> 00:19:25.299 blessing 00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:26.539 through 00:19:26.539 --> 00:19:27.779 you. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:29.720 How will 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:30.000 all the 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.580 nations be 00:19:30.580 --> 00:19:30.900 blessed? 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:32.779 Well, 00:19:32.820 --> 00:19:33.180 we talked 00:19:33.180 --> 00:19:33.559 about it 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:33.940 in chapter 00:19:33.940 --> 00:19:34.500 12. 00:19:35.600 --> 00:19:36.039 Jim read 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:36.400 it for 00:19:36.400 --> 00:19:37.259 us this 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:37.740 morning. 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:39.420 Galatians 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:40.460 chapter 3, 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:41.920 verse 10. 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:43.160 That was on 00:19:43.160 --> 00:19:43.720 page 3 of 00:19:43.720 --> 00:19:44.080 your worship 00:19:44.080 --> 00:19:44.320 guide, 00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:44.720 by the way. 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:45.880 So that 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:46.519 in Christ 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.080 Jesus, 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:48.500 the blessing 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.299 of Abraham 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.900 might come 00:19:50.900 --> 00:19:51.279 to the 00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:51.940 Gentiles, 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:53.059 so that 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:53.400 we might 00:19:53.400 --> 00:19:54.080 receive the 00:19:54.080 --> 00:19:54.660 promised 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:55.299 spirit 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.160 through 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:56.559 faith. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.460 How will 00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:58.740 all the 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.299 nations be 00:19:59.299 --> 00:19:59.640 blessed? 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:01.320 All the 00:20:01.320 --> 00:20:02.000 nations will 00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:02.680 be blessed 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:03.440 because the 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:04.080 multiplication 00:20:04.080 --> 00:20:04.940 of the 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:05.860 offspring of 00:20:05.860 --> 00:20:06.340 Abraham, 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:07.019 Isaac, 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:07.539 Jacob, 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:08.279 and Joseph 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:08.960 will 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.720 ultimately 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.960 lead to 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.580 the birth 00:20:11.580 --> 00:20:12.220 of Jesus 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:12.740 Christ. 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:14.779 And Jesus 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:15.420 Christ will 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:16.539 come as a 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.000 man, a 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:17.620 real human, 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:18.880 100% God, 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:19.900 and 100% 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:20.240 human, 00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:21.000 and live 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:21.960 on this 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:22.279 earth, 00:20:22.380 --> 00:20:22.940 the perfect 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:23.539 life that 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:23.980 we should 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.380 have lived. 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.259 And then 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.619 he will 00:20:26.619 --> 00:20:27.299 die the 00:20:27.299 --> 00:20:28.319 death that 00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:28.799 we should 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.299 have died, 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:29.940 taking the 00:20:29.940 --> 00:20:30.720 punishment we 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.160 deserve, 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:32.319 and then God 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:32.759 the Father, 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:33.359 by the power 00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:33.819 of the Holy 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.220 Spirit, 00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:35.000 will raise 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:35.779 him from 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.460 the dead, 00:20:36.940 --> 00:20:37.880 showing once 00:20:37.880 --> 00:20:38.940 and for all 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:39.359 that it 00:20:39.359 --> 00:20:40.359 actually worked. 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:42.859 That is the 00:20:42.859 --> 00:20:44.400 blessing of 00:20:44.400 --> 00:20:45.160 the nations 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:46.839 that comes 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:47.579 through Abraham. 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:47.699 Abraham. 00:20:48.199 --> 00:20:49.119 That is what 00:20:49.119 --> 00:20:50.279 allows us 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.619 to have 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:52.740 God's 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.639 presence 00:20:53.639 --> 00:20:54.779 and his 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.240 blessing. 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:57.379 The New 00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:57.980 Testament makes 00:20:57.980 --> 00:20:58.359 it clear. 00:20:59.159 --> 00:20:59.720 Matthew chapter 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:00.639 one starts out 00:21:00.639 --> 00:21:01.579 with a genealogy. 00:21:01.939 --> 00:21:02.740 Genealogy of 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.379 Jesus Christ 00:21:03.379 --> 00:21:04.000 and the first 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:04.779 two names, 00:21:05.939 --> 00:21:06.319 Abraham, 00:21:08.159 --> 00:21:08.579 Isaac. 00:21:08.579 --> 00:21:13.619 The point is 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:13.899 this. 00:21:14.819 --> 00:21:15.939 The blessing 00:21:15.939 --> 00:21:17.179 that comes 00:21:17.179 --> 00:21:17.720 to the 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.179 nations 00:21:18.179 --> 00:21:18.819 is the 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:19.299 blessing 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:20.500 that is 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.059 through 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:21.619 Abraham 00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:22.579 and Isaac 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:23.480 because 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.220 and only 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:24.859 because 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:25.679 they lead 00:21:25.679 --> 00:21:26.740 to Jesus 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.720 Christ. 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.259 Faith, 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:31.500 promise, 00:21:32.379 --> 00:21:32.699 mission. 00:21:34.159 --> 00:21:34.859 Now, 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:36.220 why do you 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:36.980 care about 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.599 the chain 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.279 of custody? 00:21:39.419 --> 00:21:40.159 Why does 00:21:40.159 --> 00:21:40.559 it matter 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:41.199 to you 00:21:41.199 --> 00:21:42.859 in 00:21:42.859 --> 00:21:43.859 2026 00:21:43.859 --> 00:21:44.619 in Colorado 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:45.179 Springs 00:21:45.179 --> 00:21:45.679 that the 00:21:45.679 --> 00:21:46.159 blessing 00:21:46.159 --> 00:21:47.079 was passed 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:47.939 clearly from 00:21:47.939 --> 00:21:48.659 Abraham to 00:21:48.659 --> 00:21:49.000 Isaac, 00:21:49.139 --> 00:21:49.659 that the 00:21:49.659 --> 00:21:50.119 blessing will 00:21:50.119 --> 00:21:50.519 be clearly 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:51.059 passed from 00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:52.179 Isaac to 00:21:52.179 --> 00:21:52.859 Jacob and 00:21:52.859 --> 00:21:53.419 from Jacob 00:21:53.419 --> 00:21:54.240 to Joseph? 00:21:55.139 --> 00:21:55.980 The reason 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:56.379 that you 00:21:56.379 --> 00:21:57.779 care is 00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:58.399 because you 00:21:58.399 --> 00:21:59.359 care about 00:21:59.359 --> 00:21:59.819 God's 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.819 faithfulness 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:01.619 to his 00:22:01.619 --> 00:22:02.119 promises. 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:04.439 You care 00:22:04.439 --> 00:22:05.579 that God 00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:06.359 really means 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.199 what he says 00:22:07.199 --> 00:22:07.819 when he says 00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:08.139 he's going 00:22:08.140 --> 00:22:08.380 to be 00:22:08.380 --> 00:22:08.940 faithful 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:09.320 from 00:22:09.320 --> 00:22:09.900 generation 00:22:09.900 --> 00:22:10.259 to 00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:10.800 generation. 00:22:11.600 --> 00:22:12.300 That his 00:22:12.300 --> 00:22:13.720 steadfast love 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.600 really will 00:22:14.600 --> 00:22:15.280 continue 00:22:15.280 --> 00:22:16.220 forever. 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:16.600 His 00:22:16.600 --> 00:22:17.240 commitment, 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:18.520 his promises, 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:19.840 he will 00:22:19.840 --> 00:22:20.500 not go 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:21.280 back on. 00:22:22.360 --> 00:22:22.759 No, 00:22:22.800 --> 00:22:23.040 he's going 00:22:23.040 --> 00:22:23.400 to keep 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:23.600 it. 00:22:25.040 --> 00:22:25.440 It's 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:25.880 another 00:22:25.880 --> 00:22:26.660 generation 00:22:26.660 --> 00:22:28.180 following 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:28.880 after the 00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:29.100 Lord. 00:22:29.820 --> 00:22:30.180 It's 00:22:30.180 --> 00:22:30.680 another 00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.280 man 00:22:31.280 --> 00:22:31.920 trusting 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:32.560 God's 00:22:32.560 --> 00:22:33.020 promises. 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:34.019 God's 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:38.019 faithfulness 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:38.200 is 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:40.019 another 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:40.920 faithfulness 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:42.779 generation 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:44.259 to generation 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:46.099 through 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:46.779 specific 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:47.480 families 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:49.220 over the 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:49.920 course of 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:50.460 history 00:22:50.460 --> 00:22:51.859 that leads 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:52.359 to Jesus 00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:52.839 Christ. 00:22:54.160 --> 00:22:54.859 And now 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:56.000 his 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:56.859 faithfulness 00:22:56.859 --> 00:22:58.299 that includes 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.419 you. 00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:00.980 Christian, 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:05.599 if you are a 00:23:05.599 --> 00:23:06.159 follower of 00:23:06.159 --> 00:23:06.859 Jesus Christ, 00:23:07.639 --> 00:23:08.419 if you're going 00:23:08.419 --> 00:23:09.319 after him in 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:09.799 faith, 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:11.619 the encouragement 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:12.419 for you is 00:23:12.419 --> 00:23:12.839 this. 00:23:13.319 --> 00:23:14.259 God kept his 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:15.119 promise to 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:16.460 Abraham and 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:16.879 Isaac. 00:23:18.259 --> 00:23:19.200 God will keep 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:19.919 his promise to 00:23:19.919 --> 00:23:20.119 you. 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.919 He keeps it 00:23:21.919 --> 00:23:22.619 not because they 00:23:22.619 --> 00:23:23.419 were perfect 00:23:23.419 --> 00:23:24.379 or exemplary, 00:23:24.700 --> 00:23:25.419 not because they 00:23:25.419 --> 00:23:26.159 get it right. 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:27.000 as we saw 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.519 last week. 00:23:27.560 --> 00:23:27.880 In fact, 00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:28.519 they very much 00:23:28.519 --> 00:23:28.920 don't. 00:23:29.620 --> 00:23:29.960 No, 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:30.560 it's because of 00:23:30.560 --> 00:23:31.120 his commitment 00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:32.100 to his promise, 00:23:32.200 --> 00:23:32.779 his covenant, 00:23:33.320 --> 00:23:34.120 his mission. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:36.420 That same 00:23:36.420 --> 00:23:36.840 commitment, 00:23:37.440 --> 00:23:37.880 that same 00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:38.340 promise, 00:23:38.600 --> 00:23:38.960 that same 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:39.400 presence, 00:23:39.880 --> 00:23:40.380 that same 00:23:40.380 --> 00:23:41.060 blessing 00:23:41.060 --> 00:23:42.560 comes to 00:23:42.560 --> 00:23:43.279 you if 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.360 you are 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:44.759 in him. 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:47.340 If you're 00:23:47.340 --> 00:23:47.900 in Christ, 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.240 following 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.480 after him 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:51.380 in faith. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:53.540 Faith, 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:54.580 promise, 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:55.380 mission. 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:56.740 Let's pray. 00:23:57.860 --> 00:23:58.220 Our 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:58.640 Father in 00:23:58.640 --> 00:23:58.840 heaven, 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.420 we do 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:00.779 thank you 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.220 and praise 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:01.519 you for 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:02.320 your steadfast 00:24:02.320 --> 00:24:02.960 love that 00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:03.600 continues 00:24:03.600 --> 00:24:04.480 generation to 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:04.980 generation, 00:24:05.540 --> 00:24:06.380 relying not 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.800 on us 00:24:07.800 --> 00:24:08.200 and our 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:08.940 faithfulness, 00:24:09.300 --> 00:24:09.900 but on 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:10.440 you and 00:24:10.440 --> 00:24:11.019 your commitment 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.480 to your 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:11.920 promise, 00:24:12.040 --> 00:24:12.300 that you 00:24:12.300 --> 00:24:12.820 will do 00:24:12.820 --> 00:24:13.540 what you 00:24:13.540 --> 00:24:13.880 said you 00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:14.240 would do. 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:14.900 We ask 00:24:14.900 --> 00:24:15.140 that you 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:15.580 would grow 00:24:15.580 --> 00:24:16.060 our hope 00:24:16.060 --> 00:24:16.580 and trust 00:24:16.580 --> 00:24:17.120 and faith 00:24:17.120 --> 00:24:17.580 in that, 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:18.500 and that it 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.140 would overflow 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:20.200 into love 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:20.900 and obedience 00:24:20.900 --> 00:24:21.460 to you. 00:24:21.640 --> 00:24:22.160 We ask 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:22.640 these things 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:23.040 in Jesus' 00:24:23.040 --> 00:24:23.400 name. 00:24:23.860 --> 00:24:24.080 Amen.