Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

This an intriguing devotional from Os Hillman today. He asks us to look at our lives and compare them to one of the patriarchs to see which one we might compare ourselves to. I would have to say I have the characteristics of Abraham. The Lord asked me to step out in faith in February of 2001 as we birthed JAMA Racing Ministry. That single action has been foundational in shaping the rest of my life.

My faith journey has been ongoing for over 13 years. I do not see that changing. It has become easier as my relationship with Him has grown deeper. I see His hand and trust His plan. Sometimes it’s a bit scary and I’m not sure how it will all turn out, but none the less, I continue walking. I have learned He is faithful.

When you look at the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who would you compare yourself to? Spend a little time researching those men and ponder that question while talking with our Father. The answer will give you insight into the path the Lord has you on.

Blessings

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
by Os Hillman

“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’” – Genesis 50:24

I was boarding the airplane in Frankfurt, Germany, when a mentor of mine asked me this question, “Would you consider why God referred to Himself as the ‘God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’? Why didn’t He simply say, ‘the God of Jacob’?” What a strange question, I thought to myself.

For the next hour I racked my brain trying to discover the meaning to this question. I had never read it in a commentary, and the Scriptures do not really say why this is so. It became a good exercise with the Holy Spirit that led to some interesting observations – one from my mentor, one from my own insight.

First, could it be that the Lord has given us a “type of trinity” in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Abraham was considered a father figure to the nation of Israel. Isaac was the son who had to be sacrificed on the altar. Jacob was the man who had to learn to walk according to the Holy Spirit instead of his flesh. Each of these patriarchs had a particular relationship with God to fulfill.

My friend asked about an hour into the flight, “So, what did you discover?”

I told him of my observation.

“Hmm…that is interesting. I believe that what we also see in the patriarchs are examples of three distinct types of personalities. If the Lord had cited only one of the patriarchs, we would tend to seek to model that leader. However, the Lord has given us three distinct personalities in whom He performed His work. Abraham was the pioneer who ventured out into unknown territory and was considered righteous for his faith. Isaac was faithful to follow in his inheritance with few ups and downs in his life. He had the fewest calamities among the three. He was called simply to be faithful to what had been already given. Jacob had extreme conflict in his life. He suffered more pit experiences than either of his predecessors. He had much conflict in relationships that became the source of his inheritance. Each of us can identify with one of these men in how God has related to them.”

God works in each person’s life uniquely, and He has provided examples of lives for us to identify with from the Scriptures. Who do you identify with most in your Christian pilgrimage? Discover this for yourself. You will find encouragement as you seek to learn from someone who has gone before you.