Two Differing Pursuits

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

 “And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; and twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.” (Genesis 17:20, 21)

Ishmael and Isaac were both sons of Abraham, yet they differ greatly in their birth. Ishmael, whose birth was natural, was a child of the flesh, but Isaac whose birth was supernatural according to the promise was the child of promise. These sons therefore represent two races of men: those who are born according to nature are as Ishmael, children of the flesh. But those who are born of the Spirit are as Isaac, children of promise. We noted that the two together represent one individual who has been twice born, or “born again;” one who has been once born according to the flesh, but has also been “born again, not of corruptible seed.” All such who are twice-born are, as Isaac, children of promise.

This accounts for why children of the flesh and children of promise have differing aspirations in life. It is not at all strange that two persons, as different in their birth and nature as Ishmael and Isaac, became very different in their life pursuits. Ishmael pursued what was natural. He was the natural son of a very great man, and he looked to attain unto greatness in this world. But to Isaac, the guiding light of his life was the covenant promise. He pursued higher goals, because he was the child of promise, and the inheritor of the covenant of grace, which the Lord had made with his father.

Ishmael looked to found a nation which would never be subdued. His desire was abundantly granted, and the Arabs are to this day true copies of their great ancestor. Ishmael’s life was totally absorbed with earthly hopes for which he looked, but his name is not found with his father’s or his brother’s, who looked beyond that present world even to the day of Christ; and looked for “a better country, that is, anheavenly.” (Heb. 11:16) Isaac knew this world was not his final home, and he “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

Ismael had his best things here below. In fact, if we didn’t know better, we might think that in Jesus’ parable “Father Abraham” was speaking to his own son after the flesh when he said, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things.” (Luke 16:25) But Isaac had the promise of good things to come, things of which nothing in this world can compare, certainly nothing that he would have considered receiving in exchange for his soul. His faith was looking to “things not yet seen,” yet, in the covenant promise he had already received them. The twice-born soul is a child of promise just like Isaac; he has received and embraced the promise of eternal life. And far from merely being what wicked men call ”pie in the sky,” Isaac and all who trust in the Promised Seed have the promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come. (I Tim. 4:8)

Isaac’s life is the picture of a one who is of a restful spirit, because his was an elevated spirit. Because of his faith, he was nonetheless active, yet, he manifested none of the proud aggression and self-reliance which was so apparent in his brother. Thus does the promise affect our personal life. Children of promise have in them an elevated spirit, a life above the visible surroundings, a calm and heavenly frame of mind. Hope kindled by divine promise affects the entire life of a man in his thoughts, ways, and feelings, as well as in his moral deportment. As a person’s hopes are in the promise of God it is well with him.

Hopes that have no outlook beyond this life, that do not see beyond the grave, are very dim indeed. But those who believe the promise, and feel assured of its fulfillment in due time, leaving all else in the hands of Infinite Wisdom, are happy indeed. Such hopes will endure trials, conquer temptations, and enjoy heaven here below.