v4 - "thou shalt be a father of many nations" - Such a prospect is a human impossibility. Should a man father a family, he could only possibly father one nation. He may even father a multitude, but God tells Abraham, that by Grace ["5"] God is going to make Abraham a "father of many nations." How?

17:1 Abram’s call to ‘walk before me and be thou perfect’ was fulfilled in Jacob (Gen 25:27) where Jacob is a ‘plain’ man – the same word.

ch. 18 - Whilst it might be thought that Abraham is bargaining with the Lord over Sodom in reducing the numbers for which the city would be spared may it be that Abraham, in reducing the numbers becomes more and more incredulous that there are not even twenty righteous in the city. Maybe he anticipated that the Lord would, at some point along the discussion, tell Abraham that He would not destroy the city because there were a specific number of righteous there?

At eight days of age, circumcision is an unpleasant but comparatively short-lived experience, and one that is not committed to memory. However, as an adult, the experience is painful and one that is sure to linger in the mind. Recall the soreness of the Hivites who were deceived into being circumcised by Dinah's brothers (Gen 34:24-25).  There would have been many young, strong men in that number. And so, when we consider Abraham's being circumcised at ninety-nine years old, we can sympathize with his discomfort, but can also admire his faith.

17:13 This is the second ‘everlasting covenant’ that God has made with man. The first is to be found in Gen 9:16

18:14 The word translated ‘hard’ is the same word that is translated ‘wonderful’ in Isa 9:6 showing that the promise of Isaac is part of the theme of the provision of the seed of the woman who would be the Messiah

We notice that it was not only Sarah who laughed, Abraham had laughed also. Gen 17:17

Abraham had to wait, not only until Sarah was unable to bear a child, but until his body also was past fathering a child, so that he would know that he had had no natural part in the process, but that it was totally of God. Rom 4:19-21

We notice the eagerness and zeal with which Abraham makes preparation for the angels, and then he, the patriarch of this huge camp, stands by in the attitude of a servant while they partake. v6-8 Is our attitude to service the same?

Was 50 perhaps the original size of Lot's household?

17:20 ‘As for Ishmael …’ we should not forget that God has plans for the other children of Abraham – the Arab nations.

17:1    Jesus also called upon his disciples to be perfect – Matt 5:48.  As Abraham was called to be ‘perfect’ we can see the sort of person that we should be – like Abraham.

GOD GIVEN GRACE

God gave Abram two instructions, one of which was almost impossible to keep. God said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless." (Gen 17:1) Much as I, Abram, or anyone else would have liked to, living blamelessly is extremely hard to do. More often than not we fail. Walking before God is almost as difficult. Walking beside him, keeping in touch with him and going his way is a hard way to follow. It is all too easy to go off track.

Was Abram able to do it? If Abram possessed our human nature at all, we can be sure he would have strayed from the path now and again and that his life from that moment on would not have been totally blameless. It was not long afterwards that he told a half truth to Abimelech saying that Sarah was his sister - forgetting to mention that she was also his wife. No, he was not perfect.

The key is found in the next words of God. God said, "No longer will you be called Abram, your name will be called Abraham." (v.5) To change Abram's name in this way God added a letter to Abram's name - the fifth letter of the Hebrew Alphabet - a letter of grace. Abram could not walk before God and be blameless all by himself. But with God's grace in his life, Abraham's faith was counted for righteousness.

Let us also fall on God's grace. We cannot be perfect alone. It is only by God's grace that we can be anything at all.

In Gen 18:9-15 Sarah's response might suggest that this was the first time she had heard this news and yet in chapter 17 we're told how God had appeared to Abram and given him the promise beforehand. Had Abraham not told his wife?

18:1,2 The three men who appeared to Abraham were divine angels.  Yahweh is said to have appeared because these angels bore Yahweh's name (see Exo 23:21,22).  However, the angels had the appearance of men, and until they revealed themselves to him, Abraham thought that they were just men.  This should give us caution, as we might innocently encounter angels (Heb 13:2).

Vs.3,27,30 Abraham addressed the angel as Adonai not Yahweh.  Yahweh became the Name for the National God of Israel under Moses (Exo 3:14).  But, the Memorial Name of Yahweh was known to Abraham (Exo 3:15).  However, Abraham, in speaking to the angel who looked like a man, addressed him as Adonai meaning My Lord.  Adonai denotes a master - one who rules over another, or others.  Sarah addressed Abraham in the same fashion (v.12 cf. 1Pet 3:6).  Later, the Jews only used Adonai and not Yahweh, because their superstition and pseudo reverence persuaded them not to use the Memorial Name.

17:1 We should notice that there is a 13 year gap between chapters 16 and 17.

Gen 17:19-21 - The covenant was with Isaac not Ishmael. Isaac was born to a free woman not a bond slave as was Hagar and believers similarly have freedom through Christ and an escape from the bonds of sin and death.

Gen 18:1-10,18-22 - Here we have some similarities to Christ and his mission. V1 - a tent or tabernacle (a covering) entrance is near what could be translated as "great oaks or trees of strength" perhaps reminding us of spiritual strength and strength of what was later accomplished on a cross. V2 - three men (angels) and in the number three there is possible echoing the resurrection of Christ (also there were three on the cross). V3 - a person who is a true neighbor (the good Samaritan comes to mind) will offer help and not walk by, Christ offered his life to help. V4 - Christ had his feet washed, was baptised, died and found his rest under the shadow of a tree. V5 - believers are fed and refreshed by Christ (the bread of life) who we remember each first day of the week in a memorial service. V6 - again the number three and bread mentioned. V7 - a good tender calf is offered.  V8 - the husband (Christ is the bridegroom of believers who are one with him) is under a tree. V9 - the bride (perhaps reminds us of the bride of Christ) is covered just as we hope to have our sins covered. V10 - a return and a son. V18 - all nations on the earth to be blessed (this will happen when Christ returns). V19 - keeping the way of the Lord, justice and judgment (this reminds us of Christ's role). V20 - reminds us of sin (Eze 16:49-50) which Christ will eradicate during the millenium. V21 - Christ will return and come down from heaven to judge the earth. V22 - standing before the Lord.

17:20 Ishmael was promised ‘twelve princes’ they are listed in Gen 25:13-14

Gen 17:12 - a scientific reason for 8th day circumcision: 

Vitamin K is responsible for the production (by the liver) of prothrombin.  Vitamin K, coupled with prothrombin, causes blood coagulation, which is important in any surgical procedure. Holt and McIntosh, in their classic work, Holt Pediatrics, noted a newborn infant has “peculiar susceptibility to bleeding between the second and fifth days of life.... Hemorrhages at this time, though often inconsequential, are sometimes extensive; they may produce serious damage to internal organs, especially to the brain, and cause death from shock and exsanguination” (1953, pp. 125-126). Therefore, as vitamin K is not produced in sufficient quantities until days five through seven, it would be prudent to postpone any surgery until some time after that. Significantly, the eighth day is the only day in a male's life the amount of prothrombin present normally reaches its highest level making the eighth day, from a blood coagulation standpoint, more ideal than any other day for surgery according to S.I. McMillen, M.D., in his book, "None of These Diseases".

Psa 20 - This is a prayer that God will listen to and care for others. Consider the pronouns 'thee' 'thy'. And then the psalmist joins in praising and remembering God himself :5 'We'

20:2 In asking God to act 'out of Zion' the Psalmist takes the fact that God is dwelling in Zion as a visible indicator that He will act. That David sees God 'in Zion' means that this Psalm was written after the ark had been taken to Zion by David.

The firmament - The whole visible expanse; not only containing the celestial bodies above referred to, but also the air, light, rains, dews, etc., etc. And when the composition of these principles is examined, and their great utility to the earth and its inhabitants properly understood, they afford such matter of astonishment to the wisest mind, and of adoration and gratitude even to the most unfeeling heart.

19:13 Having seen the way to overcome the wiles of the serpent David prays that presumptuous sins would  ‘not have dominion over me.’ Paul quotes this (Rom 6:9) showing how, in Christ we should think and pray about sin.

20 - The Psalm can be divided up into a call to God (:1-4) and a response (:5-9) that flows from an appreciation that God will hear the call.

21:11 Notice the evil that was purposed against David was seen by David to be against God. As the Lord’s anointed anything done to him was a slight against God.

Psalm 19:  This Psalm describes the physical majesty of God's creation. v.1-6. The Psalmist, then proceeds to point out that creation is only exceeded by God's moral law.The attributes of which are described in detail. v.7-14

Psalm 20-21: These two Psalms go together. Psalm 20 is a plea for vlctory and deliverance during battles against Israel's enemies. Psalm 21  is a prayer of thankfuless for the prayer of the 20th. Psalm being answered.

Psa 19:12,13.  The scripture tells us that if we confess our sins they will be forgiven (1John 1:9). As we review our day in prayer to Our Heavenly Father, we can recount the errors of which we are aware.  But there are countless errors that we have made of which we are not aware.  Let us also pray for forgiveness of these. Let us also pray for strength and guidance to avoid any presumptuous sins (wilful sins).  These conscious sins run counter to the Lord's Will.

If we compare 21:2 with 20:4 we see a lesson we all must learn.  David was a man after God's own heart, and so these two passages equate.  If he were not, they wouldn't.

19:8     ‘enlightening the eyes’ was a request that Ezra made – Ezra 9:8 – when in captivity. Ezra recognised that enlightenment came from God.

Psa 19 The heavens glorify God because they obey His law which He has set in place. God also gave His law to men, but because of pride men do not obey, and therefore do not glorify God. David's prayer at the end of the psalm is that he (and others) may do so.

19:4 "Their line … world" is quoted in  Rom 10:18 and applied to the preaching of the gospel. Now Paul is not saying that the details of creation preach the gospel. Rather the Law of God which is as unchangeable as the laws of creation contains the gospel.

20:6    A comfort to David  that the Lord saveth His anointed even though he had been in ‘trouble’. The deliverance was to preserve the name of God – Psa 20:1

19:10  The Proverb – 24:13 – makes the point that sweet honey is good to be eaten. However the word of God is more nourishing. The idea of the word of God being sweeter than honey is a point that David makes again – Psa 119:103

19:13 the language ‘not have dominion over me’ is quoted – Rom 6:9,14 – to speak of the ideal of the believer. David in the Psalm saw this being achieved by giving attention to the law of God – vs 19:7-8

Matthew 11:28 - "All ye that labor and are heavy laden" - The metaphor here appears to be taken from a man who has a great load laid upon him, which he must carry to a certain place: every step he takes reduces his strength, and renders his load the more oppressive. However, it must be carried on; and he labors, uses his utmost exertions, to reach the place where it is to be laid down. A kind person passing by, and, seeing his distress, offers to ease him of his load, that he may enjoy rest.

V.3 John sent his disciples to Jesus with this question for their benefit not John's.  John already knew who and what Jesus represented and was the God-appointed point man to open men's hearts to the Christ. Why were there disciples still hanging on to John if the Messiah had already arrived?  John knew that they should now be following Jesus and no longer himself.  But sometimes faithful followers need a gentle push to accept the new reality.

V.28-30 - When we are weary and burdened in this pilgrimage Christ is always there to help us and lighten our burden by sharing with his yoke. He shepherds the faithful whose lives walk toward the ultimate rest, that of the millenium.

11:30 The light yoke echoes what the people wanted after Solomon's reign -1Kin 12:4- but Jesus offers something far greater than the people in Solomon's day were looking for.

Come unto me

Matt 11:28

This is one of the 3 great "comes" in the bible -

Gen 7:1 - "And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation"

The ark which represented God & His salvation was that which saved Noah and his family

Isa 26:20 - "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity:Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity:"

This will be the great invitation to the saints just before Armagedon, once again tha salvation of God takes care of those that are his

Matt 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"

This is the 3rd "come" invitation, extended to all those who seek God's salvation

11:10 In quoting Mal 3:1 and applying it to John the Baptist Jesus is restating what had already been said – Mark 1:2 – that the prophets had spoken beforehand about John.

11v25: It can be noted the way Jesus Christ was emphasizing the importance of gospel by reading the order of things he's saying were done by himself. v5. He says, blind recieving sight, lame walking, lepers cleansed, deaf hearing, dead raising back to life (a bit greater work than previous ones) and gospel preached to the Poor ( the most important work of all). so we can see the heirarchy from small works of Christ to the great work of Christ ( preaching of gospel).

11V25: In the cities which he was cursing just before, he seemed to do a lot of work there -preaching and healing works. but from the woes 11:21-24 we see that the so called noble and wise men in those cities didnt like his message and rejected him. Now if we were in jesus' place, first thing we might do is feel very discouraged, that inspite of hard effort, no one turned up and we may even hate them. But that's not what jesus did. He thanked God for what he has done, by letting this gospel preached unto the poor people.

Many times we may want to do some great thing for God in some Great way, (by arranging meetings or by donating lots of money etc). But God's way of doing things may be different from ours. If it is so, then we may face some failures. But we should not get discouraged by that failure, but just thank God for letting his work done Phil 4:6  1Tim 4:4  in his own way . Because ulitmately it is his will, that has to be done.

11:20  As far as the Jews were concerned the fact that they had heard Jesus message and seen his miracles was sufficient basis for judgement from God.

11:7 Notice how Jesus causes the people to reflect on John’s ministry and to decide what they made of John. This was important because it was John who had testified of Jesus – John 1:29 - He was the witness to the Messiaship of Jesus.

Jesus was the start of a new era. The name of this new era is "the kingdom of heaven" (v11, 12). Notice how in this chapter Jesus is specific to point out the differences between the two eras:

v11 all who take part in this new era are greater than those taking part in the former era

v17-18 the previous era was mournful and austere

v17,19 the new era is joyful and comes with freedom

v25 the new era is open to the child-like

v28 the old era was hard, but the new gives rest

v29-30 the new era is easy and not burdensome

So what Jesus is saying in essence is that the era where the people of God were mostly Jewish, keeping the law of Moses, has been surpassed with a better kingdom which is open to all, and much less burdensome. This is the era we live in if we follow Jesus. We should be very thankful that, for us, the way to God has been made so plain by the coming of His son.

11:28 The giving of rest to those that labour was prophesied of Jesus in Isa 28:12