To: en & more
To my dearest daughter and family,
today as I read Gen 25: 12-18, with Time Magazine eulogy for Rabin in front of me, I can but think that the striking verse is Gen 25:18.
We do recall that Ishmael was Abraham's son, whom Sarah's maidservant Hagar the Egyptian bore (Gen 25:12). We remember that all parties were sinning as they failed to trust God, taking matters into their own hands. This was sin. It was to lead to trouble.
There is a way that seeks right to a man but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12)
The fact that the descendants of Ishmael lived in hostility with all their brothers is still seen today. I believe the main message from this lesson is that we are to be responsible for the consequences of our wrong doing. Certainly we are forgiven of our sins if we confess and repent.
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Isaiah 1:18
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Because of this forgiveness we gain eternal life: Hallelujah.
But forgiveness does not mean we are not responsible for the consequence of our behaviour. Abraham repented and subsequently Sarah bore Isaac. But Abraham and his descendants still have to face Ishmael and the tribes that descended from Ishmael. Likewise, If I sin and get AIDS, then confess and repent, I am forgiven, but AIDS is still with me. My wife and family are still exposed to AIDS. So I better stick to the straight and narrow and avoid AIDS like the plague.
From: Su Min
Subject: Ishmael Died
Make level paths for your feet and take only the ways that are firm.
Let us pray.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left. Keep your foot from evil.
The lips of an adulteress drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil
But in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a two edged sword.
Keep to apathy far from her. Do not go near to the door of her house.
Proverbs 4:26-27, 5:3-4,8.
Father
Love dad
Thank you for your word today
Lead us not into temptation God, but keep us from evil.
Teach us to feed upon your Word so that we know your will,
and fill us with the Holy Spirit, that we may have the Power to do your will.
Teach us to submit to the Lordship of Jesus the Christ, the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Saviour of the world, that your Kingdom may come on Earth, and that we may glorify Your Name!
Amen.
For any comments or enquiries please write to Dr. Lim Su Min
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