MEMORY SCRIPTURE
I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him
(Genesis 18:19).
Abraham taught Isaac faith, obedience and love, preparing him for leadership in God’s covenant and blessing.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 24: She Listens But Does Not Eavesdrop (Gen. 27:5)
Tue. 25: She Tries Following God’s Pattern (Gen. 27:6-8)
Wed. 26: She Corrects Isaac’s Supposed Mistake (Gen. 27:8,9,10)
Thur. 27: She Relies Upon God sword (Gen.27:13-17)
Fri. 28: She Tries Playing Her Part (Gen. 27:16,17)
Sat. 29: She Sorts It Out With God’s Wisdom (Gen. 27:42-45; 28:1)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Abraham prepared Isaac for covenant leadership, knowing God’s promise rested on him.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: GENESIS 17:2ff; 2 1:1-12; 22: 1ff; 24:1-4;26:5
We express gratitude to God for the conclusion of Lesson 10, “God Prepares Adam for Leadership,” which enlightens us on how God equipped Adam for leadership and how this was thwarted by the power of choice inherent in him. As leaders shaped by God we must resolve to prioritise God’s will and plans resisting the deceptions of the devil and his allies. Let not our hearts be overly attached to worldly pursuits nor elevate human praise above God’s approval. Instead, turn to God, the Creator, in times of confusion or inadequacy, trusting in His power to manage what we cannot and acknowledging that our wisdom alone is insufficient.
“Abraham Prepares Isaac for Covenant Leadership” serves as the second lesson in Unit’ 2: Leadership Preparation in the Old Testament. Through God’s covenant with Abraham, which comprises the promised land, descendants and blessings to all nations (Genesis 22:17-18), God’s faithfulness in fulfilling these promises across generations is evident Each generation, God chooses individuals to perpetuate the covenant Isaac, Abraham’s son, was chosen for this purpose, yet he required preparation for leadership under his father’s guidance.
LESSON OUTLINE
- ABRHAMIC COVENANT AND SEED PROMISED
- ABRAHAM LEADS IN ISAAC’S PREPARATION
LESSON EXPOSITION
ABRAHAMIC COVENANT AND SEED PROMISED (17:2-8,15-19; 21:1-7;26:5)
But God said to. Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac, your seed shall be called
(21:12).
a) 17:15-16: God established a covenant with Abraham, promising numerous descendants and blessings which included Isaac’s birth despite, Abraham and Sarah’s barrenness (21:1- -3).
b) 21:4-7: Isaac’s miraculous birth fulfilled God’s covenant with Abraham- God’s unwavering t faithfulness. It underscores thet foundational role of the. covenant in shaping Isaac” ST future leadership (v.5).
c) v. 12: Through Isaac, the covenant with. Abraham persisted, .solidifying his role as leader within God’s chosen people and emphasising the generational blessing inherited from the covenant. 17:2-8: The Abrahamic covenant ensured blessings, land and
d) descendants, inherited by Isaac as part of the, generational blessing (v. 7), shaping his leadership foundation and identity within God’s chosen people.
e) V. 19: The covenant established Isaac’s unique identity and purpose within God’s covenant plan and chosen people. This provided divine guidance and protection for his leadership Journey, showing the covenant’s influence on his leadership development.
f) 26:5: Isaac inherited Abraham’s spiritual heritage of faith and obedience, which significantly shaped his leadership style, fostering a strong relationship with God and a deep commitment to fulfilling God’s purposes.
ABRAHAM’S LEAD IN ISAAC’S PREPARATION (22:1ff; 24:1-4)
In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice
(22:18).
a) 22:1-3,7-8: Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing Isaac showed unwavering faith and trust in God’s commands, despite emotional turmoil, demonstrating confidence in God’s provision and steadfastness in His promises.
b) This act of obedience exemplified Abraham’s readiness to fulfil God’s will, regardless of personal sacrifice, setting a profound example for Isaac’s leadership journey.
c) 22:13-19:God provided a ram as a substitute, confirming His promise to Abraham and demonstrating His faithfulness.
d) This act of divine intervention strengthened Abraham’s faith and served as a foundational lesson for Isaac’s leadership, teaching him to trust in God’s provision and promises.
e) 24:1-4: Abraham took steps to find a good wife for Isaac, making sure his servant found someone from their family to keep the covenant tradition.
g) Abraham’s strategic planning and commitment to Isaac’s future leadership underscores the significance of deliberate preparation and foresight in nurturing leaders within the community of God’s covenant people.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Isaac’s miraculous birth highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises reinforcing the importance of our faithfulness in shaping our leadership in God’s kingdom.
- Abraham’s obedience in offering Isaac and God’s provision of a ram and Isaac’s wife charge us to trust in God’: S guidance and provision as leaders.
QUESTIONS
- Can current leaders effectively prepare future leaders through their exemplary lives?
- How does engaging future leaders in leadership activities contribute to the growth and preparation of those under them?
