A few months ago, I traveled to Kansas for a few days to help my parents downsize for the second time.
This move entailed more compromises than the previous one for them.
One aspect involved me and other family members agreeing to receive some of their furniture and other personal items that they could no longer use.
My sister, who lives nearby, agreed to store my items until a later time.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, my brother-in-law delivered some of these items to my home.
The emotional impact of these items entering my home included excitement, awe, thankfulness, and even sadness, to name a few.
Some of you have been through this with your parents. Perhaps multiple times.
Or maybe you are downsizing and passing belongings on to your children, other relatives, friends, or other entities.
What does Genesis 25:5-6 teach us about preparing a legacy for others?
Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living, he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country. (Gen 25:5-6 ESV)
Read that first sentence, verse five, again.
Review the words of Abraham’s servant in Gen 24:34-36, when he introduces himself to Abraham’s relatives when sent to secure a wife for Isaac:
So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35 The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels, and donkeys. 36 And Sarah, my master’s wife, bore a son to my master when she was old, and to him, he has given all that he has.” (Gen 24:34-36 ESV)
List each item the servant describes Abraham having gained.
What significance do these items communicate to Abraham’s relatives?
Who does Abraham’s servant say these items were from?
Read the following verse:
God said, “No, but Sarah, your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.” (Gen 17:19 ESV)
Who is speaking in the verse above?
What is being promised to Isaac?
The following verse occurs after Sarah insisted Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. Sarah had given Hagar to Abraham as a concubine when they thought Sarah would not bear a child. Ishmael was the son of that union, Abraham’s firstborn son.
But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” (Gen 21:12-13 ESV)
Who is speaking in the verse above?
What is being promised to Abraham? And Isaac?
How does this impact Ishmael? Hagar?
Describe God’s generosity and care for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Ishmael.
Chapter 22 in Genesis reveals God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a test of faithfulness. The Lord stops Abraham from slaying Isaac and provides a ram for the offering instead. God then issues these words to Abraham that Isaac would have also heard:
“I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” (Gen 22:17-18 ESV)
Compare these verses with Abraham’s initial call from the Lord:
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen 12:1-3 ESV)
Also, consider the following verses:
And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Gen 15:5 ESV)
And he said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” (Gen 15:7 ESV)
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.” (Gen 15:18 ESV)
List the promises that are identical between Gen 12:1-3, 15:5, 15:7, 15:18 and 22:17-18:
What details are new regarding Abraham’s inheritance in Gen 22:17-18?
Write the reason God gave for these promises to Abraham in Gen 22:17-18.
How is this part of the legacy that is being prepared for Isaac?
Who is establishing the legacy for Isaac? Why?
Read our verses for today again:
Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living, he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country. (Gen 25:5-6 ESV)
What significance does verse five hold, having reviewed the legacy God promised to Abraham?
The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible reminds us that concubine offspring received the same status as servants or slaves rather than heirs. Giving gifts to them was not a normal practice.
Why did Abraham give gifts to the sons of his concubines?
What reasons could Abraham have for sending the sons of his concubines away? (See Gen 21:8-10)
When did Abraham take these actions? Why is this important?
Personal Application
List the physical gifts of inheritance you have received from your family members or friends.
When did you receive these physical gifts? Why?
Describe how you felt at the time of receiving these physical gifts of inheritance.
Considering Abraham’s example in the verses above, what encourages you to leave a physical legacy for others?
How will you leave a physical legacy for others?
Are there any actions you need to take?
Why is Isaac never consulted in these verses?
What impact could this have on Isaac? List both positive and negative possibilities.
Keep in mind the Lord is establishing a nation through Abraham and Isaac’s family. The promised land and other provisions already provided are a necessary part of bringing this about.
Moving beyond the physical practicalities, take a moment to list the deeper spiritual implications taking place in Abraham, Isaac, and even the sons of the concubines.
What spiritual gifts of inheritance you have received from your family members or friends?
When did you receive these spiritual gifts? Why?
Considering Abraham’s example in the verses above, what encourages you to leave a spiritual legacy for others?
How will you leave a spiritual legacy for others? What actions do you need to take today?
Meditate on the following scriptures as you consider the type of legacy the Lord has called you to prepare for those younger than you.
Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mat 6:31-33 ESV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Mat 28:19-20 ESV)
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
Great study!
I have to say I received the spiritual legacy of a Christian faith lived out in practical ways.. by the way my mother cared and loved her family and friends and the way she served others with meals on wheels and other food items she made and gifted. My father gifted his gifts of service in being a choir member, in service to community in leading charge to establish a public library for all community ( there was none for black people of our town at time ) and his role in mentoring youth through Boy Scouts . Both exhibited a life of selfless giving where both set up financial scholarships and endowed teacher positions at the colleges they attended. They lived simply and gave generously of their time, talents , and money .
What a lovely legacy they taught you!
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Wonderful post and I pray I can leave my children a legacy of Christ.
That is essential!
I have definitely hung onto gifts given to me. The ones from people who have passed on become dearer every year. I thank God regularly for people who have said, “I care for you” by giving me a smile, a phone call, or a physical gift….but mostly those who offer me the gift of time together.
Thank you for this informative message and the encouragement to consider our own legacy to others. While materials things passed on to us from family are important to us emotionally and perhaps even financially, the legacy we receive from family and from our relationship with our Lord goes so much deeper. Much to think and reflect on in your message. Thank you.
Thank you for this wonderful study that reminds us to focus on leaving a spiritual legacy for our children.