Genesis 84 – The Laugher and the Caregiver

The Scripture passage for today is Genesis 25:12-21:

 

"These are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes. (These are the heads of their ancestral houses.) These are the years of the life of Ishmael: 137 years. He breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. He settled over against all his kinsmen. These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived." Amen.

 

Ishmael and Isaac: A Comparison of Two Genealogies

Today's passage presents the genealogies of two figures: Ishmael and Isaac. Of the ten genealogies in the entire book of Genesis, it's uncommon for two to appear consecutively, offering us a crucial opportunity to compare them. We often assume that since Isaac was Abraham's promised son, his lineage would naturally be superior to Ishmael's. However, a closer look at their genealogies reveals that this isn't necessarily the case.

 

Let's first consider the meaning of their names. Names among the people of Israel typically carried special significance. The name Ishmael, as we learn from his background, means that God heard and pitied Hagar when she was driven away by Sarah. "Ish" signifies God, and "mael" means "to hear" or "to care for." Thus, Ishmael means "God cared for him," embodying the grand truth that God saw Hagar's desperate situation, heard her distress, and rescued Ishmael.

 

Isaac's Name: Born from Unbelieving Laughter

In contrast, Isaac's name means "laughter." This wasn't the laughter of God's joy, nor was it the joyful laughter we see with Ruth or Naomi. When God told Abraham, "You will have a son," Abraham, already old, laughed at the news. Sarah also laughed. It was a laughter mixed with disbelief, as if to say, "God, are you joking?"

 

Objectively, the name Ishmael, meaning "God cared for him," might sound more majestic and beautiful than Isaac, meaning "laughter." Isaac's name clearly originated from Abraham and Sarah's unbelieving laughter at God's promise. However, the profound meaning God intended for this name only becomes apparent through Isaac's life. Every time Abraham spoke Isaac's name, he likely recalled his own attempts to fulfill God's promise in his own way, and the various implications that followed.

 

The Promise of Numerous Descendants: A Contrast Between Ishmael and Isaac

Comparing Ishmael's and Isaac's lives reveals even more intriguing points. Ishmael was promised that his "descendants would greatly multiply and become a great nation," and indeed, he had twelve sons. These twelve sons became influential leaders, with their names even associated with regions or cities, and they all flourished. This seems quite similar to Abraham's promise of numerous descendants who would become the "father of many nations."

 

On the other hand, Isaac had no children for twenty years until he had two sons. Rebekah remained barren for a long time. Although Isaac also received the promise that his "descendants would multiply," he lived without children for a considerable period, a striking contrast to Ishmael who immediately had twelve sons. Superficially, it might be confusing to discern who truly received God's promise and blessing.

 

Land Ownership: Settled Ishmael vs. Wandering Isaac

Another point of comparison lies in land ownership. Verse 18 of the passage states, "They [Ishmael's descendants] settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. He settled over against all his kinsmen." Here, Havilah to Shur refers to a vast area on the Israelite map, extending from south of the Dead Sea to the Egyptian border. The phrase "settled" means they made that their permanent home, and the fact that the names of Ishmael's sons became important city names in the region suggests that the land effectively belonged to Ishmael's descendants.

 

As you may recall, Abraham owned no land apart from the cave of Machpelah, which he bought. Isaac also possessed no land and, by chapter 26, begins to wander. Yet, Ishmael's descendants settled across a wide area from Havilah to Shur, near the Sinai Peninsula. Notably, "Shur" is near Beer-lahai-roi, the place where Hagar fled and received God's grace, leading to Ishmael's name. It was also a place where Isaac lived. Consequently, Isaac appears to be living as a dependent in the land occupied by Ishmael. This makes it quite ambiguous who was truly the son of promise and who received the blessing. Ishmael became a settled resident, while Isaac remained a wanderer.

 

Outward Blessings and True Promise

Thus, outwardly, it's hard to judge who was the son of promise and who was blessed, as Ishmael's and Isaac's situations were so contrasting. Ishmael settled and prospered, while Isaac continued to wander. This can certainly create confusion about who received the true blessing.

 

However, what we know for sure is that Isaac was the son of promise. Yet, the typical blessings we associate with a "son of promise" were hardly evident in Isaac's life. Outwardly, that was clearly the case. When reading the Bible, we often approach figures like Abraham and Isaac already deeming them great people of faith, which can make us miss the true essence the Scripture intends to convey.

 

As you know, Isaac was not a great man. In fact, there are no "great" people in the Bible. God called Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans not because he was great. Nor did Isaac receive all the blessings as the son of the covenant instead of Ishmael because he was particularly obedient to God's word. He didn't achieve anything extraordinary. Abraham and Isaac, in their time, would likely have been remembered simply as nomads who wandered without direction, yet somehow accumulated wealth and served God in their own way. No one feared Abraham or Isaac; they were, in fact, a minority.

 

Why Abraham and Isaac Appear in the Bible: The History of Salvation and Grace

So why are figures like Abraham and Isaac prominently featured in the Bible? It's not simply because they are the ancestors of the Jewish people. They continuously appear in Scripture to explain how God saves us and through whom He accomplishes that salvation. The Bible is essentially a record of God's history of salvation, and Abraham and Isaac are figures God introduced to show us this very history.

 

When God's salvation is revealed, what two-letter word best expresses it? While words like 'grace' and 'faith' might come to mind, 'grace' is indispensable for fully explaining God's salvation.

 

Salvation: Grace Beginning in Our Insufficiency

In the past, famous cram schools in Korea, like Daesung Academy or Jongno Academy, were even more renowned than prestigious high schools or universities. This was because they gathered students who had narrowly missed entering top universities in Seoul and, through intensive re-preparation, helped them achieve their goals. Since these students were already highly capable, their admission rates to the best universities in Korea were incomparably high.

 

But, if you think about it, is it truly remarkable to gather the best students, give them a little more training, and send them to top universities? Perhaps a truly excellent academy would be one that could send a student who is "quicker to count from the back" to a top-tier university.

 

If God's salvation were about taking people who are already excellent, obedient to His word, and always prioritizing Him, but just need a little more training to be brought into God's kingdom, then the word 'grace' wouldn't fit.

 

When we believe in Jesus, we often despair, saying, "I've believed for 30 years, why am I still like this?" or "I've believed for a long time, but I'm still lacking." But this isn't something to be surprised or angry about, or to despair over. We were originally even more deficient than that. God's salvation is that He called us, just as we were, and brought us this far. That's why we call it grace.

 

It's a great misunderstanding to think that you were originally a good person, but believing in Jesus made God's commands too difficult, causing you to stumble. In fact, the opposite is true. You and I never truly obeyed God's word, sought Him, loved Him, or glorified Him, which is why God called us. The One who calls us and transforms us into His children is God Himself. That's why we are here today. We often mistakenly believe that Abraham and Isaac were somehow different from us, but that's simply not true.

 

The Birth of Ishmael and Isaac: Human Endeavor vs. God's Grace

Today, through the genealogies of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, we aim to examine how Isaac differed from Ishmael. The Bible records Ishmael as "born of Hagar," but Isaac is said to be "born of Abraham." While this certainly intends to show Abraham as Isaac's father and the father of the promised descendant, there's a more significant meaning here. Sarah's name not being explicitly mentioned emphasizes that Isaac was born when Abraham and Sarah were incapable of having children.

 

This is the first and most significant difference between Ishmael and Isaac. Abraham and Sarah believed God's promise, yet they tried to fulfill that promise in their own way. The result of that attempt was Ishmael. But Isaac was a son given by God in an utterly impossible situation. It was as if God brought life out of death-like despair. We call this total grace. Isaac's name and his life demonstrate and acknowledge that human power can do nothing, and only God can accomplish such things. From its very beginning, Isaac's life starkly reveals God's grace. Even if Isaac might have outwardly seemed less impressive than Ishmael, it is precisely in that weakness that God's grace shines even brighter.

 

The Lesson in Isaac's Name: Human Disbelief and God's Faithfulness

Abraham and Sarah clearly scoffed at God's promise. This event must have taught them two great lessons throughout their lives. First, every time they spoke Isaac's name, they couldn't help but remember their disbelief and that laughter. "I laughed then, even though God promised." Abraham, despite being the father of faith, acted differently from what we might expect.

 

If God appeared to you in a dream tonight and told you that something amazing would happen at your company tomorrow, and you would receive immense blessings, would you laugh, or would you say "Amen"? Abraham laughed even after hearing God's direct words. So, every time he called Isaac's name, he must have thought, "Oh, I truly am a person without faith."

 

However, at the same time, there was another lesson. Despite their lack of faith, their unbelieving laughter, and their doubt regarding God's promise, they must have realized, every time they called Isaac's name, God's amazing love and faithfulness in miraculously bringing that very thing to pass and fulfilling it. Isn't that a natural outcome?

 

"Saints": The Grace of a Name Given to Us, Sinners

Through these facts, we realize that Isaac's situation wasn't so different from ours. We too can grasp the same truth every time we reflect on the name God has given us. God calls us "saints." The term "saint" means "holy people" or "consecrated ones." Isn't it awkward that God calls us holy? How many of us can confidently say, "I am truly a holy person"? Probably none. Yet, God has given us this name.

 

So, when we hear ourselves called "saints," "God's people," or "holy people," what must we realize? We come to understand that we are sinners who are unworthy of this name. Simultaneously, we cannot help but ponder God's astonishing grace that, despite our shortcomings, has led us this far, given us this name, and called us. Perhaps we often forget the greatest and most blessed name we've received, which might be why we don't fully experience the eternal joy promised in the Bible.

 

A Life That Remembers Received Grace

Most of our prayers are requests for something more. Of course, there are good prayers of thanks or requests to know the Lord more deeply, but many supplications still revolve around filling what's lacking. While these supplications are not bad or wrong, we should pause and deeply consider what we have already received before making requests. If you pray for something a hundred times, try just once to thoughtfully reflect on what God has already given you. I am 100% confident that truly contemplating this could transform your life.

 

If we genuinely grasp what God has bestowed upon us, the name "saint" that we confess will make us realize how lowly we are as sinners, while simultaneously reminding us of God's persistent love that never gives up on us and continually makes us holy. Just as Isaac's name carried a profound meaning distinct from Ishmael's, so too is it with us.

 

Isaac's Life: A Repeating Pattern of Salvation

Isaac had no children for twenty years, but Ishmael had twelve sons during that time. This fact alone gives us a glimpse into Isaac's life. While it shows that Isaac had no choice but to rely on God, what's even more surprising is how remarkably similar Isaac's life was to Abraham's. Abraham also had trouble having children with Sarah. And in Genesis chapter 26, we see Isaac deceiving people by claiming his wife Rebekah is his sister. What happened to Abraham almost identically repeated in Isaac's life.

 

We often think, "Like father, like son," or wonder why bad habits persist. However, the Bible isn't merely telling a personal story where Isaac simply emulates his father's actions. Instead, the Bible highlights the significant fact that Isaac walked a path similar to Abraham's. This is a frequent pattern in Scripture. Look at Moses and Joshua. Just as Moses parted the Red Sea, Joshua parted the Jordan River. While the flow of their lives differed in many ways, they were remarkably similar. Observe how much Elijah and Elisha's lives resembled each other; they walked very similar paths.

 

These recorded facts in the Bible reveal a consistent pattern. Why must this pattern repeat? It is because it is the pattern of God's history of salvation in which He saves us, and it is the pattern through which God's grace is revealed.

 

Our Lives Following Christ's Life

This pattern of salvation continues in the New Testament. There are people who live out the very pattern of Jesus' life: the apostles, especially Paul. Their lives, encompassing healing the sick, meeting people, and raising the dead, were remarkably similar to Jesus Christ's. Paul declared, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." This isn't just a beautiful phrase or meant to evoke mystical joy. It aims to show that your life is on the same trajectory as Jesus Christ's.

 

Just as Isaac followed Abraham's life, we too come to realize crucial truths. What were Isaac's and Abraham's lives intended to show us? It was that their lives, unlike Ishmael's, contained the story of Jesus Christ. Abraham's and Isaac's lives are not merely the trajectory of individuals, but they identically demonstrate how God's history of salvation—His grace—comes upon sinful Abraham and, in the same way, manifests in each of our sinful lives.

 

A Transformed Life and Eternal Hope in Christ

We know well that when we come to know Jesus Christ, we are born again. The Holy Spirit makes us new, enabling us to live a new life, which is why we are called new creations. Do you know that Jesus Christ was born of the Spirit, born from above, and was indeed a man of the Spirit? Do you know that by His resurrection, even though He was without sin, He was declared righteous for our sake?

 

Doctrines like the Heidelberg Catechism or the Westminster Shorter Catechism might seem rigid, and you might question how much such study truly helps our faith. Many also say that learning directly from Jesus' life is more important. But why are the teachings of the Bible so crucial? It's because the content of those teachings is what Jesus lived out; it's because Jesus was declared righteous, and He is the wisest and holiest. They are not dead doctrines; rather, they are our very lives.

 

You are to enjoy that righteousness in Christ and with Christ, and because of that righteousness, your life should be transformed. You are not meant to be someone who despairs and falls into stagnation because you are a sinner; instead, because you live the life of Jesus Christ, you will continually live as a child of righteousness. This, as far as I know, is one of the greatest biblical truths that nothing else can replace. You may appear to be living your own life, but in reality, you are following everything of Christ within your life.

 

Do you know how far you follow? All the way to God's Kingdom. Just as the Lord ascended for us, you and I will also be caught up to God's Kingdom, and in that glorious Kingdom, we will experience eternal joy and happiness with God. The Bible testifies that when the Lord returns, we will enjoy eternal life with Him. For some, hearing about biblical teachings, doctrines, or eschatological concepts might feel overwhelming. But what story could be more moving than this?

 

This world is finite and will pass away, so it cannot fully contain us. That's because you possess eternal life. When we sometimes feel afraid and overwhelmed, when economic indicators fluctuate, war news spreads, businesses rise and fall, and life's difficulties make everything seem to collapse, leading us to cry out, "Lord, why?"—those very lives cannot contain us. That's because you are a being who possesses eternal life.

 

A Pilgrim's Life, A Journey Toward the Kingdom of God

Friends, just as Isaac's life had a story, your life also has a story. And that story isn't anyone else's; it's Jesus' story unfolding in your life. Just as we sing about following and becoming like Jesus, the story of Jesus' life is alive and breathing within us.

 

While Ishmael settled and lived in Canaan, Isaac didn't. As Hebrews explains so well, the reason why Isaac and other patriarchs of faith lived in tents was that this world wasn't their ultimate home. They knew this wasn't the end, and they looked toward the heavenly city, living as pilgrims. But they weren't just passing strangers; they were pilgrims who had inherited the Kingdom of God. Therefore, in this world, we are the ones who show what the Kingdom of God, which we have inherited, is like.

 

In this world full of strife, we too sometimes get caught up in conflict. But even in those moments, we are called to remember God's Kingdom and ensure that conflict isn't the end. Conflict must ultimately end in reconciliation, love, and forgiveness. In a world where people often prioritize only their own interests and claims, we sometimes find it hard to give up our own benefits, or those of our children, or what we feel we deserve. But that's not the end. Our ultimate goal isn't our own benefit, but the benefit of God's Kingdom, and living to ensure that love for our neighbor is our final aim.

 

We can make mistakes, stumble, and fall. Who among us lives in this world without ever facing hardship? There will be truly difficult times, moments when everything feels blocked, and times when we have struggled and wept to overcome them. But your distress and suffering are not the end of your life. Your end is the joy and delight, eternal life, and everlasting blessedness that God has promised. This is what the Bible testifies, what God has promised, and what His power is actively doing around you, among your beloved siblings and children.

 

I imagine some of you have said "Amen," because there are surely those among you who have experienced this. Sometimes, because of God's Kingdom, sometimes because we couldn't control our temper, sometimes because of frustrating circumstances, sometimes because we couldn't tolerate injustice, we find ourselves struggling and hurting. But it doesn't end there. Despite our sins, it's because of our God, because of our glorious Lord, because of His grace that loves us, that we rise again and find strength. That, indeed, is your life. And you are definitely living that way. Was I wrong?

 

A Pilgrim's Life, An Unending Journey

Even though you and I confess to knowing God and living according to His will, we often find ourselves arguing, consumed by envy and jealousy, and feeling upset. Sometimes, it feels like everything has ended, and hope seems to vanish in despair.

 

But as we've seen today, we are pilgrims. Our lives don't end here. We don't stop at jealousy, envy, personal greed, or self-love. That's because we have a path to walk, and we are walking that path with the Lord.

 

It's not because we are special or great. Rather, it's precisely because we are sinners like Abraham and Isaac that Isaac's story is so precious to us.

 

Why Isaac Was Chosen: God's Plan for Ishmael

So, why was Isaac chosen uniquely, distinct from Ishmael? What was it about Isaac that led God to pick him? Why Jacob and not Esau? Outwardly, Ishmael seemed far more promising, and this question always remains within us. Of course, it was God's sovereign choice, and it was the result of God working through Isaac.

 

However, the Bible repeatedly states the reason God worked through Isaac. It wasn't because they were superior, or because they had great faith, or because they were obedient. Nor was it because they gave their lives for God. Can we truly say Isaac sacrificed so much for the Lord? No. Yet, God still worked through Isaac. Why? Don't be surprised. It was for Ishmael.

 

The Choice of One, A Blessing for All

While Ishmael doesn't represent all of humanity, the Bible says that God chose one nation and one person to proclaim and reveal God's blessing to all people through them. This was to show who God is and what kind of love He has.

 

Let me read from Acts 15. The reason Israel was chosen, why they are called the firstborn and priests, is clearly revealed here:

 

"After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things—things known from long ago."

 

This verse clearly prophesies that when Jesus returns, He will rebuild David's fallen tent—referring to the work He would accomplish through the cross. As Amos prophesied, God's purpose in rebuilding David's tent is for the remnant and all Gentiles who are called by His name to seek the Lord. You and I are those Gentiles. Christ came for us. Of course, this doesn't exclude Israel; He came for Israel as well. But the ultimate purpose of Jesus Christ's coming was precisely this: the salvation of all nations.

 

Our Place in Isaac and Jesus: A Calling for Our Neighbors

I've placed this content at the end for a reason. It's because you and I are in Isaac. And ultimately, Isaac foreshadows Jesus, and we are in that very Jesus Christ. Why do you think you were saved?

 

If you've thought, "Because I am clearly a special person loved by God," or "Because I was certainly worthy of God's grace, and my parents have faithfully believed in Jesus for generations," then please, reflect deeply on that once more today.

 

Your confession of Jesus Christ in this very place is undoubtedly God's grace. But the deeper reason that grace was bestowed is not just for you; it's actually for your neighbors. Because the most precious way to benefit yourself is to benefit your neighbor. This is the way to demonstrate God's love and to reveal God's heart for your neighbor.

 

Just as Jesus Christ came for us, Isaac was also chosen for others, that is, for the Gentiles. While we who are in Christ didn't come into the world to save anyone, we are called together in Christ to care not only for ourselves but also for others. The Lord desires to walk with us for their sake, and He truly says He walks with us.

 

The Goal of Faith: A True Relationship with God

You and I sometimes tend to make our first goal in faith to lead ourselves to a higher state, or to have a better faith, or to do good deeds. However, as the Bible teaches, the true reason God walks with us is so that through all these things, we may know God more deeply and regard Him not merely as a business partner, but as a true Father who shares our life. God knows our suffering, hears our words, and is the One who gave His very life for all that concerns us.

 

I admit this myself: we often say, "We don't use God; God isn't my bodyguard, but a true friend, Father, and Savior." Yet, we realize how often, without knowing it, we use God. Looking at our entire church, and especially having pastored here for so long, I've often thought, 'I guess I'm doing pretty well.'

 

When I met my fellow pastors, they greatly envied our church. They'd hear that our elders directly taught congregants, read books together, and shared the Word, which made other pastors extremely envious of me. And whenever they heard that our church yearned for the Word, pastors would always say, "I'd love to preach at that church." (Not now, though; after coming to preach, many say it's too intimidating to return!) Preaching the Word to people who yearn for it is a preacher's dream. Few things bring such joy and delight, or elevate the heart to such heavenly heights.

 

So, I suppose I also started thinking, 'Maybe I'm doing a decent job pastoring.' But it didn't take long to realize how wrong and foolish that was—that I, too, had been using God for my own satisfaction.

 

A Life Walking by God's Grace

You and I, like Abraham felt through Isaac's name, must constantly realize that we are sinners who cannot live without God's grace. At the same time, despite all our shortcomings, because of God's grace, we call upon the Lord's name today, confessing that even our limping lives are made new, healed, and made to leap by God, with whom we walk. I pray that you live such a life.

 

Let us pray.

Lord, who saves us from harsh trials and suffering, from deep waters of hardship, and who becomes our true peace, joy, and comfort, please hold and guide Your beloved saints, and make them new. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.