God always does what he says he will do. Let's be confident in what he promises. Jesus is the Saviour from the Jews for the nations.

The death of Abraham isn't the end - he was gathered to his people - his soul with the LORD and his people for ever, awaiting a wonderful reunion with his body when Jesus returns. God blessed Isaac after Abraham dies - hope lives because Jesus lives!

Isaac loved Rebekah. It's so important that we serve one another in love. Jesus the Bridegroom knows us and loves us, as he showed when he met the woman in the well of Samaria!

Rebekah had the faith of Abraham and it showed in her character - willing to go the extra mile and to up and leave and be part of the 'Jesus' story. Thank God for Jesus who has gone the extra mile to rescue and save us. May we have the faith of Rebekah to step out and be part of Jesus' story.

Let's be people like Abraham's servant who can be trusted to get a job done - being willing to use the abilities God has given us prayerfully. Thank the LORD for the Servant, Jesus who finished the work he was given to do so that we can have peace with God.

Even in old age, Abraham keeps looking forward trusting the LORD, confident that he will save the world through his Son Jesus. Oh may we have the faith of Abraham whatever stage of life we are in.

Death is sad and it's right to grieve and mourn, but it doesn't have the final word. In Jesus we can look forward, like Abraham did, even in death.

Like Abraham we can trust the LORD to provide for us - he hasn't spared his only Son - we can trust him to provide all that we need!

The LORD tests us to grow our trust in him. We need to be like Abraham and stick to the stuff we know to be true, rather than speculating about 'maybes'. God did not withhold his only Son Jesus from us. How he loves us!

Prayer can be hard work - be prepared to wrestle for others in prayer. Be a friend who comforts others. In church, we are part of something bigger than our local church - may we see that and show Jesus off to the watching world.