We should expect opposition as Christians, but remember Jesus has won. Jesus came knowing exactly what it was cost him and yet he willingly finished the work he had been given to do. It is finished!

We are always teaching others what we believe by how we behave! Let's be careful not to fall, especially if we have been on a bit of a high. May people see Jesus in us and be drawn to him.

God makes this amazing promise to Isaac at a tough time. We can totally depend upon all that he promises - Jesus did, even in the darkness of the cross.

How willl God work out his plan? We're called to trust him even when it seems so difficult. Let's not be like Esau who lived for pleasure now and rejected Jesus. Jesus looked ahead to the joy set before him and kept going, finishing the work he was given to do.

Isaac had a big obstacle - Rebekah couldn't have children - so he prayed, in line with what God had promised and he heard his prayer. Sadly Isaac drifted a bit as time went on and he challenges us to keep going in the LORD and church is a vital part of that.

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.