ABRAHAM: The Dependable Phlegmatic

This week, we’ve walked through Genesis, looking at the life and leadership of dependable, yet phlegmatic Abraham. As a reminder, let’s go over what that exactly means.

When Abraham’s focused on God‘s plan and purpose, we see these dependable moments. He’s empathetic, cooperative with family members and other tribes, tolerant of other cultures, and has a genuine care for mankind.

And yet, when Abraham’s not focused on God’s plan, we see phlegmatic moments; apathetic, slow to action, avoiding risk and personal responsibility.

Genesis 21

Our last account of Abraham’s dependable phlegmatic character is found in Genesis 21, beginning in verse 1.

“Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac…” (Gen. 21:1-3)

Trouble Again for Old Abraham

God fulfills His promise to Abraham and pours out the blessing of a son, Isaac. Unfortunately, Abraham’s previous life choices cause him trouble again; trouble that will impact future generations and his legacy. Take a look at verse 8 of chapter 21.

“The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, ‘Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.’ The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, ‘Do not be so distressed…it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.’” (Gen. 21:8-13)

Peace In the Middle East

If you’ve ever wondered, why peace in the Middle East is so difficult? Many scholars and theologians track that question back to this moment. Biblical and historic evidence shows that main veins of Judaism and Islam lead back to this moment in Scripture and Abraham’s two sons.

It is believed that Ishmael is the beginning of Arab blood lines and eventually, the Muslim faith. And as Scripture would indicate, Isaac carried the Hebrew blood lines into the Jewish faith.

I’m not going to get into the entire history or coinciding religious, cultural and political arguments. However, it is a truly fascinating and yet disheartening study on how one decision can have a major impact on the future and legacy.

Blessing Without Legacy

Abraham received the blessing that he had waited for, becoming a great nation. An amazing piece of his legacy. Unfortunately, he also carried a legacy of turmoil and unrest that still rages today. All stemmed from his inability to wait for that blessing.

Like Abraham, we have been blessed with so much. I don’t know you personally, so it may be wealth, belongings, property? Maybe you been blessed with amazing talents and abilities?

We’ve all been blessed with something. And when we’re dead and gone, the legacy we leave behind will be an opportunity to influence future generations.

Will we be known as a person who stored up everything for themselves or gave it away freely to those in need? Did we use what we’ve been given for the kingdom or for our own personal gain?

Can I get your feedback?

In Genesis 21, God finally fulfils his call and promise and blesses Abraham and Sarah with a son. What blessing has God poured out on your life? How will your legacy tell the story of that blessing?

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