#63 Burying Together Genesis 25

Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. Jockshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east. This is the sum of the years of Abraham's life which he lived: one hundred and seventy five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi. Genesis 25: 1-11 NKJV

It is interesting in verse 9 that both Isaac and Ishmael bury their father Abraham. Abraham has scattered Isaac's half brothers away, and to the East. This is most likely to ensure that there will be no contest for the inheritance. But here we have Isaac and Ishmael, though estranged from each other early on, now returning to pay their respects and bury their father together. 

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from the east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then Jesus said to the centurion, "go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour. Matthew 8:10-13 NKJV

Here, Jesus defines the kingdom of God and defies the rabbinical teaching of the time. It is not the nation physical, but that of faith, theirs had become a religion based upon birthright. The glorious thing is that the remnant of Israel who do believe, seeing that there is no way by physical means, nor by birth to enter the kingdom of heaven. They, who see that there is only one way by which men can be saved, will in and by trusting Jesus Christ as Savior, be joined to those who were once estranged but have trusted the same. There and only there is true peace found, in that we are all reconciled to God through Christ, and now one body. Many of Ishmael's children will sit down with Isaac's children at the great feast. Even now through Christ I have been able to witness the reconciliation of those who were born enemies. Remember, if you are a Christian, that in God's kingdom the lion will lay down with the lamb, and if you are a Christian then even now your testimony is that of one, who by faith, walks in that kingdom even now. I love you regardless of your phenotype or place of birth, even if you have chosen to be my enemy; it is not for me to hate you.