The Old Testament By Ishmael: The Power Of God

Conclusion The best way to conclude, is by stating that the Old testament is just the first act, of a three part story. Its importance is probably understated to say, it exemplifies an all powerful God with the power to create and destroy, to reward and punish, and his ongoing promise to his chosen people. While at the same time, it is a story of mankind, and our inability to remain faithful. The power of God is inconceivable, that he spoke the world into existence. Yet the power to destroy is equally inconceivable, like the flood and Noah. When one stops to think about his power when angered, and the act of destroying the city of Sodom, and what total destruction of a city would entail, God power is truly enormous. The book

Maybe not as apparent as in Jobs story, but by the original sin planted by Lucifer so many generations before. We see this in Abram when he lays with Hagar, looking for a shortcut to the promise of God. And that by that attempted shortcut Ishmael was born, the father of a nomadic tribe, continually in conflict with the children of Israel. Among this tribe being the Islamic prophet Mohamed being linked directly to Ishmael. This all because Abram was unwilling to wait for God to complete his promise. As even today mankind still has a problem with waiting on God. I see this in talking to the people I minister to in the retirement home. Why am I still here, has God forgotten me? It is by the rebellious nature of man, that people challenge his timing. And yet his timing is perfect, and there are no shortcuts. We see the seeds of original sin again with David and Bathsheba, and Davids attempt to hide what had happened. We see it again with the apostate kings of Israel, as they worship Baal and other false gods and idols. This is why I stated in my summary, the continued presence of Lucifer throughout the story. From deceiving himself that he could ascend to take Gods throne, to his presence in our modern world, Satan is very real, and is still deceiving those who he can influence, through mans free

As well as explains much of those in old testament that strayed from faith. Because, if Moses in this life changing moment, aware of Gods presence, can make excuses for not wanting to do Gods will, this could perhaps explain in part, why the apostate kings would choose comfort and reliance on their pagan gods, in direct rebellion to what they knew was Gods will. While the book relates stories of other men who like Moses had a mission placed upon their shoulders, like some of the prophets. Moses didn't have the faith at first to realize if God placed him in such a position, he would also supply all the needs of that mission. As time went by, and he lead the Israelite's out of Egypt, he started to see things clearly. In faith he found water, in faith God delivered the manna. Moses found the true meaning of faith, through surrendering his own will to God, in total submission to Gods