Dr. Lawrence Butler

The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah and was the promised heir of this godly couple. The promise of a child came from God Almighty and there should never have been any doubt that the promise would be fulfilled. In several ways the birth of Isaac typified the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Let us review some of the similarities between the births of Isaac and Christ.

Both Isaac and Jesus were promised seed from God to man, Isaac in Genesis 17:16 and Christ in the Garden of Eden after man’s sin (Gen. 3:15). Second, between the promise of birth and the fulfillment of the promise, there were lengthy periods of time. There may have been 35 years in Isaac’s case, and 4,000 years before the birth of Christ. The third similarity is there was some unbelief in the hearts of the mothers, and powerful responses by God. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” in Sarah’s case, and “With God nothing shall be impossible” in answer to Mary’s lack of understanding.

Fourth, Isaac’s name was specified before he was born (Gen.17:19), just as the name of Jesus was spoken to Joseph by the angel (Matt.

1:21). Fifth, Isaac was born “at the set time” (Gen.21:2), while Jesus was born “When the fullness of time was come” (Galatians 4:4). Sixth, a miracle was required before Isaac could be born since his parents’ ages precluded them being capable of reproducing (Gen. 18:11-12). Certainly it must be obvious to you that a wonderful, astounding miracle occurred as a result of the birth of Jesus. Hear Mary questioning the angel, “How can this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34). Yet both births happened just as God said. Seventh, Isaac was named by his father (Gen.

21:3), his name means “laughter,” and he was his father’s delight. Listen to the Father of Jesus expressing His feelings about His Son, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 17:5).

Many have chosen to doubt the veracity of the Bible. They claim we are not able to ascertain whether there is a God or not, but they choose to think probably He does not exist. I challenge anyone to read the Bible with an open heart and unlock its mysteries. There upon the pages of this precious book you will discover things you never knew or understood (see above). You will be overwhelmed by the types and shadows found in the Old Testament as well as how time and again God has spoken, reaching out to us, while revealing His love for man.