Today’s
Scripture Reading (April 24, 2012): Genesis 25
If the Arab nations are truly the descendants of Ishmael (and they believe
that they are – and history would seem to agree), then this simple verse hidden
in the middle of the book of Genesis tells the story of the Arab nations. Until
the seventh century, the Arab tribes were nomadic and continually at war with
each other. They would stay in conflict with their brothers from the time of
Abraham until the coming of Muhammad.
Muhammad was intrigued with the Biblical writings and especially with
the story of Isaac and Ishmael. And as he read about Ishmael being the father
of all those who dwelt in the dessert, he made the connection between the son
of Abraham and his own people. He saw in the Arab nations the children of
Abraham, and Abraham had been concerned about them and had prayed for them. And
the bible says that God’s blessing was on both of the sons of Abraham, even if
it was Isaac that was the child of promise.
One of the great accomplishments of Muhammad, and one that we need to
remember him for, is that he united the feuding Arab people groups for the
first time in their history. It was a significant accomplishment. So it is
little wonder that the Islamic people hold him to be a great disciple of God.
Even if he just accomplished the unification of the Arab nations, it was
something that no one else had been able to do.
In our political environment, it is sometimes too easy to overlook the
spiritual identity of the nations that we consider to be our enemies. But we
need to recognize in them the spiritual potential and blessing that God has
placed in them – as well as in us. And we strive to praise the God who created
both of us.
Tomorrow’s
Scripture Reading: Genesis 26
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