(Genesis 36:1-14) Daily choices determine eternal consequences On November 19, 1977, a descendant of Ishmael, representing the largest Ishmaelite nation in the world, stepped off his Boeing 707 jet onto Israeli soil at Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, and was received in a red-carpet welcome (including a blare of trumpets and a 21-gun salute) by the descendants of Isaac. On hand at Ben-Gurion Airport to greet Egyptian President Anwar Sadat were such dignitaries as Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, former Prime Ministers Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin, and the military heroes of past Arab-Israeli wars, General Moshe Dayan and General Ariel Sharon. This historic event captured the attention of the world. All of the major news networks sent representatives into the area. The jet aircraft carrying Anwar Sadat was filled with reporters. And live television coverage was flashed, via satellite, from Ben-Gurion Airport to points around the world. Although the world’s news media was able to somewhat capture the importance of the moment at that time, its commentators have never been able to properly assess certain things about the current Middle East situation. There is only one document in existence that gives a completely accurate account of the past history, present condition, and future status of the Middle East; and this document — the Word of God — has been rejected by the world. Thus, the world’s news media, not going to this document, could not then and cannot today even begin to correctly analyze events of the nature under discussion in the Middle East. The outline of Middle East history, current events, and prophecy has its roots in the book of Genesis. The unrest between the Arabs and the Jews in the Middle East can be understood only in the light of the Abrahamic Covenant and the unrest existing in Abraham’s tent between two sons of Abraham — Ishmael and Isaac — relative to this covenant. God: A SECULAR LINE Ishmael (Genesis 25:12-18) Esau (Genesis 36:1-37:1) Threw away his birthright (Genesis 25:1-34) Took his wives (Genesis 26:34) (Genesis 27:46) derogatory expression “Canaan” Together (Genesis 37:3) These lists are given because they are also under the divine blessing. (Genesis 17:20) (Genesis 27:38-40) Both Ishmael and Esau took wives of Canaan and settled outside the promised land. Like Lot seeking prosperity Esau settled in Seir (Genesis 36:8) and Jacob lived (Genesis 37:1) A SPIRITUAL LINE Abraham (Genesis 17) Isaac (Genesis 26:24) Jacob (Genesis 32) THE SAVIOR’S LINE The Kingdom of God God obligates Himself to subjugate Edom to Israel (Genesis 25:23) (Genesis 27:29) (Genesis 28:1) (Genesis 35:11) The implication is God is raising up a mightier nation and a mightier King, a holy king to rule over the secular nations of the world. (Numbers 24:17) (Obadiah 1:21) (Acts 15:17) Jesus is King If kings came from Esau, how much more reasonable to believe that Jesus Christ will reign until all of creation is redeemed and every tongue confesses Him as Lord! (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) (Philippians 2:11) In whose kingdom are you Jacob’s children who were exiles in Padam-Aram and Egypt, and Babylon returned to possess the promised land, The Church, which is the Chosen today (1 Peter 2:9-10) and scattered will possess the promised land that will never pass away (1 Peter 1:1-9) Today, a remnant of Edom is reconciled to his brother and has become a member of Christ’ Kingdom (Amos 9:4) (Acts 16-18) (Revelation 7:9) What about you? Evaluate your daily choices in the light of eternity God keeps His promises even when we do not. Are you living a Kingdom life?