“Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre (Genesis 25:9 ESV).
The last time Isaac and Ishmael were at peace may have been when they buried their father, Abraham. They buried him in the same tomb Abraham had bought to bury Sarah. These two sons became two great peoples. The Jewish nation came from Isaac and the Arab peoples from Ishmael. They stood together at their father’s funeral, but enmity has existed between them until this day. Judaism claims Abraham as its father through Isaac. And Islam claims the same, albeit through Ishmael.
The tomb of the patriarchs is in the modern day city of Hebron, in Palestine, nineteen miles South of Jerusalem. The site has intermittently been under Jewish, Christian, or Muslim control. The current building that sits atop the tomb was originally built as a church. But later, under Muslim control, minarets were added to make it a mosque.
The descendants of Isaac and Ishmael still contend over the site, both claiming to be the true sons of Abraham. Yet, the true children of Abraham are those who have by faith believed in Jesus. For as the apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham” (Gal. 3:7).
The key to ending the hostility between Isaac and Ishmael, Jew and Muslim, is faith in Jesus. For such faith proves who are the true spiritual children of Abraham. Only Jesus can give us true peace.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are those who have placed our faith in Jesus. Because of Him, we have been adopted into the line of Abraham and have become Your children. Jesus has reconciled us to You, Father. And You have called us to be ministers of reconciliation. Strengthen us to proclaim the gospel of peace to all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.