When we begin something, we want it to continue even after we have passed on. We see this need for continuity in companies and nations as well. There is also a need for continuity in God’s salvation plan for man. In Genesis 25, the death of Abraham was imminent. His offspring included Isaac, Ishmael and the six sons born to him by Keturah.

1) Wisdom is required for continuity (Gen 25:1-6)

Before his passing, Abraham had to ensure that the messianic line was passed down rightly to Isaac. In his wisdom, he sent the children of Keturah away with gifts. This was a wise decision in the spiritual sense. Abraham knew that if they remained behind, they would want a share of the inheritance, including the spiritual inheritance. God’s plan of salvation would then be in jeopardy. Godly wisdom is needed especially when we consider continuity of spiritual matters. Our actions must be shaped by our spiritual perspective, not just the physical and emotional. For example, we would seek God’s will:
(a) to ensure that godly leaders are put up to lead the Church for future generations,
(b) concerning a godly spouse to pass on the Christian legacy of the family.

2) God is the source of continuity (Gen 25:7-11)

As we take actions resulting from godly wisdom, we must remember that God is still the source of the continuity. He will keep and maintain the continuity. Abraham died. Though Ishmael returned to bury Abraham, Ishmael could do nothing to usurp the messianic line from Isaac. Abraham might have died but it was God who maintained the messianic line. God blessed Isaac and hence the messianic line continued. We can use our godly wisdom to ensure continuity, but ultimately our time on earth is finite. We will pass on and we must trust that God is the source who will ensure continuity.

3) God has the power and faithfulness to ensure continuity (Gen 25:12-23)

God promised that a nation would come out of Ishmael, and He fully fulfilled that promise (Gen 25:12-18). God also kept the messianic line (Gen 25:19-23). Continuity is God’s responsibility. Trust that God has the power and is faithful to ensure continuity. Do not waste our time ensuring continuity of material things. We are to ensure spiritual continuity. God never fails as long as we do things His way.