When we read the stories of the patriarchs, we have to ask what the purpose of God was behind all the events, even those that may seem strange. My understanding is that God sent Abraham back to the land of Canaan to “restart” the original plan from the garden of Eden. (Genesis 12:1-4)
Sarah
Through Abraham’s first wife, Sarah, was born Isaac, to whom was given both the promised seed of the Messiah Savior, but also ownership rights of the land. (Genesis 18, 21)
Hagar
Through Abraham’s second wife, Hagar, Ishmael was born, who was blessed and circumcised into the family covenant even before Isaac was born. Through Hagar a family and covenant connection was made with the people of Egypt (Mizraim) and through them to all the sons of Cush and Ham, living in Africa. (Genesis 10:6)
Keturah
After Sarah died, Abraham married Keturah. The sons of Keturah were sent northward and eastward, and joined in with the sons of Ashur (Assyria). This established a family covenant connection spreading out into Europe and Asia. (Genesis 25:1, 3, 6)
God promised Abraham to be a blessing to all nations, to take possession of planet earth, to be a father of many nations, and to bring the savior of the world. (Genesis 12, 22, Isaiah 19:23-25, Romans 4)
The sons of Ishmael and the sons of Keturah were not a mistake. They were part of God’s predestined plan to restore planet earth and extend the family of God through covenant with father Abraham.
Asher serves as president of Tikkun Global family of ministries and congregations, dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He is founder of the Revive Israel five-fold ministry team, and oversees both Ahavat Yeshua and Tiferet Yeshua congregations in Israel.
He and his wife Betty share a passion for personal prayer and devotion, local evangelism and discipleship in Hebrew, and unity of the Body of believers worldwide.
Asher was raised in a conservative Jewish home and holds degrees from Harvard University, Baltimore Hebrew College and Messiah Biblical Institute. He has authored numerous books, tracts and articles.