Genesis 15-21

In these chapters, Abram's story continues. Abram asks God about the promise issued in chapter 12. God reassures Abram the promise will be fulfilled. Later Abram has doubts as does Sarai, so they follow the cultural custom of giving Abram, Hagar, Sarai's maidservant. Hagar does as she is told and Sarai has a problem with it and mistreats her. Hagar leaves. God reassures Hagar. Hagar returns.

God comes again to Abram with assurances of His covenant. This time circumcision is the outward sign of God's promise. Abram becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah to signal again God's promise. Abram obeys the circumcision command, even while laughing at the thought of an old man having a son. God understands the laugh and says the son's name will be Isaac which means "laughter." Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?

Later, Sarah overhears God talking to Abraham about a son coming by next year. Sarah really laughs at the thought of her carrying a child. God calls her on it. She becomes afraid and denies it. God looks at her. I think her laughter stopped. After all "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

Throw in some Sodom and Gomorrah drama with Lot and family and we have quite a story here. Chapter 21 brings Isaac on the scene. Sarah gets scared and orders Hagar out of the fold to die. God shows mercy to Hagar. Abraham has seen the initial fulfillment of God's promise. This is not light reading folks!

Here is some food for thought as you read this week:

1. Abraham: Reflect on this quote from The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible: "Abraham's story reminds us that faith must involve more than hoping for the best in times of uncertainty. Faith often brings on uncertainty through acts of submission to God. Faith often means taking a voluntary step from the known into the unknown in response to God's leading." (page 37 in the OT) Is God asking you to step into the unknown? If so are you going? Why or why not?

2. Abraham and Sarah receive many assurances from God that He will fulfill his promise...yet they still take things into their own hands. (Chapter 16) As you read this story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar which character do you like the most? The least? Why?

3. Where have you been waiting for God to fulfill a promise? How do you cope with the delay?

4. Lot: There is a tension in Lot's life that feels all too familiar. Lot chooses the best land. He lives in the midst of lots of evil. His family is warned of coming doom and they hesitate to leave. The angels have to pull Lot out of town.

In our affluent culture we too get sucked into a lifestyle often contrary to God's lifestyle. Whether it's accumulating stuff, watching too much TV, viewing internet porn or keeping our schedules so busy there is no time for anything but exhaustion, we have chosen a life opposed to God's best. God gives us warnings, but we tarry. Why? Is your life structured to encourage your relationship with God? Or does it take you away from relationship with Him?

5. I am reassured by Abraham's story. The Genesis narration reveals him as a God's friend. He and God talk a lot. Abraham negotiates with God (Sodom and Gomorrah) and God listens. Abraham believes God (he will have an heir) and yet Abraham has those moments of doubt where he takes things into his own hands. God does not change his plan for Abraham even though he doubts. He still fulfills His promise to him. I do the same thing. I believe God is in control. I believe God will provide and care for me and my family. Yet, there are those moments of doubt. Those moments of thinking I could do all this better myself. I try. It fails. God remains faithful in His plan. Thank you!

How does Abraham's story of promise, waiting and fulfillment speak to you?

Work with this story of Abraham, Sarah, Lot, Hagar and Ishmael. Where are you in this narration?

Enjoy!