April 1, 2017
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Genesis? Here’s today’s reading:
Genesis 21 (ESV)
The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” 7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”… Continue Reading
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How amazing! God does the “impossible” and Sarah bore Abraham a son, Isaac. And Abraham, following God’s command, circumcised Isaac when he was eight days old. God delivered on His promise and Abraham did his part and obeyed what God commanded him.
In Genesis 21:10 Sarah is still having a real problem with Hagar just as she did in Genesis 16:4-6. In the first account, “Abram said to Sarai, ‘Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.’ Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her” (Genesis 16:6). It’s as if Abraham had no feelings or consideration for her or their son. But in Genesis 21, we see a different response from Abraham.
“And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba” (Genesis 21:11-14).
In both accounts, the Lord visits Hagar (Genesis 16:7-12; Genesis 21:17-18). God also makes provisions for her and her son (Genesis 21:19) and was “with the boy and he grew up” (Genesis 21:20).
It’s clear from this story that Sarah regretted her decision to offer Hagar to Abraham to conceive a child. It’s also clear that God works in flawed people and in all circumstances so that His will is accomplished.
The Lord did for Sarah what He promised. And God did for Hagar’s son Ishmael what He promised for her son.
Studying in Hebrews 1 and corresponding Psalms.
Read chapters 19&21.
Reading daily through the prophets and posting weekly:
HOSEA: What a picture of God’s unconditional love as seen in Hosea toward his unfaithful wife. Israel was wayward and bore the consequences of their sin against God. Yet, God desires their repentance. I am so grateful God drew me to Himself and continues to convict me of sin, forgive me and cleanses me. He is the lifter of my head. ”
JOEL:
Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other, never again will my people be shamed.” 2:27.
AMOS: God’s warning that the “Day of the Lord” will bring judgement. God longs that His people will seek his heart In Truth. God rejects lip service and works that do not flow from a love relationship with him. 5:21-23…are the things he hates: religious feasts, assemblies, burnt offerings, the noise of your songs, fellowship offerings, He will have no regard for “religious” performances. I’m challenged in my heart that even my daily reading in scripture if done by rote and not by relationship with God, grieves His heart. He longs for me.
OBADIAH: The “Day of the Lord” is near. Many of these prophet books were written 600 years before Christ…and it’s been 2,000 years since, the “Day of the Lord” is near. I’m thankful that in Him, there is no fear for the Day. There is longing!
JONAH: I feel like Jonah sometimes, when I want to avoid reaching out to the most difficult people. In some cases it doesn’t end well. So much time and resources are invested in a troubled life, with no results. When I see God’s deep compassion for them, I’m ashamed. God’s last words to Jonah was: “But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right from their left and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” 4:11 What a glimpse into God’s heart. I’m stirred by His love…He even cared about the cattle.
MICAH: Again the theme of “The Day of the Lord” and warning from God, especially for the religious leaders and false prophets. Yet a promise and a hope for Israel and for us who are to become adopted children of Abraham. 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel whose origins are from of old from ancient times.” Thank you Lord for the provision of Jesus, Creator, Redeemer, Comforted, Lifter of my head. Thank you. Thank you.
Read chapter 21
Definitely playing catch up in our reading in Genesis and apologize for not posting more regularly, but addressing water in my office here at the church building has set me back on posting here…I still have not been able to log in at home.
Anyways, several things jumped out at me in this chapter. v. 6 talks about Sarah laughing from the joy of Isaac’s birth. How different the laughter that comes form disbelief and the laughter that comes from God fulfilling His promises.
In verse 13, impressed that God would make Ishmael a great nation because he is from Abraham as well. To what extent does that speak to the power of God’s covenant and His commitment to it? I think boat loads….And then that promise is reinforced by God providing hope in Hagar’s desperation by providing water.
And what an amazing account of Abimelech at the end of the chapter. Rather than harboring ill will against Abraham, he recognizes God’s hand on him and wants to make sure the favor on Abraham continues to be extended to him. How much do we bear the indicators of God’s hand on our lives so people see Him through us?