Genesis Seventeen

"And Abraham said to God, 'If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"

-----Genesis 17:18

A lot of uncomfortable things take place at the end of this chapter. At least for the men of the Hebrews. Abraham and Sarah receive their new names (a name makes a great difference) if not, then God would not make such an effort to give people certain names.

Verse 18 is insightful to the human condition. God just told Abraham that a nation will be produced out of his new offspring. Abraham recommends that God do it a more convenient way. As the father of a young child, I can somewhat sympathize. Late nights, early mornings, feeding all the time. Abraham was around 100 years old and my guess is that he didn't want to raise a baby again. Ishmael becomes much more convenient.

I find that I am not so different. When it comes to following God, convenience is preferred over actual effort almost every time. To be honest, there is nothing wrong with pursuing convenience. Unless of course, God has specifically led you in one direction. In our finite minds, we have a warped view of the energy needed to perform any given task. God at times will take us the long route to help us learn (check out the Exodus).

Would it have been easier to pass the blessing on through Ishmael? Maybe, but perhaps it's a 50-50 shot. Is it wiser to follow God's plan over the convenience of our lives? Absolutely, since he knows what is going on. He is about to let a 100 year old man and a 90 year old woman have a baby. This is no accident.

"Father, help me today to see past convenience and follow what You are leading me to do."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Sixteen

"But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar;"
-----Genesis 16:1

There are some verses in scripture that shed light in some of the modern day issues we are facing. Genesis 16:1 is one of them. What happens in this chapter is still prevailent in our modern day world. The battle that will ensue between Issac and Ishmael is the fight that is taking place for Israel between Jews and Muslims.

I find it interesting that the maidservant, Hagar, had an egyptian heritage. Go a few chapters back to see what happened the last time Abram was in Egypt. Hagar was given to Abram out of his deceitful and lack of trust in God. I wonder what the connection is (if any) between that and the challeneges going on in that area today?

This chapter is best experienced in hindsight for these characters. I would think that if they knew what was down the road then they would never have left the drive way. This is where trust in God is vital. It doesn't state that after Sarai offered Hagar, Abram sought wisdom from the Lord. God had promised him offspring. Maybe asking if this was the way God would do it would have been wise.

God's wisdom is needed in all decisions. Small and big ones, decisions require more insight than we are alloted in the situation. Remember, we have limited vision. We have a guess about what will happen in 5 minutes but no guarantees. If we rely on our Heavenly Father to guide us through uncertainty we can step with more assurance. He has displayed this time and time again throughout our history.

"Father, I long to follow You even when I am unsure about what happens in the next five minutes."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Fifteen

"Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward."
-----Genesis 15:1

I have a lot of "stuff". If I took the time to list all the "stuff" that I have accumulated you would probably think that I am a bit on the materialistic side. The opinion would probably be valid. I have been talking a bit with Misty over the past few weeks over the concept of simplifying life. Pastor Jess hit the nail on the head today during the service. He said (paraphrase) "Most of us are living life at a pace that is much to fast."

I find that I get stuff to help me go faster. The issue with the "stuff" that I have is this: IT DOESN'T AMOUNT TO MUCH. IT'S JUST "STUFF".

Today as I read the words of God to Abram I was challenged. Abram was a guy with "stuff"!!! A lot more "stuff" than I will ever have. God gently reminds him in a vision, "Abe- I am your shield, your very great reward."

God says the same to us. The discouraging point is when we choose the fleeting safety of the "stuff" over His protection. He outlives "stuff" everyday.

Sunday is a great day for a resolution. This week I will remind myself that God is my shield when trouble arises. I will remind myself that He is my treasure to cherish above all things.

"Father, praise be to You for Your indescribable gift. "

Heart and Soul
BAG
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