Gen 16:16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.
As I continue reading through Genesis, I find myself struggling to remain mindful of the fact that this study is not just a fascinating look at history. Like Hagar, I want a personal encounter with the God who sees me, and I have to keep reminding myself to plumb the depths of each chapter looking for ways that I can personally connect so that I can keep both my head and heart engaged in this study.
Gen 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”
What strikes me at the beginning of chapter 17 is the fact that it’s been 13 years since we have (and presumably Abram has) heard anything from God. Commentary speculated that in the interim “Abram was becoming a great man of faith…[through] years of almost mundane trusting in God.” I would love to know what’s in Abram’s head because, personally, I would have wondered if in my disobedience and mis-obedience I had finally worked my way out of God’s favor. Even though we are told repeatedly that God is faithful, I fear I would doubt. We are given no indication that Abram suffered such fears.
Gen 17:5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father to many nations.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the ability to make Your word personal. You say repeatedly that You will never leave us nor forsake us, yet, as You can see, I still struggle at times to believe it. Help me to know, in my head and my heart, that Your love is freely given to all, even me. Help me to be open to receiving that love, living and breathing and being in that love, simply because I am Your child. Continue to draw me closer. Help me to shine Your light. Amen.
Gen 17:6 “I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you and kings will come from you.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.