Through the Bible in 2012

Readings:

Genesis 18
Genesis 19
Psalm 13
Psalm 14

Comments:

Previously, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. Abram means “exalted ancestor” and Abraham means “ancestor of multitudes.” The name Abraham would be a reminder that God is going to make this man the father of many! Sarai and Sarah both mean “princess.”

In chapter 18, we again hear the promise that Abraham and Sarah will have a child. Previously, Abraham has tried to have the head of his household become his heir. Sarah made sure Abraham had a child with her servant Hagar. This was not God’s plan, however! But upon hearing the promise again, Sarah laughs. When Sarah does conceive and have a son, they name him Isaac which means “he laughed.”

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a sad one indeed. Evidently, sin was rampant. What do you make of the conversation between Abraham and God in 18:22-33? What do you make of Lot’s daughters in 19:30-38? Are there echoes here of the story of Noah – God saves Lot and his daughters but soon after sin enters the picture! Sin is a concept and reality woven throughout the entire Bible.

God is a God of forgiveness and grace. God is also a God of judgment. Humans are created in the image of God and are “very good.” But humans also are sinful creatures. The Bible is humanity’s story of this struggle and it’s our story too.