Through the Bible in 2012

Readings:

Genesis 20
Genesis 21
Psalm 15

Comments:

Abraham is called by God to be an important figure in the history of God’s people. We see that clearly in chapter 12. Abraham is to have an heir and will be the ancestor of many, many people. He is the patriarch of God’s people. Nevertheless, the author of Genesis shows us Abraham with all his faults as well as his good features. In chapter 20, Abraham is afraid that something bad will happen to his wife Sarah if people in Gerar know she is his wife. So he lies and says she is his sister. As the story unfolds, we see the consequences. How often do we think fibs, white lies, and half-truths won’t really matter? In this story, everything ends well. But we know in life that is not always the case.

Isaac is born in chapter 21. Remember his name means ‘laughter’ for not only did his parents laugh, but he himself brings laughter into their lives. As you can imagine, there is trouble ahead as Abraham’s other son (Isaac’s brother by a different mother!) is still in the picture. Sarah wants to send Ishmael away along with his mother Hagar. God takes care of Hagar and Ishmael. In fact, God says Ishmael will also form a great nation. Do you think these two parts of Abraham’s family will get along? Do you think they will cross paths in the future?

Do you see why I like Genesis? It has all the drama of a good television mini-series or movie. Many people become bogged down in details and bored in many parts of the Bible. I don’t see how that can be the case in Genesis.