CHAPTER 15
|
CHAPTER 16
|
CHAPTER 17
| |
Abrahamic
Covenant Given
|
Abram’s
Impatience
|
Abrahamic
Covenant Repeated
|
Abraham’s
Obedience
|
Isaac Promised
|
Ishmael Born
|
Isaac Promised
|
Ishmael Blessed
|
Key Passage: Genesis 15
OVERVIEW Today’s reading describes the Abrahamic covenant as it was given by God, confirmed and symbolized. God’s promises to Abraham are given in great detail, confirmed with a unilateral treaty, repeated, and established by the sign of circumcision. But as the years pass with no evidence of fulfillment, Abraham acts in foolish impatience. The result is a son, Ishmael, who will cause the heartbreak of his father, constantly reminding Abraham of the price of his unbelief.
OUR DAILY WALK How would you spend today if you thought you might have no tomorrow? For Abram this was more than an academic question. With his little army of 318 men, he had just thrashed a band of warring kings, rescued his nephew Lot, and brought back the kidnapped people and goods. Now, in the long, lonely night hours that follow, he is scared. Scared that his life might be snuffed out while he is yet childless.
In his moment of deepest need, with fear eating away at his faith in God, he hears a voice: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield” (15:1). God surrounded Abram with His presence, removed Abram’s fears, and confirmed His promise. And Abram “believed the Lord” (15:6).
God never promises us an easy time, only a safe arrival.
What fear paralyzes you most often? Fear of failure? Fear of the unknown? Write it down, along with the words of Genesis 15:1. Thank God that he can – and will – exchange that fear for His strength and comfort.
INSIGHT Hagar’s Treatment – Abusive or Acceptable?
After 10 years of fruitless waiting for a son, Sarah offered Abram her personal Egyptian maid, Hagar, hoping to produce a son by her. The Hurrian laws from that period describe this as a customary practice. If a son was born, he was regarded as the wife’s. But the painful lesson from Ishmael’s birth is clear: God’s will done in any way but God’s way is not God’s will.
Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
Key Passage: Genesis 15
CHAPTER 15
|
CHAPTER 16
|
CHAPTER 17
| |
Abrahamic
Covenant Given
|
Abram’s
Impatience
|
Abrahamic
Covenant Repeated
|
Abraham’s
Obedience
|
Isaac Promised
|
Ishmael Born
|
Isaac Promised
|
Ishmael Blessed
|
OVERVIEW Today’s reading describes the Abrahamic covenant as it was given by God, confirmed and symbolized. God’s promises to Abraham are given in great detail, confirmed with a unilateral treaty, repeated, and established by the sign of circumcision. But as the years pass with no evidence of fulfillment, Abraham acts in foolish impatience. The result is a son, Ishmael, who will cause the heartbreak of his father, constantly reminding Abraham of the price of his unbelief.
OUR DAILY WALK How would you spend today if you thought you might have no tomorrow? For Abram this was more than an academic question. With his little army of 318 men, he had just thrashed a band of warring kings, rescued his nephew Lot, and brought back the kidnapped people and goods. Now, in the long, lonely night hours that follow, he is scared. Scared that his life might be snuffed out while he is yet childless.
In his moment of deepest need, with fear eating away at his faith in God, he hears a voice: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield” (15:1). God surrounded Abram with His presence, removed Abram’s fears, and confirmed His promise. And Abram “believed the Lord” (15:6).
God never promises us an easy time, only a safe arrival.
What fear paralyzes you most often? Fear of failure? Fear of the unknown? Write it down, along with the words of Genesis 15:1. Thank God that he can – and will – exchange that fear for His strength and comfort.
INSIGHT Hagar’s Treatment – Abusive or Acceptable?
After 10 years of fruitless waiting for a son, Sarah offered Abram her personal Egyptian maid, Hagar, hoping to produce a son by her. The Hurrian laws from that period describe this as a customary practice. If a son was born, he was regarded as the wife’s. But the painful lesson from Ishmael’s birth is clear: God’s will done in any way but God’s way is not God’s will.
Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
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