Thursday, January 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Genesis 16:1–18:15

Matthew 6:1–24

Psalm 7:1–17

Proverbs 2:1–5

 

 

“Abraham believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

 

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” (Genesis 18:19)

 

 

Reading the story of Abraham points out the depth of God’s grace and the power of His sovereign choice.  Despite some duplicity (the “sister act” in Egypt) and running ahead of the Lord in fertility, Abraham received affirmation of God’s call and blessing for his life and his descendants.  God remembered Abraham’s faith above his shortcomings and carried out (and continues to deliver on) the many promises prophesied for Abraham.

 

Abraham received clear guidance from the Lord at each major turning point in his life.  Yet, in determining that he would take a shortcut to fulfill the promises of “many nations,” he hastily followed Sarah’s advice about producing offspring through her servant Hagar.  Unsurprisingly, the situation devolved into jealousy enmity between Sarah and Hagar.

 

The prophecies spoken over Ishmael have indeed come to fruition in light of many historical conflicts between Hagar’s and Sarah’s descendants.  Even with the challenging future for Hagar and Ishmael, we may read great hopefulness in her name for the Lord:  “You are the God who sees me.  I have now seen the One who sees me.”  Indeed, God has intended that all people should have the opportunity to know Him and experience His presence.   Abraham’s descendants would participate significantly in introducing others to “the One who sees me.”  We may offer that same testimony, too.

 

Yet, on the flip side, Abraham does demonstrate his commitment to God through obedience, although imperfect.  He follows God’s directive to circumcise his household, setting a sign of God’s call over His people.  Chapter 17 describes a great covenant between God and His people, but the responsibilities fall almost exclusively on God Himself.  Abraham, his household, and his descendants have only the responsibility of staying committed to the God of these promises.

 

For us, practically speaking, we find direction in Matthew 6:33 (from Friday’s reading):  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  This verse appears to offer a New Testament parallel to the Abrahamic promises.  It wraps up our commitment to Christ and His Kingdom above earthly ties and the promises of God’s provision in all times.  We seek God not for His benefits, but because of His awesome Person.  He is worthy of all honor and praise, due only to His lovingkindness and holiness.  Yet, in His wholly otherness, He loves us so much to give eternal life to those who have trusted in Christ and to bring “all things” into our lives.  These thoughts call to mind Psalm 37:4:  “Take delight in the Lord/ and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

 

 

Lord God, thank You for the opportunity to know You and experience Your goodness.  Make us more cognizant of Your character, provision, and promises in 2016.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS