Woh now, slow down. This is a bit of modern day drama. There is a big battle of powers that be (of course by their armies) and when they are done God sends Abram to clean it up and get Lot and the food and the people back. Then, Abram asks God for a child and land, wants evidence of the land, but trusts Him regarding the child. But, Sarai is a doubter, as she is unable to have kids. So, on her mark, Abram has an affair (a wife swap of sorts) and the maid has a child and Sarai changes her mind and gets upset. But, I think that there is more to this story - let's ask the experts.
Genesis 14 - Significantly, this is the first war that is ever reported in history. It is also reportedly the only military action that Abram was ever engaged in; although, it was done as a matter of charity.
Genesis 15 - Here, the commentators explain, is a covenant making meeting between God and Abram on the mount. The commentator is quick to point out that we should not complain "of" God, but we can complain "to" Him. (Good to know). He also points out though, "While promised mercies are delayed our unbelief and impatience are apt to conclude them denied." As to the land, the commentator points out that He promised Abram land and Abram was satisfied, just as He promises us Heaven.
Genesis 16 - Our commentator points out that "It would have been much more for Sarai’s interest if Abram had kept to the rule of God’s law instead of being guided by her foolish projects; but we often do ill for ourselves" and indicates that Satan will disguise himself in good tidings or well wishes from those closest to us, because it will do us the most harm. He also states, and this rings home for me recently, "When our hearts are too much set upon any creature-comfort, we are easily put upon the use of indirect methods for the obtaining of it. Inordinate desires commonly produce irregular endeavours." He further quotes, "We have here the immediate bad consequences of Abram’s unhappy marriage to Hagar. A great deal of mischief it made quickly. When we do not well both sin and trouble lie at the door; and we may thank ourselves for the guilt and grief that follow us when we go out of the way of our duty. See it in this story"
Galatians 1- I really enjoyed reading this. It is simple and gets the message across. The Apostle Paul says, why are you seeking the favor of man? That's going to get you nowhere. You should seek the favor of God. He says, I know, remember me, I am the one who used to speak against Him, but then I saw Him and my message now, it does not come from me, it comes from Him. You better believe it.
Psalm 3 - I cannot remember how many times I have cried out in faith and hoping and praying that this faith is well vested, in different words, but with this fury and anxiety. This also reminds us that we have been told to be thankful in the day so that we have grace at night and thankful at night so we have grace by day.
Selah is described as one seen often in prayers, but is likely a musical term. Maybe the Psalms are early-Christian rock music.
Where does this leave us for today? God wants to bestow gifts upon us. He decides, not us. It is our job to follow Him, Pray to Him and tell about Him, he is our Father, so to Him we can complain, but not want. We do not necessarily get what we want, we get what we need. Hmmmm....seems I tell my kiddos this all the time. See ya tomorrow!
The Real Housewives of the Bible? Good commentary. I agree about getting what you need and not what you want. Faith is a difficult thing. Being a control freak, it is hard for me to let anything go. Be it small things or big things. I identify with Sarah in this regard. I struggle in life thinking if I just did this or that it would be okay. Really, that is the most important time to remember my faith. My faith alone should bring me the peace that I need.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing. Faith is the fundamental requirement for a relationship with God. In reading this story are we to believe Abraham is the only one? Does God play favorites? It seems that Abraham is picked out among everyone else. That it is okay for him to sin but not others? It is Sara's fault that he slept with her slave? What about him?
ReplyDeleteKrista, commentary states, ".II. Abram is clamoured upon, and cannot be easy while Sarai is out of humour; she upbraids him vehemently, and very unjustly charges him with the injury (v. 5): My wrong be upon thee, with a most unreasonable jealousy suspecting that he countenanced Hagar’s insolence; and, as one not willing to hear what Abram had to say for the rectifying of the mistake and the clearing of himself, she rashly appeals to God in the case" and goes on to say that the grant of Ishmael " it. It is supposed that the Turks at this day descend from Ishmael; and they are a great people. This was in pursuance of the promise made to Abram." See, I think that that is the beautiful thing, If God makes a promise, he will deliver on the promise -- we do not have to question or doubt that. It also indicates that Abram took steps to seek forgiveness for his wrong.
ReplyDeleteFurther, remember, if we born of grace -- then we get the pleasure of grace -- if we are born of sin, as our commentator points out "Note, The children of the bondwoman, who are out of covenant with God, are, as they were born, like the wild ass’s colt; it is grace that reclaims men, civilizes them, and makes them wise, and good for something. It is foretold, (1.) That he should live in strife, and in a state of war: His hand against every man —this is his sin; and every man’s hand against him —this is his punishment. Note, Those that have turbulent spirits have commonly troublesome lives; those that are provoking, vexatious, and injurious to others, must expect to be repaid in their own coin. He that has his hand and tongue against every man shall have every man’s hand and tongue against him, and he has no reason to complain of it. And yet, (2.) That he should live in safety, and hold his own against all the world: He shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren; though threatened and insulted by all his neighbours, yet he shall keep his ground, and for Abram’s sake, more than his own, shall be able to make his part good with them" And this child was made to run wild and be like a donkey. He had a child...,but....