Sins of the Father
It's incredible to read this story in Genesis 26 of Isaac and Abimelech, king of the Philistines, if only because I had read it at least twice before, albeit with Abraham doing the lying about Sarah. First of all, it's just plain wrong and cowardly for these men to have lied about their wives being their sister in order to avoid possible trouble. But more importantly, it is also a lack of faith in Yahweh, who has already promised his blessing to them, that lead to that cowardice. Quite sad indeed...
Sovereignty in the Small Matters
Genesis 24 has another one of those "LOL" verses in the a bible (which I love). On oath to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham's servant asks God for a sign regarding the young woman he is to choose for him. Pretty much right after that, he meets Rebekah, who fulfills the sign exactly. P that's the context of the verse, "The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the LORD had prospered his journey or not." I can just imagine the servant in kind of this confused/amazed state.. I find it amusing. Hahaha. Anyway, some observations: 1) The servant praying to Yahweh is a testimony of Abraham as a master/employer. He's obviously taught everyone in his household, including the lowly servants, that Yahweh is the only true God. 2) God is obviously concerned over even the small matters such as finding Isaac a wife. Not that I think finding a wife should on love the kind of sign this servant asked God for. Just the principle of God's sovereignty in this small matter is helpful to know. 3) Rebekah's obedience is amazing to see, even though she clearly comes from a household that had respect for, but did not completely believe in Yahweh. Did she herself believe at this point? Or was she being prompted in her heart by the truth? Either way, she defied (it would seem) her family's wishes for her to stay longer, and in a way, trusted in Yahweh through her obedience to Abraham's servant.
Genesis 22 on Worship
I can't let Genesis 22 pass by without comment because it is one of my favourite passages concerning worship. Yes. Worship. Because of what Abraham said to his servants: "I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." Obviously with the sacrifice of Isaac in mind, Abraham calls what he is about to do "worship", nonetheless. With that said... 1) Worship is merely a response to God's initiative in our lives. Just as he called Abraham, who answered "Here am I". 2) Worship is often a calling to do something difficult. No, it isn't just what we do on Sunday mornings. It is much more. 3) Worship is a form of sacrifice. Giving up something that you love or cherish, in faith that God's sovereignty reigns. 4) Worship is not purely emotional (though it can contain emotion), but just as Abraham rationally made preparation to sacrifice Isaac, worship needs to be prepared for and made ready. Finally, 5) Worship is an expression of faith in God's gift of Resurrection Life. Amen!