Day 7 - Promises and the Saga Continues

Abraham and Three Angels
Jewish Museum

2024 Read the Bible in a Year January 7, 2024

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Please note!

Dear partners in this study. 

I need to catch up in the posting of reflections. I will be back-filling the past few days as I keep up with those following the calendar. So I will do one posting of the calendar reading and back-fill the past days that need reflections.

Peace+ 

DE

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Readings for Today: Genesis 18:1 - 20:18

Day 7 - Promises and the Sage Continues

Prayer:

O God, whose parental care reaches the uttermost parts of the universe: 

We humbly ask you graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. 

Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to you, may be bound together by your love in the communion of the Holy Spirit, and in the gathering of all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In the holy name of Jesus,

Amen

Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, Prayers and Thanksgiving, #52, For the Absent, p.830

Background & Reflections:

Chapter 18 -

God, as three travelers, shows up at Abe’s tent on God’s way to Sodom. (Depending on the point of view, the travelers could be angels or God themselves.) (God’s pronouns here are “they”/them.)

Abe ‘hops two’ and gets only the best together to refresh the travelers. 

David Carr, NOAB5, suggests the contrast of Abe’s hospitality (Gen. 18:1-15) and Lot’s (Gen. 19:1-11).

God repromises to Abe that he will father a nation, Sarah laughs because of her age and God asks “Is anything too hard of God?” (18:14, GW)

God/The travelers have heard bad things about Sodom and want to check it out. The depth of the relationship of God to Abe is shown in God allowing Abe to negotiate the terms of stopping God’s destruction in terms of 10 righteous people. I am awed and stunned to be reminded of the depth of the relationship one can have with God and how bold we can be with our discussion with God.

Chapter 19 features Lot being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

David Carr, NOAB5, suggests,

“The main issue here is the hospitality to the divine visitors. … The townspeople are threatening the sanctity of hospitality.”

This is why Lot is ready to offer his daughters to the crowd rather than the townspeople raping the divine visitors to stop this breach of hospitality. (NOAB5., p. 37, notes)

Chapter 20 is a story we have heard earlier with Abe insisting Sarah is his sister for his/their protection. 

Question of the Day:

How do you talk and listen to God?

Tomorrow's Readings: Genesis 21:1 - 23:20

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2024 Read the Bible in a Year is a featured Bible Study to inspire spirituality. This plan has been used on The Bible in Time blog site in the past and now includes new material and reflections.

By Dave Eitland. Free for faith community use. Thanks, Katheryn for the editorial help. This was published on February 5, 2024, in Oregon, USA.