Be Still…

Read Genesis 25:1-18

Abraham has lived a full life. Isn’t that what we all aspire to as well? But 175 years is a little longer than most of us will ever see. Were you surprised when he married again after his beloved Sarah passed away? And he gave Isaac and Ishmael more siblings. (I can’t tell from their names or the text if they were brothers or sisters or both.) Despite Abraham’s fruitfulness, as God had proclaimed, the heir of significance was Isaac, Sarah’s only son.  Continue reading “Genesis 25:1-18 – Here’s My Heart, Lord”

Read Genesis 24:1-67

What a beautiful story. A few verses longer than our usual text for reflection, but this was a beautiful story I wanted to keep all together. Couldn’t you just picture it all happening? It was like a movie playing in my imagination. I feel like it should end with something like, “they lived happily ever after.” Isaac and Rebekah will carry on the legacy that was promised to Abraham, and we will watch this beautiful story unfold in the days ahead.

God is good. All the time. There are a couple of things that strike me in today’s reading. I’d love to hear from you in the comments what struck you. First, Abraham’s servant was so obedient. He not only obeyed Abraham, but he prayed to God. While he wanted to clarify it was Abraham’s God,  it was the God he chose to pray to. Abraham’s influence had rubbed off on his servant, and despite the possibility that his servant was a non-believer, the servant knew where the power and provision came from. Abraham’s God. Continue reading “Genesis 24:1-67 – God Always Provides”

Read Genesis 23:1-20

As I write this, today is Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) here in Mexico. It’s a big holiday for people throughout Mexico, no matter the town or region. The day of the dead is a Mexican celebration that honors the dead.  I’ve learned this tradition is rooted from pre-Hispanic times, although today they also incorporate elements of Catholicism and even modern touches. How fitting to be talking about how Abraham wanted to honor his dear departed wife, Sarah.

Every culture has their own way of honoring the dead. It has become quite a business in the United States with funeral homes and mortuaries helping families through their time of grief at the loss of a loved one. Even here in Mexico, a funeral is quite an event the whole town can be part of with a parade on foot from the church to the cemetery. I picture similar tributes taking place in more primitive times as well. No matter the way, we honor our departed. Continue reading “Genesis 23:1-20 – Respect the Departed”

Read Genesis 22:1-24

This is a story that makes me cry every time I really read it and put myself in Abraham’s shoes. Today, I thought of Isaac and his experience.  Isaac has probably been spoiled rotten by his parents as the long-awaited child promised by God. Having gotten all the attention since Ishmael was sent away, he is probably very close to his father. He looks up to Abraham for everything in his life. Now they are on a mission together.

When Isaac questions his father, his innocence is so clear. He doesn’t want to question his dad but does anyway. What do you suppose went through his mind when his father started strapping him up as the sacrifice. Was he scared? Did he cry? Did he struggle and try to get away thinking his father had gone mad? How was his life changed in that moment? Would he be forever scarred? Continue reading “Genesis 22:1-24- Here I Am”

Read Genesis 21:22-34

Have you ever held a grudge against someone? Maybe something they have done has bothered you, but you’ve kept it to yourself? Today’s story involves a situation like that for Abraham. When the truth finally comes out,  there is a lot of compromising going on. Gifts of animals are exchanged to make the agreement official.

What would it look like if you approached the person you are “at odds” with? Would you bring a covered dish or a pie to help smooth over the dispute? Would you make an offering of any kind? It’s possible. Sometimes we need a thoughtful gesture to break the ice to open up an uncomfortable conversation. Continue reading “Genesis 21:22-34 – Don’t Keep it In”