Genesis - Week 2

Welcome to Genesis - Week 2

Once again, we cover a lot of ground but we find ourselves focused on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Note how little we know about Isaac and how the narrative has focused on Abraham and Jacob.

We encounter some well-known stories (Jacob stealing Esau's birthright; Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing) and some lesser-known stories (what's up with all the wells and the treaties?).  

An interesting thing about biblical narrative is that stories tend to include only a few named characters.  Why?  Because the biblical author wants us to see God in the story.  As you read these stories, look for what God is doing.  And based on what he's doing, what does that tell you about God?

As you read, keep in mind our reading questions.  Use these as general questions to keep in mind as you read to help formulate your reflections, observations, and questions.

Our guiding questions are these:

  • What stood out to you in the reading?
  • Was there anything confusing or troubling?
  • Did anything make you think differently about God?
  • How might what you read change the way you live?

Please post a comment below with some of your questions, comments, and reflections from this week's reading.

Comments

  1. DarlaSeptember 28, 2021 at 9:19 AM

    I am wondering about when Abram went into Egypt and said Sarai was his sister and Pharaoh took her as his wife. I would think God would of been upset with Abram.

    Also why did Noah put a curse on Canaan after Ham found him drunk and naked and told his brothers

    ReplyDelete
  2. DarlaSeptember 30, 2021 at 11:51 AM

    I did read later that Saria
    was a half sister to Abram. DARLA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pastor DrewOctober 18, 2021 at 2:21 PM

      The incident with Abram and Sarai in Egypt is interesting and confusing. In the end, Pharaoh is the one who is punished but not Abram. In fact, Abram comes out ahead, acquiring sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels, and servants. As you indicate, Abram wasn't being totally dishonest about Sarai as his sister. But it does seem strange that Abram is not punished for what appears to be a lack of faith. He fears for his own life and allows Pharaoh to take Sarai as his wife. Why did God not punish him for that? I don't know. What we see instead is God's blessing as Abram not only acquires them while he is in Egypt but is allowed to keep them when he's sent away. This isn't the only time Abram shows a lack of faith. Later on, he has a child with Hagar because Sarai has not yet conceived. Eventually Abram has great faith as he goes to sacrifice Isaac. So, are we seeing God's grace as Abram's faith grows? Possibly. I think we also see a foreshadowing of when Israel is in slavery in Egypt and are sent away and take with them all that they acquired during their time in Egypt. God will provide for his people and keep his promises.

      Delete

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