Genesis Chapter 18

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

18

1. The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day.

(Genesis chapter 18 verse 1)

After having been given the promise by God Abraham continued with his daily life, however he knew, that when touched by the presence of God life would never be the same again. 

2. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground.

(Genesis chapter 18 verse 2)

Apparently from his position in the tent Abraham had a bird's eye view of all passers by, and in turn invested his time in being hospitable to others. On reflecting we can consider about how we invest our time, whether we invest our energy, in our selves and needs, or whether we invest our time in helping others, in catering for their needs.

3. He said, "My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant.

(Genesis chapter 18 verse 3)

It was as if Abraham sensed that his visitors where of a divine nature. Although Abraham was not aware of the identity of his visitors, his declaration confirms that they were of God or were sent by God Himself.

4. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on-since you have come to your servant." So they said, "Do as you have said."

(Genesis chapter 17 verses 4 to 5)

Abraham manifested courtesy and kindness according to the rituals and or customs of the times, lacking in nothing in order to be the perfect host. In humility Abraham took on the role of the servant, thus considering his visitors as his superiors. This is to be our attitude as Christians. In a spirit of Humility we are never to be proud when in the company of others. Moreover when serving others indirectly we are being of service to God, therefore we would never be proud in our attitude to God but would show love, care and respect, if we believed that the person before us was God. Therefore in order to always be ready, we are to believe that in every person there is the presence of God and that when being of service to others we are being of service to God.

Verse 5 is of particular significance. Do as you have said. Many times we do not do as we have said. Even as Christians, at times there is a discrepancy between what we profess to believe or hold as being part of our faith, to what we really practice and or hold as being the truth especially where God and his 'Word' is concerned.

6. And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said. "Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes." 7 Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good,  and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

(Genesis chapter 18 verses 6 to 8)

In a short time Abraham prepared a meal fit for a king. On reflecting on verses 6 to 8, it can be noticed that the verbs used all reflect speed and action. However on, having finished his task, Abraham adopted a relaxed stance and patiently waited on his guests.

Once we have accomplished the will of God we feel at peace within ourselves and also with others because we are living the peaceful presence of God, who is experienced especially by those who give more than by those who receive. 

9. They said to him, "Where is your wife Sarah? And he said, "There, in the tent." 10. Then one said, " I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.

(Genesis chapter 18 verses 9 to 10)


By means of the visitors God confirms his promise to Abraham and his wife Sarah who was listening from inside the tent. On reflecting on verses nine and ten it can be concluded that there are people who have a personal relationship with God, while there are others such as Sarah who worship God from a distance and safe place such as the tent.


It can also be observed that God does not intervene haphazardly but respects the norms of time and space and intervenes in time and not out of time in human relations.


11. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?"

(Genesis chapter 18 verses 11 to 12) 

Like in the case of humans, God is totally aware of our human limitations. Facts will always remain facts according to our perception. Moreover as humans it is not easy to make the leap of faith and discard the facts of life as ascribed by human nature. Our first reaction might be that of disbelief or even ridicule, however to those who have made a direct or indirect experience of God the reaction is totally opposite. God has the capacity to go beyond human logic and create new opportunities to make his plans for us unfold, so never lose heart and keep on praying even though, you might not perceive a dim ray of light in your situation.


13. The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old? 14 Is there anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you in due season, and Sarah shall have a son." 15 But Sarah denied, saying, " I did not laugh"; for she was afraid. He said, "Oh yes, you did laugh."

(Genesis chapter 18 verses 13 to 15)


Verses thirteen to fifteen confirm that the visitors were from God. In fact God in person addresses Abraham and reveals Himself to Abraham as being the LORD. God confirms that there is nothing beyond his capacity. Moreover, He can do anything that is for our own good.


Abraham who made a direct experience of God accepted Him at His Word, on the other hand Sarah who made the same experience but from a distance still manifested signs of doubt. In order to cover up her guilt she denied her sinful action, however the light of the truth as manifested in God through Abraham can never be denied and Abraham was not convinced by Sarah's declaration. In life we are to rely on God's Word and his messages that are given to us by means of the Roman Catholic Church, than those messages given to us, by mediums, that are influenced by the pagan ways of the world.


16. Then the men set out from there, and they looked toward Sodom; and Abraham went with them to set them on their way.

(Genesis chapter 18 verse 16)


It can be noted that now that Abraham had received his confirmation from God, he remained faithful in his manifestation of loyalty to his visitors and humbly assisted his visitors on their way.


17. The LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19. No, for I have chosen him, that he may charge his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice; so that the LORD may bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

 (Genesis chapter 18 verses 17 to 19)


When two people become friends, there is nothing such as personal secrets, that are kept from each other. In God's case it is the same. When we start growing in our relationship with Him, He begins to gradually reveal Himself to us, as He did with Abraham and the saints who from normal individuals, grew up in their spiritual life, reaching an extremely high level of mysticism, in their relationship with God.


Others such as the prophets, grew so much in God, that He shared with them knowledge of events that had yet to take place later on in the life of God's people and even in their personal life.


20. Then the LORD said, "How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! 21 I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know."

(Genesis chapter 18 verses 20 to 21)


According to God the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were committing grave sins that as a consequence merited God's wrath and condemnation. This may have come as a shock to Abraham, since he was still a child in his relationship with God, whom he perceived as a loving father and not an avenger of sinful acts.


On reflecting verses twenty to twenty-one God is attributed human qualities. God has infinite knowledge and does not need to come down from heaven to be aware of our actions. Neither does He need to rely on primary or secondary sources, because God is omnipresent at every time and every place. God is able to be present at every time, and everywhere and is aware of all we do, night and day, good and bad.


22. So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom While Abraham remained standing before the LORD. 23. Then Abraham came near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it?

(Genesis chapter 18 verses 22 to 24)


On growing in our relationship with God we start feeling more the need to spend more time with God and be with Him, as in the case of two lovers who are courting each other. Personal questions come to mind, and the two people become transparent to each other in their relationship. Abraham made probing questions to God, that otherwise nobody would have ever dared question the Will of God, if not making part of God's inner circle.


25. Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"

(Genesis chapter 18 verse 25)

Moreover Abraham continues in his repertoire and questions God's justice as God and creator of heaven and earth. I can imagine how many times, like Abraham, have we questioned God's loving kindness and justice, especially at times during which we were treated unfairly and were denied of the much needed justice.


26. And the LORD said, " If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake." 27. Abraham answered, "Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for the lack of five?" And he said, " I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there." 29 Again he spoke to him, " Suppose forty are found there." he answered, "For the sake of forty I will not do it." 30. Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there." He said let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it." 32 Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it." 33 And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

(Genesis chapter 18 verses 26 to 33)


On reflecting on verses 26 to 33, God's loving kindness becomes more evident. God is a God of life and not of death. He is ready to make one exception after another in order to avoid death of the soul and even the body, however on the other hand God is justice itself and cannot become corrupt in on behalf of human beings. When in dialogue with Abraham, God agrees not to destroy the city even if there were only ten just people living there, however if there were not that many, God had no other alternative but to inflict justice and give the inhabitants, the penalty for their wrong doings, which at this point are not yet mentioned in detail.


We can also observe the growth in relationship that has continued to take place between God and Abraham. God is loving patient and kind to Abraham and on reflecting even in His relationship with us. God accepts us as we are but this cannot be said in relation to our sins. His love is never ending as much as His justice.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


I would like to thank my loving Father for accepting me as I am with all my sins and shortcomings, I would also like to thank Him for making me and knowing me personally by my name. Thank you for being both loving and patient in your relationship with me your sinful servant. Many times you have made exceptions and shown mercy to me and my situations and for this I express my gratitude.

Thank You God  

Genesis Chapter 17

GENESIS 

CHAPTER

 17

1. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, " I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 1)

In contrary to the evil one God does not fear to share his identity. During the rite of exorcism, the evil spirit when it is compelled to reveal its name.  However God reveals himself personally to us, and like in the case of Abram seeks to have a relationship with us. God wants us to walk before him and not behind him. If we walk before him he can give us the extra push in time of desolation and put us back on track. Moreover when walking before Him we can be witnesses to him and the work of revealing God to humanity. On the other hand God wants us to be blameless. It is only with God's support that we can withstand the temptations of the evil one.



2. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous."

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 2)



As in previous chapters God promises Abram to make of him a multitude of people, or a great nation, however up to this point, God still had not given him the son from which the line of descent would actually have its roots from. However God sees the big picture and has perfect timing that does not always synchronise with human timing.



3.  Then Abram fell on his face, and God said to him, 4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: Yo shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations.


(Genesis chapter 17 verse 3 and 4)


For some reason Abram fell on his face. This could be either in joy at having received the confirmation that he would father a son from his wife Sara, or a reaction of utter desperation, in reaction to God's repetitive declaration. For God had constantly promised Abram to make of him a great nation, however the son never emerged, save for Ishmael, who did not fill in the required specifications according to the will of God.


There are moments when we may also feel desperate, when waiting on God, because His timing is different from ours. I may utter, " Oh when will I return back to working as a social worker oh God, will I do so when I am 100 years old or even later?



However God assures me that if it is his will and if, it is for my good and that of my family (which I think its not the right time on both accounts) God in good time will answer my prayer. However at times no answer may be a negative as in my case. At times I feel assured that it is only my will but not that of God.



5. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.


(Genesis chapter 17 verses 5 to 6)


God promised Abram a change in name from Abram to Abraham meaning father of many. On reflecting before God made Abraham the father of one son, God made him the spiritual father of all Christians for being sons, of God makes us also sons of Abraham. In this sense the Church of God that is Abraham's line of descent remains active to this very day.


7. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God."


(Genesis chapter 17 verses 7 to 8)


God promises to make an everlasting covenant with us. He wants to be our God if only we listen to His voice and accept Him in spirit and in truth as our 'Almighty God and father'. Before leaving earth Jesus Son of God and God Himself promised us a place in heaven that He was to prepare for us. Therefore as in the case of Abraham God always keeps his promise however, in order to help strengthen our faith God gives us occasions such as Easter and Christmas where we can confirm His promise of our salvation.



9. God said to Abraham, "As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.


(Genesis chapter 17 verse 9)



As a loving father and parent God wishes us to keep our commitment with Him forever. This promise binds also our ancestors and those following forever.



10. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 10)



A covenant is an agreement that can be held between two or more persons. In our case God's covenant has been with the whole world meaning past, present and even future generations, up to the end of time.


11. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 11)


God ordered Abraham to make a wound in a delicate part of his body, which at Abraham's age was a very painful experience because at his age, the skin would be very hard to penetrate. God wanted to has his covenant engraved physically on our persons, however later on in God's Word we find written that God's covenant is to be engraved in our hearts and spirit more than in our flesh.


12. Throughout your generation every male among you shall be circumcised when he is eight days old, including the slave born in your house and the one bought with your money from any foreigner who is not your offspring. 13 Both the slave born in your house and the one bought with your money must be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant.

(Genesis chapter 17 verses 12 to 13)


The wound of the incision made by the act of circumcision would serve as a reminder between God and humanity and vice versa forever. In time the Roman Catholic Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God adopted the rite baptism in order to introduce new Christians in the Church who would also be eligible for the same reward that is heaven, and bound by the same covenant.

14. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 14)


In fact the rite of circumcision and baptism is so important that without it in the case of baptism, one cannot be accepted as a member of the Roman Catholic Church.


15. God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 15)


Our names reflect, our selves, meaning our personal identity, therefore a change in our name reflects other changes taking place in our inner and or outer circles. Both Abram and Sarai had, had their names changed by God. In turn both were given a special mission to fulfil, that of being the parents of a new nation descending from their flesh through which God had planned to send his only Son to fulfil the plan for the salvation of the world.


16. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her."

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 16)


Moreover God even included Sarah in his promise. Although she was technically incapable of bearing offspring, God promised Abraham that He would thwart the natural course of nature, in order to make His way possible and His plan unfold.


 17. Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, "Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah who is ninety years old bear a child?"

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 17)


Although as Christians we profess that we believe in God and the Roman Catholic Church when we come to the moment of truth as in the case of Abraham and Sarah, our belief may not be so strong as we may consider it to be. Abraham who is held as being the father of Christian faith also showed doubts in relation to the fulfilment of the will of God in his life.


18. And Abraham said to God, "O that Ishmael might live in your sight!"

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 18)


Abraham considered the other option, that of obtaining God's promise through Ishmael, instead of through the son that God had promised him. Instead of stating his unbelief in the possibility of ever bearing or fathering a child at his age, Abraham tried to bargain with God in a very polite way. At times we may also adopt this way of communicating with God in order to satisfy our wishes in order to fulfil our plans.

 19. God said, "No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac." I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 19)


It seems that when God is decided in His decisions nobody and or nothing on earth can persuade him to change his mind. God affirms time and time again that it is through Abraham and Sarah that His line of descent would take place. Even in our case when God decides that this course of action is not for our own good (my working as a social worker, which would create unnecessary stress in my family system) nothing on our behalf, not even prayer is enough to change the mind of God, who unlike humans, perceives the big picture with all the related positive, and negative consequences before giving His go ahead.


20. As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will bless him and make him fruitful and exceedingly numerous; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

(Genesis chapter 17 verse 20)


God answers our prayers but not always in the way we plan them to be fulfilled. In order to try and persuade God to fulfil His plan through Ishmael, Abraham requests that the latter would become a great nation, as God had promised to Abraham's future promised son, however God realised the intention and responded only to part of Abraham's request.


God declared that indeed through Ishmael a great nation would be born, however the son of God's promise would still be born through Abraham and his wife Sarah.


21. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this season next year." 22 And when he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

(Genesis chapter 17 verses 21 to 22)  


Although nature dictates that it is biologically impossible to bear children at Abraham and Sarah's age and condition, God goes against nature in order to make his plan unfold. Even in life God goes against human boundaries where and when necessary. These moments and or events are considered as being miracles that cannot be explained according to human criteria because they are the cause of God's intervention.


23. Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all the slaves born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.


(Genesis chapter 17 verse 23)


God's response to God's love is that of obedience to His will. No sooner had God left his presence, that Abraham dedicated himself to fulfilling the will of God, by undertaking the gory act of circumcision on himself, and then on all the men of his household as recommended my God Himself.


24. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And his son Ishmael was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised; 27 and all the men of his house, slaves born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

(Genesis chapter 17 verses 24 to 27)


In order to make a special emphasis, on Abraham's obedience the author of the book of Genesis chose to end chapter seventeen with a summarised repetition of verse twenty-three. Thus this shows the great value and significance of obeying the will of God. Even though we do not always understand the will of God in our lives, it is wise for us, to trust our wills and lives in God's custody and He will make what is impossible for us totally possible, if this is for our own good without resulting in harm for others.  


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer;

Oh God Almighty I would like to thank You for wanting me and my fellow persons, to walk in front of you. This means that you want us to put our trust in You and show our obedience and love to you.

Thank You also for welcoming me in to the Roman Catholic Church which is your presence on earth whether some believe it or not. Thank you for the gift of baptism. I would like you to help me in keeping your Holy Presence always in my heart and mind, so that we will always be united in both body and soul. 

Thank you also for Christmas. Especially for making your presence felt and known to me. You are the greatest of gifts, that money cannot buy.

THANK YOU GOD 

Genesis Chapter 16

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

16

1. Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave-girl whose name was Hagar, 2 and Sarai said to Abram, "You see that the LORD has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my slave-girl; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.

(Genesis chapter 16 verses 1 and 2)

The author of the book of Genesis, gives us a typical example of when we do not wait on God for his deliverance. Instead of doing so Sarai resorted to disobedience to the will of God in favour of the sinful ways of the world. Knowing that she was biologically able to conceive offspring Sarai ordered Abram to have intercourse with her slave-girl in order to obtain offspring. However, Sarai was not considering the consequences of such an arrangement.

During such intimate moments as intercourse the flame of love and even sexual lust and instinctual desire is stimulated, therefore a relationship is created between the two partners, that at times may be long lasting even up to after the offspring is born. In the long run this creates complex problems that may be difficult to resolve due to the intimacy of the nature of the act.

What Sarai was not considering is the risk that this relationship would result between the slave-girl and Abram with the undesired consequences. Moreover Sarai was still angry at God. When reflecting on the first two verses of the sixteenth chapter of the book of Genesis, Sarai seems to be implying to Abram the following;

"Since your God did not solve our problem, and give us children, now we are going to do it my way. Go and have intercourse with my slave-girl so that she will bear me a child. Or opt for a surrogate mother so that I will give you a child and then forget about the natural mother. She is only a means to reach our ends".

3. So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her slave-girl, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife.

(Genesis chapter 16 verse 3)

After ten years of waiting on God Abram and Sarai could no longer keep on waiting on God. When the appropriate moment came they willingly agreed on taking the available option that went in contrary to the promise made by God to Abram.

During such intimate moments, we may consider God as having been taking his time before answering our prayers, however God has his own agenda for our God, such plans that the human mind cannot even perceive.

Therefore on going against the Holy Will and promise made by God Abram and Sarai were liable to experience the positive and negative consequences of their disobedience.

4. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.

(Genesis chapter 16 verse 4)

Instantly Sarai began experiencing the negative consequences of her sinful act. Stress was created in her relationship with Hagar her slave-girl and I imagine even with her relationship towards Abram who would now look on Hagar with a different perception now that she had become the mother of his long desired son.

5. Then Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my slave-girl to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!"

(Genesis chapter 16 verse 5)

On analyzing the dynamic taking place between Sarai and Abram we can reflect on the following conclusions.

Instead of referring to God in the first place, before deciding to give Hagar to Abram, Sarai resorted to the ways of the world. On doing so she assumed full responsibility for her actions. Now that things did not go her way, she became angry at Abram and asked for God to act as a judge between Abram and herself.

During such intimate moments we tend to use God as the last alternative or even the safety-valve in the eventuality when our plans have gone wrong, and we are left with no other option to refer to. Only then do we implore the help of God. 

As we know the role of the judge is that of analyzing a given situation and assign the negative consequence for the given behaviour. On reflecting if God was to do such a thing both Abram and Sarai would have been found at fault. They would surely have been accused of disobeying the will of God and even of placing the blame on God and on each other for the consequences of their negative actions.

6. But Abram said to Sarai, "Your slave-girl is in your power; do to her as you please." Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she ran away from her.

(Genesis chapter 16 verse 6)


At times it is the case that unlimited power leads to forms of abuse. According to Abram Sarai had absolute power over her slave-girl. As a consequence she abused that power by making her life miserable so much that she ran away from Sarai her mistress. Moreover even Abram abused the slave girl. After he had used the slave-girl in order to procreate the son that he had long wished her, he rejected her by permitting her to experience the wrath and jealousy of her mistress who showed no mercy and made her life a living hell.


If we are not careful it can easily happen to us. As parents or employers etc, we have a degree of authority over our children, employees etc. However this authority can easily be abused. There are instances were subordinates had to obey, the wills of significant others in order to keep their jobs or remain living in the house of their parents, who as parents played the role of God of the household and caused more harm than good by adopting this negative stand.


7. The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, "Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?" She said, " I am running away from my mistress Sarai."

(Genesis chapter 16 verse 7 and 8)


When we are in such a stressful situation meaning enduring such abuse or tribulations, we may try to solve the situation by literally running away. However running away, may make the situation more complicated and difficult to solve. If we turn to God in prayer, our problems, may take on a more positive perspective or attitude.

At times if we do not turn to God, He turns back to us. He does so by sending people in our lives who help us return back to the ways of God. As in the case of Hagar, we are asked a very important question that each of us have to answer at some time or other in our lives.

Where have you come from and where are you going?

Along the way during the pilgrimage of our life on on earth, there is the risk of losing the way and end up walking according to the ways of the world, with the risk of losing our sense of direction and ending up walking against God's ways instead of obeying him. We end up living in a state of such turmoil and confusion that we lose our objective.

A typical example is the following:

A couple who for some reason (personal issues) decided to file a separation process end up seeking other partners. Before they ended up in this situation they used to pray, work and even have fun together. When prayer time no longer had a meaning for them, they both started leading separate lives thus losing the primary objective of their lives, that was loving God and loving each other.

On seeking new partners they ended up experiencing the same issues because their own personal problems were still not resolved. Therefore in the process they lost their primary objective, that is where they were coming from and ended up lost and disoriented, because they had no purpose to live for. In living such a life, they both lost their sense of direction.

9. The angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit to her." 10 The angel of the LORD also said to her, " I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude."11 And the angel of the LORD said to her, "Now you have conceived and shall bear a son; and you shall call him Ishmael, for the LORD has given heed to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild ass of a man with his hand against everyone, and everyone's hand against him; and he shall live at odds with all his kin.

(Genesis chapter 16 verses 9 to 12)


In situations where the case is not physical or maybe psychological abuse, and or maybe the cause of litigation can be resolved with prayer and communication, it would be best for the partners to return back and solve their issues in a spirit of prayer and humility and ideally seek spiritual direction so that as a couple they remain in God's ways and strengthen their relationship as a couple and even with God.

The case of Hagar, Abram and Sarai, the situation, was one of such situations that could be considered as being not beyond hope or remedy, although I believe that if we give any situation to God there is no situation that is not possible to be dealt with.

As for Ishmael, negative connotations are attributed to him. He is the son of rebellion and disobedience and therefore no good is expected to arise from him. However God is able to turn even evil to good. As much as the offspring of Abram as promised by God would be innumerable, meaning difficult to be counted so would the descendants of Ishmael according to God's will. Therefore both sons in part and or in whole benefited from the blessing of the will of God that was originally bestowed on Abram and his descendants.

 13. So she named the LORD who spoke to her, "You are El-roi"; for she said, "Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?" 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi? it lies between Kadesh and Bered.

(Genesis chapter 16 verses 13 to 14)


If it is to our memory in the beginning God gave Adam the first human, the right to name all creatures and even his wife. This process meant that Adam claimed ownership over all that God had given him in his custody. Hagar also was given such an opportunity. After having made a direct experience of God or his angel she made a personal acquisition of God and he became the God of her life. Oh how I pray to God that this experience is that of all humanity! including that of myself.


15. Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.

(Genesis chapter 16 verses 15 to 16)

                                                                                                                           
Hagar bore Abram a son which in obedience to the will of God she named Ishmael because God listens to our prayers both that happen in a spirit of happiness and thanks giving and even those that are the fruit of pain and agony.

Abram was eighty six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael; when referring to chapter 11 of the book of Genesis we have the following scenario;

On making a list of the post-flood descendants of Noah we are given the following results;

Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years

Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old.

Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.

Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.

Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years.

Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.

Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years.

Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.

Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.

When adding Abram to the post-flood generation table he is in second place after Shem who had offspring at the age of 100 years old and lived 500 years. As previously mentioned Shem lived a good life in God's eyes. Therefore it may follow that Abram also lived such a life because he was the closest to the ideal exemplary person of the post-flood generation, at a time when society had already started to corrupt itself leading to the peak situation of Babel which is a typical exhibition of disobedience at its best.

I would like to end chapter 16 of the book of Genesis with the following prayer:

Oh God I thank you for being active in my life. Even though there were and still are situations when my will  may clash against yours, I still thank you for doing it your way instead of mine. I thank you for not permitting me to reach particular goals in my life such as returning to the world of Social Work. At times this situation has me baffled and I end up questioning my real intention where I am heading and where I wish to arrive. I really wish to work with people who have cancer, however I raising a wave of opposition in my family which I know is not your doing. However for some reason you are permitting it to happen. I accept the outcome as being nothing but your will. As in Hagar's case I call you a loving father and I am ready to obey your will even if it means going against mine forever and never act according to my wish.

THANK YOU 

GOD

Genesis Chapter 15

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

15

1. After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield your reward shall be very great."

(Genesis chapter 15 verse 1)

As in the case of Abram God makes us the same promise. This is the promise that he is our shield that gives us the necessary protection against the forces of evil. God promises a positive outcome if we trust in him, however if we lower our guard against evil or refuse God's protection it is our responsibility 

2. But Abram said, "O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"

(Genesis Chapter 15 verse 2)

It is understood that although God gives us one blessing after another if He does not satisfy our needs as we conceive them we are not fully satisfied. Moreover we tend to pose the pertinent question to God. Why do you give me many good things but not what I consider as need. However God always responds to our needs however our timing does not match with that of God. The big difference between humanity and God is that we focus on what we consider as a need while God sees also the short and long term positive and negative consequences of that need.

3. And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir."

(Genesis chapter 15 verse 3)


It is interesting how we are able to share our chalice of misery and longings with God our father. This reflects growth in our relationship with Him, one that is not based on fear but on love, faith and complete confidence.


4. But the word of the LORD came to him, "The man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir."

(Genesis chapter 15 verse 4)


On sensing our unbelief God is grieved to the heart and continues to insist that He is saying the truth. In order to sustain our belief God gives us tangible proof that as humans help to reflect his credibility.

5. He brought him outside and said, "Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be."

(Genesis chapter 15 verse 5)


In his infinite knowledge of human nature God realizes that the issue of offspring meant so much to Abram as to all parents who strongly wish to have offspring but for some reason still cannot. God behaves in relation to Abram as a loving father. This is reflected by the fact, that God brought him outside gently and kindly like a loving father in his relationship with his son. God likes to have relationship with us. He is ready to make special time to meet us. God already knows us personally however, any relationship starts with the words yes or I do to have its beginning. God is always waiting with his hand outstretched.


6. And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.

(Genesis chapter 15 verse 6)


According to verse six of the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis, Abraham although without understanding and maybe still with a lingering doubt believed that God would give him offspring in his old age, and make His promise possible. Abraham took God at his word. This is something that as Christians we should all do.


7. Then he said to him, " I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess."

(Genesis chapter 15 verse 7)


God reminded Abram that he was on the right track, following the correct voice and not that of his ancient nature or man created gods that could offer anything but his salvation. This was the God for whom Abraham had left his family to wander in the desert making the leap of faith.


There are moments in life, when life appears to be bleak and sad, God also reminds us that we are not rowing the boat by ourselves. Moreover God reminds us that He is in control and that He is aware of our sorrows and loves us so much that He is ready to save us from our situations.


8. But he said, "O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it? 9 He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."

(Genesis chapter 15 verses 8 to 9)


Although God in verse six of the book of Genesis accounted Abram's attitude as being one of righteousness, Abram still held lingering doubts. Although he believed in God his faith in Him was still in a state of development. This is reflected by the fact that Abram still asked God for proof, that His promise was true. Trust between God and man had not yet been established.


At times we would like to believe in God and His promises, however as humans living in a society that is strongly influenced by science and its methods, we are motivated to seek for proof to verify the assumptions of life before placing our trust in God. By time during our spiritual walk to God we will begin to use our brains, science and or philosophy of life to enhance our understanding and faith in God and not to prove if He and his ways are actually true. Our faith becomes one that seeks better understanding not one of seeking understanding in order to believe.


10. He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

(Genesis chapter 15 verses 10 to 11)


For some reason that is not important to this analysis, Abram performed the sacrificial offering according to the mentioned ritual. What is important is that Abram obeyed God's command and performed the rite according to the will of God to the letter.


12. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

(Genesis chapter 15 verse 12)


On reflecting the mentioned terrifying darkness could have had different connotations. During such dark moment God may have had revealed to Abram future terrifying moments such as the painful time that his descendants would experience in exile in Egypt and many more of such events, that ae enough to leave one disturbed in one's spirit.


At times either directly or by means of others, God reveals to us present, past and even future happenings that may have a strong impact on our future or even present time.


13. Then the LORD said to Abram, "Know this for certain, that your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs, and shall be slaves there, and they shall be oppressed for four hundred years; 14 but I will bring judgement on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions.

(Genesis chapter 15 verses 13 to 14)


 On reflecting verses thirteen to fourteen reflect the possibility that during the period of darkness experienced by Abram God shared with Abram scenes from the future of his people. However God is positive in his feedback to humanity. Although he shares with us negative predicaments, He ends his message on a positive note. Along with many desolation's that we may experience God also gives us many moments of consolations. Therefore do not despair if currently you have been experiencing hard times, your salvation is close at hand because God has the situation under control and you will not experience more than you can bear according to God's criteria for your own good.


15. As for yourself, you shall go to your ancestors in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation; for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."

(Genesis chapter 15 verses 15 to 16)


The relationship between God and Abram had developed greatly to the extent that God was able to share with Abram even future happenings and also give him the necessary instructions about his funeral arrangements. God is true in his declarations. He explains that all these happenings were not instant, but that they were to take place in the long run covering four generations. Abram had the choice of just believing to get God off his back, go along with the circumstances and or wait if eventually God would give him a son and then consider God's predicament as being true. This is also valid for us humans. We also follow the same pattern in our relationships with both God and our fellow persons.


17. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, 19 the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites."


(Genesis chapter 15 verses 17 to 20)


In order to finalize the covenant between Abram and his future descendants God left his mark on the sacrificial offerings thus confirming in both words and deeds that what he had said to Abram would indeed take place in the course of four generations. God promised us a place near him in heaven. Before leaving earth, He promised us that He was going to prepare for us a place where we could dwell with Him in heaven and in faith we are to believe Him, however as in the case of Abram Jesus did not mention anything about the time of his second and final visit to earth to proclaim his loving justice on earth.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Oh heavenly father thank your for revealing yourself to me by both words and actions, thank you for the promise of my salvation, thank you for going and preparing me a place in your presence. Moreover I would also like to thank you for the times of tribulations and even the consolations that you permit me to experience for my own good and that of my family. I wish that you forgive me for those moments when, I did not take you at your word, and showed doubt in you and your promise with me. Today I personally give you my present past and even my future and place it as an offering at your feet, so that you can bless it and take control over what is happening, what has already happened and moreover, what may happen in the coming future.

Thank You God 

Genesis Chapter 14

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

14

1. In the days of King Amraphel of Shinar, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim, 2 these kings made war with King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shember of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 All these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea).

(Genesis chapter 14 verses 1 to 3)

At times circumstances such as change in the leadership of a nation, a boss or supervisor at work, a parish priest, confessor or chaplain may take place. Such changes may effect our way of life or even have a positive or negative impact on our lives.

4. Twelve years they had served Chederlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 In the fourteenth year Chederlaomer and the kings who were with him came and subdued the rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shavehkiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in the hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the edge of the wilderness; 7 then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is Kadesh), and subdued all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar. 8. Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the valley of Siddim 9 with King Chederlaomer of Elam, King Tidal of Goiim, King Amraphel of Shinar, and King Arioch of Ellasar, four kings against five.


(Genesis chapter 14 verses 4 to 9)


As mentioned in previous chapters we witness the consequences of sin. Due to rebellion further strife is created. When we do not give to others what is rightfully theirs this is an injustice which has attributed to it, further sins such as rebellion and war. Instead of attempting to reach a form of agreement between the two groups of kings, they decided to refer to the ways of the world and use might instead of justice and right.


10. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits; and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country.

(Genesis chapter 14 verse 10)



When in a state of sin in order to turn away from justice we end up running away. During such setbacks in our flight from our reality we end up in more trouble than we already are as did the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.



On reflecting sin stains our clean soul. Therefore when we fall in more sin to escape God's justice we end up in worse situations that can be described as being our wells of bitumen and become more black and dirty. Therefore our situations become more sinful and complex than they already are.



11. So the enemy took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way; 12 they also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who lived in Sodom, and his goods and departed.


(Genesis chapter 14 verse 11 and 12)


The devil who is our greatest enemy also strips us clean of our material and spiritual welfare and if we say yes to his summons can also take possession of our souls and take us straight to hell.



13. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner; these were allies of Abram.


(Genesis chapter 14 verse 13)


On reflecting not everybody remains caught in the devil's possession. There are those who place their focus on God and escape the snares of the evil one and live to spread the good news that God is the only source of our salvation.


The man who escaped went to Abram who was living alongside his allies or friends. At this point in time we can stop and ask ourselves about our own allies and or means of support and reflect on whether God is one of our allies or not. Moreover we can also question ourselves on what type of support systems we have if they, are of a material nature or of a spiritual nature.


14. When Abram heard that that his nephew had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred eighteen of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and routed them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Then he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, and the women and the people.


(Genesis chapter 14 verses 14 to 16)


It seems that Abram became so emotionally involved in the situation that he resorted to violence by choosing his trained men and routed out the enemy and saved, Lot along with his goods and family. On reflecting Abram's men used weapons in order to wipe out the enemy. At this point we can think of our own weapons. Prayer to God, the rosary beads and fasting are also powerful weapons.


17. After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is the King's Valley). 18 And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High.


(Genesis chapter 14 verses 17 to 18)


When the trial is overcome as in the case of Abram God gives us the much needed consolation by sending us people who are close to Him to give us the much needed encouragement. In order for us to have turned away from our sins and claim a victory over our iniquities we need to refer to the sacraments of reconciliation and communion in order to reunite with God again.


19. He blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High maker of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!"

(Genesis chapter 14 verses 19 to 20)


On reflecting our attitude is to be one of thanksgiving to God during all times especially during times of crisis. Our blessings are all to be attributed to God alone who is our only deliverer.


21. Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself." 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, " I have sworn to the LORD, God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, so that you might not say, ' I have made Abram rich.' 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me-Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share."


(Genesis chapter 14 verses 21 to 24)



On reflecting Abram teaches us a very important lesson. This is that we are never to bargain with the forces of evil, and have nothing to do with it in any way.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer.


Oh God my father, please help me to foster in myself a positive attitude of reconciliation, instead of one of rebellion. Please help me to claim victory over my sinful self, and always aim at obtaining a win win situation with others, instead of seeking my own benefits over those of others. On the other hand I pray that you defend me against the forces of evil, which enable me to be divided both within myself and even in my relationships with others.    

Genesis Chapter 13

GENESIS

 CHAPTER 

13

1. So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife, and all that he had and Lot with him, into the Negeb.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 1)

After the great trauma in Egypt Abram and his family went on their way on their pilgrimage seeking the way of God. God challenged Abram's prophecy and showed him that when we trust in God we are always on the winning side although the world may count as as losers according to the ways of the world.

2. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 2)

In contrast to Abram's fears of losing everything most of all his wife as a consequence of the beauty of his wife, God compensated Abram with more riches than he already had. God asks us to leave everything in order to follow him but on a spiritual level and at times even on a material level as in the case of Abram God greatly compensates us with the needed resources at the right time meaning when needed.

3. He journeyed on by stages from the Negeb as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place where he had made an altar at the first; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.

(Genesis chapter 13 verses 3 to 4)

At times God sends us back to our original plan or our origins in order to place us back on track. At first this may seem to be a bitter or nostalgic experience because we might ten to experience second thoughts about our calling to follow God. Moreover as Christians God asks us never to forget our initial calling as Christians and always to keep God's promise of our salvation in mind.

5. Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them living together; for their possessions were so great that they could not live together, 7 and there was strife between the herders of Abram's livestock and the herders of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land.

(Genesis chapter 13 verses 5 to 7)

In order for God to be able to work more personally on Abram's spiritual growth he had to be separated from his brother Lot. God had strictly ordered Abram to leave his family, but for some reason Abram still had Lot with him.

On the other hand when considering that the land of Canaan was inhabited by other people, Lot's absence meant a lack of military backup in the face of his enemies. However God wants to be our security and not the worldly material security such as money and significant others.

8. Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herders and my herders; for we are kindred.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 8)

As a person who wishes to follow God and his ways Abram wished to have no litigation with Lot or his labourers. Abram focused on finding a reasonable solution between them in order to bring the issue to a peaceful end as we should in also do.

9. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 9)

On the premise that God had given him, the whole land of Canaan, Abram gave Lot the first choice to choose the location to which one of them would go in order to have the issue settled. We can observe humility on Abram's part, who did not seek his veto or advantage as the elder in order to make the first choice. As in the New Testament we are to treat others better than ourselves. Verse nine of the thirteenth chapter of the book of Genesis is a typical example of this teaching.

10. Lot looked about him, and saw that the plain of the Jordan was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar; this was before the LORD had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 10)

Our values determines our actions and behaviours. When making his choice Lot only considered the fact that the land was in an ideal condition however he did not consider the fact that the land was close to the pagan lands of Sodom and Gomorrah, which would be of a negative influence on his soul and would harm his spiritual welfare.


11. So Lot chose for himself all the plain of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward; thus they separated from each other.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 11)


Without considering the danger that he would place Abram in now that his military power had increased in a foreign land Lot went on his way to follow his personal agenda. When we consider only our plans and not the consequences that the decision would have on others and even ourselves the outcome may be not that positive.


For example at the time I am feeling that God is asking me to work as a social worker with people who have terminal cancer. If i insist on reaching this aim without consulting my wife, I may create unnecessary stress in my family. God has already given me a contact who is going to see if there is a vacancy on a part-time or volountary basis, however I still have to pray on the issue and discuss the issue and analyze the positive and negative consequences before deciding. Moreover in a spirit of prayer I have to discern whether the motivation is coming from myself, or actually from God.


12. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the Plain and moved his tent as far as Sodom.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 12)  

It seems that when faced with the opportunity both Abram and Lot made their choices. Moreover when we make a choice we will experience both the positive aspects of that choices and even the negative consequences.


13. Now the people of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 13)


The consequences of Lot's choice have been made evident. Although the land of his choice was increasingly fertile, the negative aspect was that he was to inhabit in the land of Sodom or in its vicinity with the consequences of being exposed to the negative sinful values and practices held by these people thus putting his spiritual welfare in jeopardy. However it seems, that Lot considered his material welfare over that of his spiritual well being.


14. The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Raise your eyes now, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; 15 for all that land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever, 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth; so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.

(Genesis chapter 13 verses 14 to 16)


After Lot left Abram, Abram may have felt depressed and defenseless. During such moments God intervenes and gives us the much needed encouragement. God renews His promise to Abram. It was God's way of telling Abram do not worry if Lot has made a better choice than you, there will come a time when all the land of Canaan will be yours and of your descendants forever.


17. Rise up, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you," So Abram moved his tent, and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron; and there he built an altar to the LORD.

(Genesis chapter 13 verse 17)


God encourages Abram to claim the land by venturing in it from all directions and thus leaving his sign of ownership throughout all the land. Abram made the symbolic ritual of claiming the land by crossing over to the location where he had received his original call from God.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Oh God my father thank you for your support, your love and your care. Thank you for being close to me especially when I feel abandoned by all. Thank you for renewing your promise to me that one day I will join you along with my family in my land of Canaan that is our heavenly home prefigured by the name of Canaan. Help me to feel your encouragement especially when I see how others are already reaping their material benefits in careers etc and I am walking in obedience to your Holy Will and waiting for your deliverance. If its your will that I work with children who have cancer please let your will be done. In the meantime please give me love for my colleagues, boss and supervisors and even my clients so that with the necessary skills I can continue being of service to them

Thank You God.   

Genesis Chapter 12

Genesis 

Chapter 

12

1. Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

(Genesis chapter 12 verses 1 to 3)

At times God gives us particular roles by intervening in our lives both directly and indirectly. Of all the people in the world God chose a man whose wife was barren and was unable to bear children. God is direct in his command but on the other hand explains the nature of the task. God also gives us the much needed support to perform the task at hand. God promises Abram his blessing and protection. Even though Abram had no relationship with God, his heavenly father had already had a relationship with him as is the case with us.



4. So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

(Genesis chapter 12 verse 4)



God asked Abram to leave the security of his homeland and embark on a journey into the unknown. This is the leap of faith, that God wants us to take, every day of our life.



5. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother's son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan

(Genesis chapter 12 verse 5)



When God calls us He gives us all the much needed resources to make the call possible to accomplish. On the other hand when we decide to embark on a project that, does not have God or His will as its foundation the task will be harder to accomplish because we may end up working against God's will instead of in favour.



6. Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.

(Genesis chapter 12 verse 6)




Although God promised Abram the land of Canaan this did not mean that it was to be his from day one of the promise. The conquest was to be a lengthy one indeed especially when considering that the land was already occupied by the natives of the land that would not approve of Abram's presence. Moreover the authenticity of a call that is from God is determined by the level of persecution associated with that vocation.



7. Then the LORD appeared to Abram, and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

(Genesis chapter 12 verse 7)


Once Abram made time for God at the oaks of Moreh in prayer God manifested Himself to Abram and promised the land of Canaan to one who would descend from Abram. Although Abram is said to have built an altar to commemorate the presence of God, it was still hard for an old man and and barren wife to accept God's word that some day they would bear offspring. However although we do not always understand God's will we still have to remain determined and strong in our belief. This is faith in action, when we believe before seeing the action fulfilled.



8. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and invoked the name of the LORD. 9 And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.

(Genesis chapter 12 verses 8 to 9)


In life we are driven and or oppressed by two opposite forces. These are that Spirit of God which drives us to do good and on the other hand compelled by that negative spirit of evil that compels us to do evil. We are driven and oppressed from all sides to make choices in favour of good and in contrary to evil. As Abram journeyed step by step to the Negeb, we are venturing day by day to our heavenly dwelling to Paradise our heavenly home in God's presence.  



10. Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to reside there as an alien, for the famine was severe in the land.

(Genesis chapter 12 verse 10)



Throughout our daily lives we are prone to face periods of dryness in our spiritual life, where God seems to not be able to satisfy our needs, when everything appears to be without meaning or value. When obeying God we will need to say good bye, to the ways of the world. In the beginning this may seem to be rather hard and the temptation may be to go back to our old ways. However in order to put us back on track God permits us to experience such moments or periods of dryness, during which God manifests himself back to us and re kindles our spark of faith again.



11. When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, " I know well that you are a woman beautiful in appearance; 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; then they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared on your account."

(Genesis chapter 12 verses 11 to 13)


On reflecting we notice that Abram was still very weak in his relationship with God as is normal in the early stages of our relationship. As in the case of the bride and bride-groom, trust has to exist between the couple before true love can ever exist.



Although Abram received God's promise he still feared death. Moreover instead of referring to God in times of spiritual dryness, Abram decided to refer to his own means. In order to satisfy his intentions of staying alive, he resorted to lies in order to thwart the Egyptians, instead of relying on God and say the truth. Some may argue that Abram said a half truth with reference to Sarai as being his sister, however even half-truths contain an element of non-truth and we are not to refer to such means.


14. When Abram entered Egypt the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 

(Genesis chapter 12 verse 14)


As Abram had projected the Egyptians realized that Sarai was very beautiful and attractive. Abram's self-fulfilling prophecy was in part going to be fulfilled had it not been for the intervention of God. As humans we are to be aware of such prophecy, because they tend to come true. Anything we fear that will happen may bound to actually happen, not due to some fortune teller's prognosis but because of our own fear and lack of faith in God.



15. When the officials of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. 16 And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female slaves, female donkeys, and camels.

(Genesis chapter 12 verses 15 to 16)



As Abram had feared his wife was taken by the Pharaoh. His self fulfilling prophecy became true, however thanks to God's intervention Abram's life was spared. When God intervenes in the course of nature, everything changes, and what seems probable to happen may not happen at all. On the other hand we witness a typical example where people are valued as much as property or even as property which is in particular circumstances even applied today as a practice. At times we may fall into the temptation of trading our time with God in doing something else that has no value what soever instead of investing our time in our relationship with God.


17. But the LORD afflicted the Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.

(Genesis chapter 12 verse 17)


The Pharaoh experienced the consequences of sin. Sin is in itself like a plague. Sin breeds sin and creates a vicious circle that at times may lead to serious negative consequences such as compulsions or disorders.


18. So Pharaoh called Abram, and said, "What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her, and be gone." And Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning him; and they set him on the way. with his wife and all that he had.

(Genesis Chapter 12 verses 18 to 20)


When we commit such sins we experience the negative consequences associated with such negative acts. At times as in the case of Abram our sinful acts may have consequences on negative others who may have almost nothing to do with our crooked intentions. A compulsive gambler may bring his family into trouble at time of payback. His family may be harmed if the payment does not go through in time. Innocent people may be hurt as a consequence.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Oh loving God and father, thank you for the crisis that you give me in order to see if I still have a strong relationship with you and my fellow persons. I am sorry for failing the test at times because when put to the test I resort to my means instead of referring to you. As a consequence of my actions I accept the negative consequences of my actions and pray for your forgiveness.

Genesis Chapter 11

GENESIS

 CHAPTER 

11

1. Now the whole earth had one language and the same words.

(Genesis chapter 11 verse 1)

On reflecting during our times, meaning 2013, the world is also becoming, one in the sense of having almost one currency and sharing the same worldly principles and values. By means of means such as the internet, boundaries are becoming non existent and a new language as in that used on cell phones, chat rooms has already formed and is used by many users. In both a positive and negative way we are experiencing the use and even abuse of this form of modern communication. Dates are being made with partners who relate only online with negative consequences such as murder. Many people prefer to communicate virtually instead of actually and eventually we are becoming more individualistic which is the trap of the Devil. 

2. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.

(Genesis chapter 11 verse 2)

In light of God's original command to Noah and his descendants that was to flourish and dominate the earth, we now for the second time witness global disobedience on a massive level. Instead of obeying God this mass population, decided to settle down in the mentioned location.


3. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 3 to 4)


On analyzing these two verses they can be summed up into one adjective. This is disobedience. The people were aware that God had ordered them to spread throughout the whole earth and populate it, however as a people they decided to settle down in one location. This went directly against the will of God. Moreover the other word that can also express the behaviour of the people is arrogance. The people that were know armed in unity and in intelligence decided to become on the same level as God. The tower that they planned to build had the purpose of reaching the heavens, thus making them on the same level as God.


From these verses we learn that although we may have all the resources at hand in order to accomplish our goals, this may not always be according to God's will. In order to be sure if our plans match with God's will we are to use the tools of discernment in a Spirit of prayer and God will show us if this course of action is according to the Holy Will of God or not. In order to learn more about discerning the will of God please enter 'Discerning the will of God the Ignatian way' in your browser and browse through the many articles on how to discern the will of God as part of our decision making process.


5. The LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. 6 And the LORD said, " Look they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 5 to 6)


God who is all knowledge of past present and future proclaimed that once humans unite and become motivated they would be an non stoppable force, because through communication they could be creative in both positive and even in negative acts. Therefore they became a serious threat to God's plan for our salvation. Moreover when we unite in projects that have not God as their center or foundation stone we are bound to hit the rocks and end up hurt in the process. Therefore in such situations God intervenes in order to restore the much needed balance, either directly or by means of significant others.


7. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another's speech." 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 7 to 9)


As in many conflicts between couples or even nations or small communities, the major problem is that of communication. We invest time and energy in talking with others, however during our communication, we do not invest the same energy in listening to each other's feedback in order to make the communication process of transmission and feedback loop complete. Therefore when this process is disrupted the message does not go through and there is confusion and discord, that breeds a serious lack of harmony and even the creation of boundaries, hurts and serious, psychological, and spiritual wounds.


When communicating with God we risk making the same mistake. We may tend to invest the major part of our prayer time in asking God to give us this and that, without ever thinking of blessing, thanking and most important listening to God who always in some way or another answers our prayers. The secret is that of being in tune with God by making time and opportunity to be with Him so that He can deliver his message to us though many medias, such as the reading of God's word during mass, spending time in His presence before the Holy Eucharist, meditating on the Word of God, etc.


10. These are the descendants of Shem. When Shem was one hundred years old, he became the father of Arpachsad two years after the flood; 11 and Shem lived after the birth of Arpachsad five hundred years, and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 10 to 11)


It is very interesting to observe that Shem lived 500 years after the flood and is not mentioned to have died while in previous chapters his ancestors lived longer and are all referred to have died.


12. When Arpachsad had lived thirty-five years he became the father of Shelah; 13 and Arpachshad lived after the birth of Shelah four hundred three years, and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verse 12)


In contrast to his brother Shem, Arpachshad lived less than his brother and still is not mentioned to have died.


14. When Shelah had lived thirty years, he became the father of Eber; 15 and Shelah lived after the birth of Eber four hundred three years, and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 14 to 15)


Four some reason that is not mentioned Shelah outlived his predecessor by three years but bore offspring at a younger age than the latter. This could reflect his having had lived a good life as in the case of some of his predecessors.


16. When Eber had lived thirty-four years, he became the father of Peleg; 17 and Eber lived after the birth of Peleg four hundred thirty years, and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 16 to 17)


If a long life actually reflects a good life, it seems that life on earth started to improve because when looking at the following exhibit, the number of years lived by the mentioned characters is always on the increase.


18. When Peleg had lived thirty years, he became the father of Reu; 19 and Peleg lived after the birth of Reu two hundred nine years, and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 18 to 19)


In contrast to his predecessor Peleg lived alot less. This may again reflect an increase of evil in the world. This may be a technical device used by the author to reflect this drastic change in global spiritual welfare.


20. When Reu had lived thirty-two years, he became the father of Serug; 21 and Reu lived after the birth of Serug two hundred seven years, and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 20 to 21)


It seems that Reu's lifespan was even shorter that that of Peleg who lived 209 years in comparison to the 207 years lived by Reu.


22. When Serug had lived thirty years he became the father of Nahor; 23 and Serug lived after the birth of Nahor two hundred years, and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 22 to 23)


In contrast to his predecessors Serug lived only 200 years which is even less than his brother Reu who lived 207 years.

It seems that the world had embarked on a spiritual and social decline. This may be reflected by the gradual decrease in lifespan.

24. When Nahor had lived twenty-nine years, he became the father of Terah; 25 and Nahor lived after the birth of Terah one hundred nineteen years and had other sons and daughters.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 24 to 25)


It seems that the degradation became more serious because the lifespan reached an astounding rate of 119 years, which is the least in both the pre-flood and even post-flood generations as displayed in the following exhibit.


26. When Terah had lived seventy years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.

(Genesis chapter 11 verse 26)

In contrast to his predecessors Terah fathered offspring at the age of 70 years, which is very late in life. In fact when comparing Terah to others mentioned he can be said to have broken the pattern because the others all fathered children at an earlier time as found in this chapter of the book of Genesis.

On reflecting this may be very significant, thus showing that this tribe or descendant of Noah, was to be in some way different or special in contrast to his other descendants. In order to draw the comparison between Terah and his ancestors we have the following exhibit on which to reflect:

On making a list of the post-flood descendants of Noah we are given the following results;

Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years

Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.

Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.

Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years.

Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.

Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years.

Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.

Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.

On comparing the post flood descendants of Noah with that of the pre-flood generations we can make the following comparison;

Adam lived 930 years.

Seth lived 912 years.

Enosh lived 905 years.

Kenan lived 910 years

Mahalalel lived 895 years.

Jared lived 962.

Enoch lived 365 years.

Methuselah lived 969 years.

Lamech 770 lived years.

Noah lived 950 years

27. These are the descendants of Terah. Terah was the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran was the father of Lot. 28 Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldeans.

(Genesis chapter 11 verse 27 to 28)

On reflecting more ambiguities arise from this family. It is said that Haran the son died before his father Terah. This is something more mysterious, making this family more peculiar or special. When God chooses somebody He sets a new pattern and course in nature on many different levels making both the person and the family outstanding or somewhat abnormal in the sense of having particular features and qualities.

29. Abram and Nahor took wives; the name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah. She was the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and Iscah.

(Genesis chapter 11 verse 29)

On comparing verses 27 and 28 with verse 29, we can infer that Sarai and Abram were related from the father but not from the mother. Technically Sarai was Abram's sister, which makes the union in itself appear very strange. In our times the law does not permit such unions between brother and sister however it seems that during these times it was lawful.

30. Now Sarai was barren; she had no child.

(Genesis chapter 11 verse 30)

On reflecting Abram and Sarai when comparing them with their ancestors where unique in the sense that among all the descendants of Noah, Abram and Sarai were the only descendants who were childless. Moreover this makes the couple more outstanding. These peculiarities make Abraham and Sarai perfect grounds for God, to intervene because God is God of the possible and not of the impossible. This will become more clear in the following chapters.

 31. Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram's wife, and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran, they settled there. 32 The days of Terah were two hundred five years; and Terah died in Haran.

(Genesis chapter 11 verses 31 to 32)

For some reason Abram's father did not permit his family to keep on living in the land of Ur of the Chaldeans and planned to go and live in Canaan however it may be that Terah sensed that his health would not permit him to make the journey to Canaan so they decided to settle down in the land of Haran. As we will reflect on in the following chapter that is chapter 12 and others that follow God had special plans for Abram and Sarai that would eventually lead Abram's descendants to the land of Canaan.

On reflecting from a spiritual point of view, and according to my personal knowledge Ur was a pagan land where people worshiped false pagan nature gods. God wanted Abram to be freed from the influence of such gods and their messages. So in order to accomplish this God had to lead Abram to a new environment that was free from such negative influence. It was also God's intention to lead Abram to Canaan, however at this point in time Abram and Sarai were not yet spiritually ready to make this leap of faith. They were still total strangers in their relationship with God.

I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer;

Oh God Almighty my heavenly and earthly father. Thank you for intervening in my life and in that of my family. Although I do not always understand why certain things happen especially events that have scarred me and hurt me , I know that behind the mystery you are in control and have good reasons for permitting or allowing them to take place. I would like to thank you for all that has happened, all that is now happening and all that will be happening in the present or future.

Thank You God.