Genesis Chapter 23

GENESIS

 CHAPTER 

23

1. Sarah lived one hundred twenty seven years; this was the length of Sarah's life. 2 And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.

(Genesis chapter 23 verses 1 to 2)

In light of chapter 16 of the book of Genesis Sarah's lifespan or time line falls under the following category. On browsing through this list compiled throughout the first sixteen chapters of the book of Genesis Sarah's time-span is one of the shortest, however up to chapter 23 of the book of Genesis, she is one of only females mentioned in this respect thus making her special


This is 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.

As expected of Abraham according to the rites or practices of the time, and also the consequence of true feelings associated with bereavement, Abraham showed his respect towards his wife. Again nothing is mentioned of Isaac who if present would also have reciprocated his feelings towards his mother.

On reflecting as Christians we can also perform certain actions such, as going to mass every Sunday, that can also become a ritual. We therefore are to ask our selves if our belief in God is truly genuine or if it is based on tradition or rituals that have been passed on to us by our ancestors. For my sake and yours, I pray that our worship and praise to God is the fruit of our relationship with Him and simply based on habit or ritual.

3. Abraham rose up from beside his dead, and said to the Hittites, 4 "I am a stranger and an alien residing among you; give me property among you for a burying place, so that I may bury my dead out of my sight."

(Genesis chapter 23 verses 3 to 4)

On reflecting we are given a parallel between Jesus and Abraham. As a baby Jesus needed a place where to be born. As a newcomer to the world He was also a stranger to the world and therefore owned no personal property. In contrast to Jesus, Abraham needed a place where to bury his wife and remove her from his sight meaning to put her in the dark. As the light of the world, Jesus needed a place where to be born, so that everybody could see him and experience his light, and through that light experience belief. 

As Christians we can also be living that parallel. Without being aware of our actions, or maybe with willful intent, we could be doing our best to keep God in the darkness of our lives so that He will not bother, us and spoil our plans or personal agenda. On the other hand we could be still looking for a place where God can dwell in our lives and enrich us with his loving light of faith and love. Therefore we can either be a channel of light or one of darkness, the decision is ours to make.


5. The Hittites answered Abraham. 6. Hear us, my lord; you are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places; none of us will withhold from you any burial ground for burying your dead."

(Genesis chapter 23 verses 5 to 6)


It is held that some people are esteemed for what they are as in power and prestige instead of for whom they really are. In some situations for instance as in job seeking or in courting one's spouse this can have both a positive and negative effect, which is not really fair at all. At times it could lead to serious acts of injustice.


 7. Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land. 8 He said to them, "If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me Ephron son of Zohar, 9 so that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of this field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as a possession for a burying place."

(Genesis chapter 23 verses 7 to 9)


On reflecting Abraham does not want to have obligations with pagan's. He wants to make it a legal transaction consisting of a price in order to obtain a property. This transaction is therefore is very significant. It is the first part of God's gradual plan for the conquest of the lands of Canaan or as known the Holy Lands. On the other hands as Christians we are never to bargain with the forces of evil, for what is evil may always be considered as being evil, while what is good will probably always be considered as such unless it becomes contaminated by sin and its negative ways.


10. Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city. 11 "No, my lord, hear me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it; in the presence of my people I give it to you; bury your dead."

(Genesis chapter 23 verses 10 to 11)


On reflecting Abraham got more than he bargained for. It is the same with God in our relationship with Him. God gives us not only what we want, but actually what we really need, which at times we are not fully aware of. However God sees the big picture and gives us in good time according to our wants even if at the time in question we may not consider them as being such needs or wants.


12. Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. 13 He said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, "If you only will listen to me! I will give the price of the field; accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there." 14. Ephron answered Abraham, 15 My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver-what is that between you and me? bury your dead." 16 Abraham agreed with Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver according to the weights current among the merchants.

(Genesis chapter 23 verses 12 to 16)


Verses 12 to 16 of the twenty-third chapter of the book of Genesis, make us aware of the values of the world in contrast to spiritual values. For Ephron the land desired by Abraham was another piece of land, however for Abraham it was special, especially when considering that Abraham was a foreigner and a vagrant in the land. This can also be said for regular Christians who go to mass regularly. At times this may become routine or even boring or worthless because the value is not there. The role may be to occupy one's routine. However for those, who really value their time with Jesus and understand what is happening during mass, every Eucharistic celebration is a valued special moment.


17. So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whoel area, passed 18 to Abraham as a possession in the presence of all who went in at the gate of his city. 19 After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 20 The field and the cave that is in it passed from the Hittites into Abraham's possession as a burying place.

(Genesis chapter 23 verses 17 to 20)


On analyzing verses 17 to 20, we find a special emphasis on the important business transaction that took place between Abraham and Ephron the Hittite which even had witnesses to sustain the transaction. When we go to mass and communion we are each others witnesses. The transaction taking place during this special moment is between God and us. He is giving himself to us in both body and spirit in order to ensure our well being and His infinite love for us.

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

Thank You God for being of value to me in my life, which would never be the same if, your were not present in it. In fact I value your presence so, much, that if you were not present in my life, the same life would in fact would not be worth living at all. Thank you for both the material benefits which you provide for my well-being and that of my family, but moreover I would like to thank You for prayer time and for giving me yourself, during every Eucharistic meeting meaning mass.

Dear God may we also crave for your presence and treasure every second of our life that we spend in your presence and never take you and your presence for granted.

Thank You God

Genesis Chapter 22

GENESIS 

CHAPTER

 22

1. After these things God tested Abraham, He said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am," 2. He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you."

(Genesis chapter 22 verse 1 and 2)


At times God may ask of us requests that He does not ask society at large. This depends on our level of relationship with him. Previously God had asked me to leave everything and I thought that He wanted me to enter the priesthood. I lived two years in a convent at St. Augustines and one month with the brothers of Mother Theresa in Sicily, however in time God showed me that this form of life was not according to His will.


God wanted me to leave my past negative experiences and start living for Him and with Him. God wanted me to be alive, instead of only partially alive. However His call to live for Him as the top priority of my life, is not an easy task, especially when one is married, because one's attention care and time has to be shared, however even in such circumstances, God still needs to be given the top priority because without Him, nothing else matters and even marriages can fall apart.


In time God shows us the way that He expects us to take. A typical example is this blog. After I had a discussion with a leader of a Charismatic group during which I shared my wish with him to share prayer time online, he encouraged me to do so. At the time I did not know what a blog was or how to make one. After I discussed the issue with my nephew, he helped me out in making a blog and to this very day I am sharing my reflections online.

3. So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him.

(Genesis chapter 22 verse 3)

We can just imagine what a sleepless night Abraham had thinking how God could ask of him the life of his beloved son, whom God Himself had previously promised to make a nation out of him. At times we do not understand, God's will and we may experience fear and anxiety. However, God always has a purpose for permitting things to happen and for asking us to perform particular actions.

4. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, " Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you."

(Genesis chapter 22 verses 4 to 5)


From far away Abraham saw the mountain on which God had asked him to offer his son. On His way to Calvary Jesus also viewed the mountain or hilltop on which He was to be offered as sacrifice for our salvation, however in faith neither of them turned back in regret. During the crises of our life we may also view those situations that are bound to be a source of pain and anguish, however although we are aware of the pain involved we still need to take the necessary actions even if this concerns issues of faith that put other matters such as our jobs at risk.


In faith Abraham shared with his men what was going to take place on the mountain. Jesus also explained what was going to happen to him so that when his death and resurrection would take place we would believe. As Christians we are the witnesses of Jesus on earth.


6. Abraham took the wood of the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Issac said to his father Abraham, "Father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

(Genesis chapter 22 verses 6 to 7)

At times the jig saw puzzles of our life seem to match the whole picture, however, there always seems to be the missing pieces, that only God has in his possession to make the picture complete and make sense as a whole.


8. Abraham said, "God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering my son." So the two of them walked on together.

(Genesis chapter 22 verse 8)


Abraham is indeed a pillar of faith, a signpost that we should follow in our daily lives. Although he was aware that God had asked him to offer his son as a burnt offering he still had the faith in God that He would spare his son and bestow on Isaac God's promise. However the message in his response is 'Do not worry my friend place your trust in God and trust in Him, God knows what we need and when we need it so do not fear', this is a message for us all. 


9. When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.

(Genesis chapter 22 verse 9)


On reflecting Abraham took great care to make God's offering nothing ever than perfectness. When describing the way that he laid the wood on the altar, the biblical author used terms such as 'in order' that is to describe the fact that Abraham did everything according to God's will. His obedience was reflected by and in everything he did. God is to be all in all for us, and in everything we do, we must take care to transmit our faith and Christian values.


10. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am" 12 He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me."

 (Genesis chapter 22 verses 10 to 12)


Verses ten to 12 tell us much about the loving nature of God, who is not in favour of violence or other forms of disorder. Moreover God appreciates when we reciprocate in obedience to God. God is always ready to cater for our needs, but on the other hand we are also expected to fulfill our role in God's plan for our salvation and not leave all the work for God to accomplish.


13. And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided."

(Genesis chapter 22 verses 13 to 14)


 As Abraham had prophetically spoken to Isaac God indeed provided the animal for the sacrifice instead of his son. At the right moment God intervenes on our behalf. In this respect I would like to share my own experience of such an intervention. I like to play 'Need For Speed World' an online game about car racing. I wished to get a car called Audi quattro but the deadline was close to have the cars changed, according to the monthly rotation. I really wished to have this car but I was pressed for time. I decided to buy another car via credit car, however the Audi was not among the list of available cars. To make a long story short, God intervened and along with the car that I bought there was the Audi that was given as a free car. I was totally amazed. Some may consider such events as coincidental however I have learnt to consider every situation as coming from God and I have never been disappointed by him.


15. The angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, "By myself I have sworn, says the LORD; Because you have done this, and have not witheld your son, your only son, 17 I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, 18 and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice." 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham lived at Beer-sheba.

(Genesis chapter 22 verses 15 to 19)


According to verses 15 to 19 of the twenty-second chapter it seems that Abraham was so intent to carry out God's will much to Isaac's horrific trauma that the angel of the LORD called Abraham for a second time and bid him to spare his son. Moreover even God Himself had to intervene by confirming the original promise made between Himself and Abraham in relation to his future and that of his future descendants.


On analyzing verse 19 we can infer that Abraham is said to have returned with his young men, however is said about Isaac's having returned home with Abraham, after having experienced such a horrific experience. There are times when we are so determined to do good by maybe embarking on what seems to be a very grand spiritual or material ambition, that in the process we hurt those who are closest to us, sometimes without any such intention. Isaac may have been so traumatized by the ordeal that he now feared his father so much that he did not want to return home with him maybe out of fear and or anger at his father.


Abraham was super motivated in order to carry out God's will. As Christians we can ask our selves about our intentions and motivations, in favour of doing good and moreover as Christians in the task of carrying out God's will. A good instrument that is useful in order to perceive our level of motivation to do good is our level of happiness and also that of our inner circles, meaning our family and friends among others. Our spiritual happiness is reflected by our external acts and vice versa.

20. Now after these things it was told Abraham, "Milcah also borne children to your brother Nahor; 21. Uz the firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, 22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel." 23 Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham's brother. 24. Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

(Genesis chapter 22 verses 20 to 24)


According to verses 20 to 24 which brings us to the end of this chapter God continued the unfolding of his plan for our salvation by introducing new characters, whom we shall meet in the following chapter that is Genesis chapter 23.


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


Oh God thank you for intervening in my life. Thank you for your divine providence which has never ever been lacking throughout the years of my life. Thank you for intervening just at the right moment and time. Thank you for your perfect timing, that although is not always in synchronization with our timing in itself it is always perfect and precise. Thank You for giving life to people, who are key players in our lives and even serve as good examples and sign posts to us. People such as Pope Francesco among others.

Thank You God  

Genesis Chapter 21

GENESIS 

CHAPTER

 21

1. The LORD dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as he had promised.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 1)

Verse one of the twenty-first chapter of the book of Genesis, is a typical confirmation that God is totally faithful to us. He not only hears our prayers, but also responds to them all in His good time, when he deems it as being good for us. God's motto is 'never harm your clients'. The only harm we can experience is either from our egoistic self, or from others.

2. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 2)

In order for God to unravel His plan for our salvation, God made what was considered as being impossible possible. He went against the course of nature. Therefore never fear because for God nothing is impossible. He is the 'Master Creator' and it is he who has the 'original manual of creation', so trust in God and do not waste time worrying about global warming etc. God is in control over both life and death. When you know the pilot rest assured and enjoy the ride. You will surely arrive at your destination if you leave the driving to the pilot, instead of wrestling with him to take control of your life and its decisions.

3. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 3)


With reference to verse three from the twenty-first chapter of the book of Genesis, we cannot fail to observe Abraham's obedience to the will of God.

4. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 4)

As in the case of Abraham when it comes to showing our obedience to the will and Word of God we are to be the ones who set the example, instead of waiting for others to make the first step in giving testimony by both words and more by deeds.


5. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 5)


On going back to chapter 12 of the book of Genesis and compare Abraham and his age at the time of Isaac's birth we can draw the following inference:


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.

Abraham can be said to have matched Shem in age when he fathered offspring, who died later on at the age of 500 years old which is the maximum age lived by his descendants of the post-flood generation.


6. Now Sarah said, "God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me."

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 6)


On observing Sarah we can sense a change in her attitude on having experienced God's direct intervention in her life. Previously others would laugh at her for not having the capacity to bear children, now she declares that those who come to know of her experience laugh with her. In a split second God can bring radical changes in our lives, but do we need to see results before we place our faith in God?


7. And she said, ' Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 7)


God is able to go against old and even new theories or even grand theories held by all the sciences, and make possible all that is theoretically impossible to be done so that His glory, love and mercy may be manifested to us so that our strength and faith in Him will continue to be increased.


8. The child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 8)


Abraham celebrated the birth of Isaac. This is a very important event. When we were born and baptized we were introduced into the Roman Catholic Church to become future active members in it. If I had to ask you or myself, the date of our baptism would this come to mind or not. I think not, however this is indeed a very important day in the life of Christians that we are to commemorate as much as our birthday, wedding anniversary etc.


9. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 9)


On viewing the film Abraham, I observed that the games played during these times were games that proved the participants strength and skill. It follows that Isaac being younger than Ishmael was not as strong as Ishmael and therefore was at a loss in such games. It seems to be that Sarah witnessed such an event and did not like it one bit because she expected her son to be superior to the son of the slave girl and felt jealous or anxious that one day the members of the tribe would look up on Ishmael as their leader and not at her son Isaac.


Our personal expectations may cloud our judgement even where the will of God is concerned. God had promised Abraham and Sarah that from Isaac and his descendants His people would come to be, however Sarah still felt anxious about this issue leading to her experiencing negative feelings and fears.


10. So she said to Abraham, "Cast out this slave woman with her son; for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac."

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 10)


As already mentioned Sarah's concern was that one day Ishmael would share the same inheritance of Isaac, which according to God's promise this would never be the case. Ishmael was promised to father a nation, however in no way was his inheritance was to interfere with that of Isaac, from whom the Son of God was to descend.


Another issue is that of using people until they satisfy our needs. As long as Hagar gave Sarah the son that she wanted everything was ok, however when Isaac was born and Ishmael and Hagar where no longer necessary to Sarah she started viewing mother and son as a threat instead of a blessing. On reflecting God and religion can have the same effect on us. As long as God always says yes to our wishes all is well in our relationship, however when our needs are fulfilled the degree of relationship with God my not remain as it originally was. This is something we are to remain aware of forever.


11. The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. 13 As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring."

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 11 to 13)


On reflecting on verses 11 to 13 it is very interesting how God bids Abraham to listen to his wife and obey her in her wishes during such moments of stress. God wants us to seek His support but He also wants us to find the support of each other especially in marriage. God is the agent that keeps the bond of marriage secure therefore we are to refer to God as a couple every day of our lives especially during times of trouble and tribulation. As for God He keeps working in the background of the situation taking control of those factors that are beyond our control.


14. So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 14)


Verse fourteen poses a bit if a problem for us to comprehend. For some reason, the biblical author portrays, the son of the slave as being younger than that previously referred to. Ishmael is in fact older than Isaac and would be very heavy to carry on her shoulder.


Every day God gently puts the cross on our shoulder, to carry. Moreover along with the cross God gives us the much needed nourishment that is Himself in the Holy Eucharist to keep us going moreover He gives us his Holy Word that is also a source of nourishment for us.


Hagar headed for the wilderness. Our wilderness can be that situation in which we feel alone and without the much needed support. However the lonelier we may feel, the more God is close by to protect us from incurring spiritual or physical harm that is detrimental to our soul.


15. When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, "Do not let me look on the death of the child." And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept.

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 15 and 16)


Generally like Hagar when our resources are depleted we tend to turn on God in desperation and cry out our hearts to Him. She could bear the sight of experiencing the death of her son. On reflecting we cannot bear the death of the body, but how about the death or loss of our spiritual side that is our soul? Would we share the same feelings if we lost our faith in God? This is an issue that we are to stop and reflect on. Is our faith dear to us, or can we do without God in our lives? Is going to mass a routine procedure or do we  crave to meet God and have communion with Him?


17. And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him."

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 17 to 18)


God immediately intervenes in our times of trouble. Although He is fully aware of our tribulations He stills prompts us to focus on the root of our problem instead of on external issues related to the problem. Although at the time in question we may not have the answer to that question God still lends us a hand in the situation, either directly or indirectly by providing the necessary material sources or human resources. None of our prayers ever go to waste. God has one big ear that misses nothing both our blessings and even our curses.


19. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. She went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the boy a drink.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 19)


Although God may not always instantly intervene by providing the necessary resources, He may opt for removing the clouds from our mind in order for us to be able to perceive the necessary solutions. The solution or well of water, may have always been there however, due to our sorrow, we were not in a state to see it. Moreover when being in a state of wilderness and desolation our relationship with God of grace is the only reasonable solution. I pray that we all drink of the grace of God and make a new experience of Him.


20. God was with the boy, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and he became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 20 to 21)


At times we can also be living in our wilderness. This is a period of solitude in our lives, when God can speak to us and show us things about our selves and lives, that were not possible to be perceived during our everyday life. While in his care God gives us the necessary skills and needs in order to live our daily lives. God gave Ishmael skills of the bow in order to survive and even a wife from which his promised ancestors would descend.


While in a period of desolation it is common for us to return to our roots which serve as our security. At times these security systems may consist of family and friends among others. In Hagar's case she went home to Egypt and found her son a wife of her line of descent.


22. At that time Abimelech, with Phicol the commander of his army, said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do; 23 now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but as I have dealt loyally with you, you will deal with me and with the land where you have resided as an alien." 24 And Abraham said, " I swear it."

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 22 to 24)


According to Abimelech, Abraham had grown successful in all his transactions and grew in power and prestige. Moreover this worried the king and instilled fear in him that one day Abraham would overthrow him. Therefore the king, sought to seek peace and friendship with Abraham and made a pact to bind them together in peace forever.


At times we may also choose to be friends with God or the Devil simply because we fear them or because we perceive that one day we can use them or their services for our material good or security as in the case of Abraham. When accepting such commitments we are to analyze or agendas or reasons for accepting such a relationship. If our reasons are not genuine we had better think again or terminate the whole affair.


25. When Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized, 26 Abimelech said, " I do not know who has done this; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today."

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 25 to 26)


In order to confirm if a friend is truly a friend, or whether he or she is using us as protection or for his or her advantage, we are to analyze the friend's actions. On having pledged peace between them Abimelech gave Abraham the cold shoulder in relation to an issue of utter importance and did not give Abraham the much needed support and justice. Abimelech wanted only to take advantage of the pact between Abraham and himself, but on the other hand did not want to contribute to it.


27. So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. 28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock. 29 And Abimelech said to Abraham, "What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?"30 He said, "These seven ewe lambs you shall accept from my hand, in order that you may be a witness for me that I dug this well." 

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 27 to 30)


As in the case of Abraham we are to set the example and offer to be the peacemakers, that is after having consulted God's will in prayer and or, with our spiritual director that is important for one to have and then and only then we make the decision to sustain the friendship. On discerning the will of God He may show us that it is not His will for us to engage in such a relationship at all, thus in such circumstances, we would need to obey the will of God instead that of our own.

31. Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba; because there both of them swore an oath.

(Genesis chapter 21 verse 31)


On reflecting we all have a place were we made an oath with God this took place at the time of our baptism and confirmation and these places we are to consider as being special especially when considering the connotations associated with them.


32. When they had made a covenant at Beer-sheba, Abimelech, with Phicol the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham resided as an alien many days in the land of the Philistines.

(Genesis chapter 21 verses 32 to 34)


 When we make a promise to God this is a very important thing. In order to remember this occasion such as marriage we perform certain activities such as a wedding in order to express our feelings and value of such an act. In the case of people who do not share the same value, as in the case of Abimelech and Phicol, they simply left that location as if nothing had happened. On the other hand, Abraham chose to remember that day by planting the tamarisk tree that he dedicated to God.

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


Thank you God for making possible, the seemingly impossible to be done. I thank you for curing me of a chronic condition that is irritable bowel syndrome which is medically held to be a disease that once incurred is there for life. None of the doctors that I saw believed in the existence of any remedy that would bring total remission of the painful symptoms, but you succeeded in healing me. I have no other words but thank you to say to you my father. I pray and intercede in the name of many others that if it is your will you will also give them complete healing. However Oh God although physical healing is important, spiritual and psychological healing are also important, and in this respect, I also thank you for your healing.

Thank You God

Genesis Chapter 20

GENESIS

 CHAPTER 

20

1. From there Abraham journeyed toward the region of the Negeb, and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While residing in Gerar as an alien, 2 Abraham said of his wife Sarah, "She is my sister." And King Abimelech of Gerar sent and took Sarah.

(Genesis chapter 20 verses 1 to 2)

Before referring to verses one and two of the twentieth chapter of the book of Genesis, I would like to invite anybody who wishes to share his or her experience of God in light of scripture, to do so, on the following email address. vincem20@gmail.com. Who wishes to give permission for it to be referred to in this blog in following chapters please include your consent. Names and other forms of identification are strictly confidential.

 I am no theologian. My role is simply that of sharing the Word of God during my prayer time with all people who are interested and maybe, readers may experience the love of God as I have done and experience growth in their spiritual life.

While going back to verses one and two we can reflect on the fact, that although manifested himself to Abraham, he still kept using the half-truth or lie of his sister relationship with Sarah in order to save his skin and in doing so putting the life and well being of his wife at risk. As Christians we are to take care of both our spiritual, physical, social and psychological well-being and avoid putting our selves at unnecessary risk at all times.

3. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, "You are about to die because of the woman whom you have taken; for she is a married woman."

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 3)

Apparently it seems that God utterly disapproves of men who have relationships with other women especially married ones because this is taking others wives, bringing chaos into a union that was once approved by God forever. It is a direct violation of God's will.


4. Now Abimelech had not approached her: so he said, "Lord, will you destroy an innocent people?

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 4)


Abimelech asked a very important question, making God's justice as being the big issue and not his sin of taking another man's wife. At times we also ask God questions especially during times of death or terminal illness or maybe a breakdown of a relationship. "Why me?" we ask God. However in his silence God knows the answer. He is a loving and just God who always knows the truth and what is good for us.


5. Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister? And she herself said, 'He is my brother.' I did this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands."

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 5)


According to a film that I saw on Television called Abraham, the Pharaoh had the authority of taking any woman he desired as his wife and could even have intercourse with her. Therefore it was not to satisfy the integrity of his heart that he took Sarah as his wife. This reasoning can be classified as being a rationalization in order to justify his actions both previous and at the mentioned time. This is something that as humans we accustomed  to do.


6. Then God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart; furthermore it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. 7 Now then, return the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all that are yours.


(Genesis chapter 20 verses 6 to 7)


On reflecting, it can be said that God has a wiser vision than humans. According to God the Pharaoh acted in integrity but still it was God who restrained his carnal instincts in order to help avoid sin taking place. On the other hand we are given an example of positive behaviour in contrary to negative behaviour. Although the Pharaoh took Abraham's wife, which can be labelled as the negative act, God requires that Abraham prays for the salvation of the same Pharaoh in order to safeguard his well being. This is an echo of what Jesus in the new testament, that we are to pray for our enemies and not condemn or seek revenge. Even if another woman or man, has taken your wife or husband we are to pray for our competitor and not go to court to seek revenge or damage one's property or reputation for life.


8. So Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants and told them all these things; and the men were very much afraid.

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 8)


Verse eight raises a very important question that is in relation to our obedience towards God and society at large. Is it fear that compels us to obey or the fear of incurring some negative consequence? If we are driven by fear we are to reflect on why we do not place our trust in God and focus on obeying God and the laws of society that are based on Christian values (at least some of them are!)

9. Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you that you have brought such great guilt on me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that ought not to be done."

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 9)


As in the case of the Pharaoh when faced with an accusation instead of admitting our sins, we focus on how the other person has sinned against us, instead of taking responsibility for our part of the blame. During such moments we may even turn on God and blame Him for our downfalls in life.


10. And Abimelech said to Abraham, "What were you thinking of, that you did this thing?"

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 10)


As in the case of Abraham God questions our intentions more than our actions. Abimelech refers to Abraham's thoughts rather than his feelings, because thoughts are logical unlike feelings and emotions, and they tend to get us into alot of trouble if not controlled.


11. Abraham said, " I did it because I thought, there is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 11)


At times we may also experience the same situation as Abraham. We may start judging others as being ungodly people, without considering that the world is one family and God is our father. Therefore before passing judgement on any body in any situation is to wise to consider that that person is our brother or sister and think again.


Although God assured Abraham that a nation will descend from his offspring, Abraham still referred to his own resources instead of trusting in God and His Holy Will.


12. Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 12)


When thinking Abraham used the same technique of the Devil. He said a half-truth or a half-lie or as it is labelled a 'white lie' in order to have it justified. Abraham admitted that Sarah was his sister, but not that in reality she was his wife.


13. And when God caused me to wander from my father's house, I said to her, 'This is the kindness you must do me at every place to which we come, say of me, He is my brother.'

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 13)


At long last Abraham decides on the best policy that of saying the truth. As Jesus says in the New Testament 'The truth sets us free', moreover the truth has positive connotations, associated with it, while untruth has contrary consequences.


14. Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male and female slaves, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife Sarah to him.

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 14)


As Abimelech rewarded Abraham for having said the truth and saved the Pharaoh and his subjects from certain death, God also rewards us with his grace when we admit our sins especially at the time of confession. God's grace gives us freedom and the opportunity to be reunited with God and restore the inner harmony that was turned into chaos by our sin.


15. Abimelech said, "My land is before you; settle where it pleases you."

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 15)


On reflecting Abimelech could have still been a pawn in the hands of evil. The Pharaoh was encouraging Abraham to settle in the land. This went in contrary to God's will for Abraham because God wanted him to be a vagrant and keep on wandering until he would arrive at the land, that God had promised him. The world also offers us great opportunities, however the outcome of the offer is not always positive or according to God's Will.

16. To Sarah he said, "Look, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; it is your exoneration before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated.

(Genesis chapter 20 verse 16)

One may think that money is enough to compensate for sins or other forms of corruption, however on a material level, we may compensate, however on a spiritual level it is only confession that is enough to compensate for the consequences of sin.

17. Then Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. 18 For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

(Genesis chapter 20 verses 17 to 18)


Verse seventeen of the twentieth chapter of the book of Genesis, shows us the power of intercession, and that indeed creation depends totally on God, who has the power to enable and disable the faculty of creation. Moreover God is the source of all healing. Once we are in a negative state of sin, God's healing grace is somewhat difficult to reach us but not impossible although we close the doors of our heart, God can bring healing and penetrate the force of evil in us.


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

Oh God I pray to you that the truth always dwells in me. May you be able to use me as a channel of your love and truth. You are the way and the truth, may we always remain on your road and live according to your ways.

Thank You God

Genesis Chapter 19

GENESIS 

CHAPTER

 19

1. The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and bowed down with his face to the ground.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 1)

Like his uncle Abraham, Lot was also in an attitude of humility in the sense that he was also being of service to others. As Christians this is to be our attitude to others. In the New Testament Jesus teaches us to be humble in considering other people better than us, moreover we are to consider them as being our superiors. 

2. He said, "Please, my lords turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you can rise early and go on your way." They said, "No, we will spend the night in the square."

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 2)

On analyzing Lot's invitation we can sense haste and urgency for the visitors to come to his house, but leave Sodom on the next day. Likewise as Christians in our relationship with God we are also to be motivated to open our hearts to God, so that He can come and find rest and hospitality and maybe even decide to spend time with us if not forever. As in the case of the visitors, it would be a great pity if God decided to refuse our offer and decide to move on or choose elsewhere where to stop and rest instead of enriching us with His peaceful presence and love.

3. But he urged them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 3)

It becomes evident that Lot wanted desperately to hurry the visitors to his home as if sensing that something negative was going to happen that might bring harm on his visitors. Likewise as Christians we are also to take the necessary steps in order to ensure our spiritual well-being from the attack of negative forces, both within ourselves meaning our sinful self, and negative forces such as evil spirits personified by other humans that have the role of using others to drive us in a direction that is contrary to God's ways.

4. But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house; 5 and they called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, so that we may know them."

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 4 to 5)

Instantly when a good act by God is about to take place, the forces of evil instantly try to spoil all the good that God has planned for us. Apparently the people of Sodom and Gommorrah were involved in acts of homosexuality that is evil and bad in God's eyes. The words 'we may know them' gives us the meaning that the men of Sodom in order to satisfy their sexual desires, wanted to have sexual intercourse with the visitors.

6. Lot went out of the door to the men, shut the door after him, 7 and said, " I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have not known a man; let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please; only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof." 9. But they replied, "Stand back!" And they said, "This fellow came here as an alien, and he would play the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them." Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break it down. 10 But the men inside reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door.

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 6 to 10)

On reflecting these verses have a great value for us; our first reflection is that we are never to bargain with evil on no account. Since the devil is wise in his evil, without the help of God we do not stand a chance. 

The second reflection is that we are never to risk the security of our family or ourselves in order to satisfy the needs of evil. Lot was ready to offer his pure daughters in order to safeguard the purity of his visitors, whom he must have perceived were from God.

The third reflection is that we are to be very careful in dealing with people who do not share the same spiritual and or social values, because the situation can easily become out of hand and we could end up in serious trouble. Therefore in such dangerous situations it is best to have the support of people of God or consider backing completely out of the situation in order to safeguard or spiritual and social well being and that of our family.

The fifth reflection is that of fostering an attitude of humility. One of the accusations made by the people of Sodom was that Lot came to their city as an alien and then he became superior to them by fostering an attitude that was superior to them, in the sense of starting to give them orders.

The final reflection is that if we open ourselves to God, He will in some way always deliver us from evil, by either direct intervention, or through the presence of others.

11. And they struck with blindness the men who were at the door of the house, both small and great so that they were unable to find the door.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 11)


When we are in a state of sin, it is also as if we are in blindness. We desperately try to find what we perceive to be the correct solution to our problem in the wrong place, because in our blindness we will never be able to find the door, until we turn back to God who opens our eyes, and restores the much needed light.

12. Then the men said to Lot, "Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city-bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it."

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 12 to 13)


In relation to our salvation God is not interested only in us. Religion is not a private matter. Therefore God is interested in all the members of our family and or extended family, inner or outer circles. In fact God has the interest of the whole world at heart, especially those who seek and want to be saved.


13. For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it".

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 13)


As previously mentioned when we grow in our spiritual life, God reveals to us his plans concerning past, present and even future.


14. So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, " Up, get out of this place; for the LORD is about to destroy the city." But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 14)


According to verse fourteen of the nineteenth chapter of the book of Genesis, Lot appeared to have been joking. He may have panicked in urging his in laws to leave the city. When we attempt to pass on God's Word to people who do not believe or maybe are not convinced in what they believe, they may perceive us as being queer, zombies, old fashioned or people coming from another world or have been living on another planet. We may be ridiculed and or even persecuted, even by our in-laws or those making part of our inner circles, however although we face these tribulations we are not to be discouraged in passing the Word of God to others.


15. When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying. "Get up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or else you will be consumed in the punishment of the city."

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 15)


When reflecting on verse fifteen we realize that God urges us to be active and not passive in our relationship with him. Moreover God asks obedience of us and at times an immediate response.


16. But he lingered; so the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and left him outside the city.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 16)


Apparently it is the case that when we delay in our decision making God motivates us to take the desired action. At times our hesitation is the fruit of insecurity, lack of faith in God among other factors. However it is a fact that although we may experience such feelings, God's loving mercy is never lacking.


17. When they had brought them outside, they said, "Flee for your life; do not look back or stop anywhere in the Plain; flee for the hills, or else you will be consumed." 18 And Lot said to them, "Oh, no, my lords; 19 your servant has found favor with you, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life;  but I cannot flee to the hills, for fear the disaster will overtake me and I die. 20 Look that city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there-is it not a little one?-and my life will be saved!"

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 17 to 20)


Even though God intervenes in the given situation, and attempts to show us the way towards our salvation, it is the case that we still offer resistance to him and try to get our way. However God remains merciful and on the criteria that is for our own good makes the necessary exceptions.

21. He said to him, "Very well, I grant you this favor too, and will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 21)

Verses twenty-one reflects the fact that God not only loves us but is very patient with us, even if at times we go off the track and venture on to forbidden grounds. God as a loving father is always there waiting for our return back.

22. Hurry, escape there, for I can do nothing until you arrive there." Therefore the city was called Zoar. 23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 22 to 23)

On reflecting it is interesting how God awaits our consent and even our participation before He can intervene in our lives and in our situations. God loves us so much that He respects, our wishes, plans and motivations and walks with us every step of the way.

It is also very interesting that although the sun rose on the earth, the people of Sodom who were enveloped in the darkness of their sin, still could not perceive the power of the light of God.

24. Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25 and he overthrew those cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But Lot's wife, behind him looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 24 to 26)

It is a fact that God unleashed his wrath on the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. One may question if the cities were really bombarded with sulfur or if this is really mythology. The truth is that there are some who have found proof which can be found online, however as in relation to other issues, there are always those who are ready to dispute. However as I have previously emphasized it is not the aim of this analysis, to confirm or disprove the authenticity of this event. The most important thing is that God gives us many chances, to change our lives, however if we persist in our evil ways, we are subject to experience the positive and negative consequences of our actions.

27. Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD 28. and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the Plain and saw the smoke of the land going up like the smoke of a furnace.

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 27 to 28)


It seems that from where Abraham was camped he had a bird's eye view of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and all the lands of the Plain. Abraham now had the full picture of the human experience of God. God is a loving father. He knows what we feel, our needs and our motivations. Moreover on the other hand God is merciful and just, and cannot go against his own Word or decisions as in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah.


29. So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the Plain, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had settled.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 29)

Even though at times we may think that God has forgotten us, especially during the peak of our crisis, it is important to keep in mind, that God loves us so much that He can never forget us and that our names are engraved on the palm of his hands.

30. Now Lot went up out of Zoar and settled in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; so he lived in a cave with his two daughters.

(Genesis chapter 19 verse 30)

It is interesting to observe that although God granted Lot the permission to seek refuge in the land of his choice, he still was not convinced and decided to be happy with a small portion of land which was the bare minimum when considering the bounty of choice of land that was offered to him freely by God.

At times we make choices that do not fully award us. On the other hand we may settle for a minimum degree of worldly happiness, and do not consider that God is always ready to offer us everlasting joy, love and happiness.


31. An the firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the world. 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, so that we may preserve offspring through our father."

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 31 to 32)



On reflecting the mistake or error of the firstborn is that of human nature at large. This is being short-sighted in ones' perception of the physical and or even spiritual reality. The first born did not perceive that apart from them, there were other people such as Lot's relatives from whom they could have  had offspring.

When we stop referring to God in our situations, we start making rash decisions such as the following and our ends may end up having negative consequences for us, or for others making part of our inner circles.

33. So they made their father drink wine that night; and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; he did not know when she lay down or when she rose. 34 On the next day, the firstborn said to the younger, "Look, I lay last night with my father; let us make him drink wine tonight also; then you go in and lie with him, so that we may preserve offspring through our father." 35 So they made their father drink wine that night also; and the younger rose, and lay with him; and he did not know when she lay down or when she rose. 36 Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father.

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 33 to 36)


On reflecting on verses thirty-three to thirty-six we can reflect on the following issues. Due to our short shortsightedness, we tend to make the wrong decisions. The other issue is that of the loss of self-control. When we lose control of ourselves as in drunkenness, or other forms of compulsions or abuse, we open ourselves to the forces of the evil one, who exploits our already miserable situation in order to make it worse than it already is in order to make increase the degree of our sin. This might become a habit, which in time may become more humanly difficult to overcome. Twice in succession, Lot was unaware that his daughters had spent the night with him in an incestual relationship.

37. The firstborn bore a son, and named him Moab; he is the ancestor of the Moabites to this day. 38 The younger also bore a son and named him Ben-ammi; he is the ancestor of the Ammonites to this day.

(Genesis chapter 19 verses 37 to 38)


On reflecting although the sons were born of a sinful relationship God blessed both the sons and created a nation from each of them.


In light of the learnings from Chapter 19 of the book of Genesis, I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer;

Oh God I would like to thank You for being active in my life. I pray to you to inflame my intellect, so that any decisions I make will be based on your will and the fruit of prayers and discernment and not physical passions and carnal motivations. I pray that you help me in never losing control over myself and commit sinful and negative actions. I am a weak human being who is prone to sin and error. I ask you for you wisdom of your Holy Spirit so that I will always seek your guidance and not rely on my own resources.

Thanks God