Due to a recent surgery, our dog will have a cone on her head for a week. She wants it
off, and I am convinced she runs it into my legs as a way of letting me know that fact.
However, if she had anymore freedom then she might hurt herself and set back our
good purposes for her. The timeline continues with Abraham and Sarah, who have yet
to receive the child promised by God. What for us, is a chapter or a few verses, would
have been years or decades for them. We have read how Abraham was confused and
frustrated by God’s seemingly slow fulfillment of His promise of an heir. This might have
felt like a “cone” trapping him, but was just the right amount of time for God’s good
purposes. Let us follow God’s revelation through Abraham, Isaac (the child promised),
and into the life of Jacob (Isaac’s son) this week, and see God show Himself faithful to
all that He promised.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 5
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Genesis, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
In Genesis 18-19, we see the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. How many righteous would it take to save the wicked city in verses 22-33? At what number does the agreement stop? How many righteous would it take to save the world? What's the connection to Jesus?
Lot displays a pattern of selfishness in his life. He chooses the best land for himself in Genesis 13:8-13. He is rescued by Abraham after being taken captive. He becomes a leader in the wicked city as evidenced by him “sitting in the gate” Genesis 19:1. What does Lot’s selfishness, worship of wealth, and prestige earn him in Genesis 19:30?
Abimelech (king of the Philistines) is a reoccurring figure. How does the interactions with Abimelech show God’s faithfulness to His promises to “bless those who bless (Abraham) and curse those who curse (Abraham)?”
Abraham does not withhold his son in Genesis 22:11,16. How does the sacrifice of an only son foreshadow Christ? How are Isaac and Jesus similar/different?
What does the Lord say in Genesis 25:23 about Jacob and Esau? What is the blessing that Isaac thought he was giving to Esau in Genesis 27:27-29? How do you see family favoritism playing out in Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau?
SHARE IT.
What is God after with the potential sacrifice of Isaac when it seemed so un-like God to command it? How have you been reminded of Jesus in the story of Abraham and Isaac?
Based on the reading, how is the story of the patriarchs of Israel shocking so far? (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)
Is God’s salvation limited to only those from a certain bloodline or record of performance? Who in your life is far from God but near to you? What do they need to hear that you have learned about salvation?
How is God involved in the small details of your life? Is this a comfort or challenge for you?
Have you seen favoritism grow bitterness in your family or workplace? How was the situation reconciled?
FINAL THOUGHT
This week we have read across several decades of time and multiple generations. Yet, God repeatedly continues to remind His people of His promise to provide for them. He then makes sure that His will is done, and sometimes this happens in miraculous ways. In other times, God provides in providential ways through daily life. God has shown His wrath against sin in Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham had more to learn, by being willing to sacrifice his son: God is the only one worthy of worship. We are shown the grace of God as He provides a substitute (ram). Be encouraged today that God that is willing to hold sin to account perfectly, while being perfectly gracious to those who look to Him for their salvation.
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