Lesson 8
TEXT: Genesis 15, 16, & 17
After Abram's rescue of Lot and blessing from Melchizedek, the Lord formally made a covenant with Abram. In chapters 15 and 16, He confirms the promise given earlier and warns that there would be a long period of enslavement of Abram's heirs. In a moment of weakness, Sarai develops a plan to fulfill God's promise. Complications set in, but God does not let human error change His "schedule." God will also introduce circumcision as a confirming sign of the covenant.
Abram never gave up the hope that he would have an heir. Both he and Sarai would struggle with the fact that for their ages it would be virtually impossible to conceive a child. Abram suggested that his faithful servant would be the recipient of all he possessed. Sarai would set into play a more damaging act that would not only change Abram's and her lives, but would change the course of history. God's ways are not man's ways. He has told us this, and we should believe as He says.
Can you imagine the emotions these two women would have after Hagar conceived? Now Sarai would look upon her most trusted companion Hagar with dislike and envy. How could God let this happen? Sarai was to be the mother of countless heirs. If Sarai was to be barren, then God should have made Hagar barren too, no matter what Sarai did. It's just not fair!!! How many times have we said that?
This would not be the first time that a husband followed the bad advice of his wife. Do you think that Abram didn't know the story of Adam and Eve? Do you ever think that you have very little influence over your husband? We read story after story in the Bible about how men followed the direction of women and made huge mistakes. Always pray before offering important suggestions to your mate; remember, you can change the "history" of his world.
How often do you thank God that you were born on this side of the cross? Just imagine living under slavery and persecution for 400 years. Do you think your faith would remain strong under duress such as this? We need to thank God daily that we have been given the privilege of living in a time in which we are free to express ourselves and worship without fear of incarceration. We need to remember that we are "ambassadors for Christ" and we represent Him at all times--in our homes with our families, in the community, in the workplace, and in times of worship and fellowship.
Persecution is a word that we as Americans don't usually relate to. We have rights, we have freedom, we have clout. But as Christians, we do relate to the word persecution. We are warned of persecution, and we will receive it, whether from a family member, a friend, or a stranger. Positives can come from persecution. It can take our eyes off material things, it can remind us whom and what we stand for, it can strengthen our faith, and it can be a good example to those around us. When faced with persecution, don't back down--be proud that we believe in a God who is ever present and faithful.
In God's infinite wisdom, He created a way that Abram, Isaac and Jacob would get to know Him better. That was by using various names. In those names a paradox can be seen: God took Abram away from those people who worshiped many gods by introducing him to One God with many names. God alone is the complete authority of every title and office, the CEO and the CFO of all creation. No matter what need we have, God holds a title that will meet that need.
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