><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 16-17 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Gen 16:1-6 In what ways did Abram act wrongly in having a son by Hagar? How was he misled? Was Sarah righ tto balme Abram for the wrong done to her? What ought Abram to have thought, said and done in the face of such a situation? 2) Gn 17. Note the characteristics of covenant making which are mentioned here. WHat were the blessings of which Abraham was thereby assured? What did Abraham have to do to embrace the assurance which the covnenant afforded? 3) Gn 16:7=15;17:18-21. What do we learn here of God's character and purposes from His dealings with Hagar and Ishmael? WHat Christian truths are here prefigured? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 16-17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1-3) Having a son by hagar showed a lack of trust in God's promise to provide. Once again, it was the woman that misled the man. However, he did not have to follow her requests. If Sarah was wrong, Abraham should have recognized the lack of faith in God and pointed it out to her. In this covenant, Abram's name was changed to ABRAHAM- "father of many". It was a special turning point, a change, a new name. Abraham, however, had to circumcise his entire household - be obedient and bear the mark of God's covenant with him. God takes covenant-making most seriously and expects us to do the same. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 16 Abram's Egyptian Wife - Hagar From hindsight, we may easily say that it is God's plan carried out by Sarai for Abram to have a child - Ishmael. However, the family events, at that time, were developed quite chaotically. Now as we turn the history backward to Chapter 12:10 " --- there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land." Did Abram go to Egypt for food or for an Egyptian wife? (16:1). Ha so! The answer is that it is the acts of El Shaddai, God Almighty, 17:1. Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Genesis 17 Commitment and Separation This chapter is the Covenant of Circumcision. In order to highlight its significance, Commitment and Separation would be a better title. Covenant is different from agreement. An agreement is for two parties, on equal ground, establishing a legal bend for mutual benefits. Covenant is an authoritative party set up certain decrees for the authoritarian to follow. Such as a nation agrees to protect her colonies, if they pay the tributes etc. Circumcision is a covenant God made with Abram to separate the godly people from the world. It is a commitment made by people to obey God's ordinances. It is a total change of our lives. Verse 17:14 "--- an uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant." This is the Covenant made with Abraham, his children, servants and also affects his wife to be Sarah, rather than Sarai. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Abram did not trust in God's timing. Instead of waiting on the Lord, he accepted Sarai's("man's") solution. Sarah should not have blamed Abram for the situation nor sent Hagar away. It is interesting to note the issues that would follow with the descendents of Ishmael and the children of Israel. 2) A Covenant is a binding legal instrument made between two parties. One party is in a position of authority over the other party, or has something the other needs or wants. Neighborhoods usually have covenants as to the size of outbuildings, type of fences one can build, etc... These are understandings that no party in the covenant will break or face penalty. The covenant made between God and Abraham sets up a special relationship between God and what would be the nation of Israel. Abraham was assured that his people would be like the sand on the seashore. In order to embrace the covenant and bind it, Abraham had to demonsrate his separation from the world. He had to distinctly change his life through circumcision. Circumcision is like our belief in Christ. It is a separation from the old way of life and establishment of a new one. It is not necessarily easily detected outwardly, but only realized when one gets to know a person more intimately. It is something that creates a separation, a new lifestyle from the old. It marks a turning point in Abraham's life and the fact that He was under God's grace. 3) God is merciful. Instead of not blessing Ishmael and Hagar, He set them up as a separate blessing. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 18 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Let us learn from Abraham's example how it is possible to receive the Lord as our guest, to enjoy felllowhsip with Him, to become those whom He calls His friends. Cf Heb 13:2;Rev3:20;Jam 2:23;Jn 15:13-15. What were the fruits of this fellowship in Abraham's experience? What enrichment, in consequence, did Abraham gain for himself, and was able to bring to others? 2) v22-33. What are the chief characteristics of Abraham's intercession? Make a list of those which should also mark our praying. Note the effect of Abraham's intercession. Cf Gn. 19:29. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 18 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Abraham was attentive, humble (bowed low to the ground), respectful/polite/honoring, took a servant attitude, gracious, generous. If the Lord were our guest unbeknownst to us, we certainly should follow Abraham's example. No wonder he was chosen by God to be the father of many. He received good news that he would bear a son from these messengers. Abraham had a heart for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He was compassionate, willing to help, and a defender. He also knew how to "bargain". -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 18 Is Anything Too Difficult for the Lord? 18:1-15 Three visitors came to meet with Abraham at noontime. A. showed his hospitality by washing their feet, serving them meal to satisfy them with the food were prepared for them, "---that had been prepared ---" (18:8). One of them is the Lord. (18:10). They came to tell him about the promised Isaac. Sarah laughed (18:12) and the Lord did not ask Sara "why did you laugh?" Instead, He asked A. that question. What is your answer to this account? Sarah lied (18:15) because of her unbelief. The conclusion is that if we live a circumcised life, the Lord will visit us while we "---- lift up our eyes ---" (18:2) in prayers. The answers of the prayers are very encouraging that "IS ANYTHING TOO DIFFICULT FOR THE LORD." Friends Share Their Plans and Concerns Privately with You, 18:16-33 After two of the three visitors left and the Lord shared His plan with A., His friend (Isaiah 41:1), privately about destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. A. pleaded for not doing so if there were only ten righteous souls. End up only three were saved, Lot and his two unmarried daughters. In this event, it reveals to us about the compassion of A. and he interceded earnestly for the souls of those cities. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Abraham's example shows us that we need to be compassionate at all time and always have a servants attitude. How many times have we easily turned away those in need citing not enough time to help them. God wants us to develop the mind of Christ, a servant's heart and attitude of servitude. This mind is to extend to all situations, all times, not just when we think we can gain from it. The fruit of this friendship with the Lord was that God blessed him and also wanted to reveal things to Abraham. 2) Abraham's intercession was: genuine, presented from a position of humility, with an understanding that the request might not be granted, and came from an initial position of hearing, not asking, and ended with a hearing, not an asking. Too often we go to the Lord and intercede only when we sense a burning need, might it not serve us better to wait on the Lord and to serve Him and listen for what He would share with us and lay on our hearts. May we each one be attentive for the voice of our Friend Jesus, who wants to confide in us and share those things He feels might burden our hearts. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 19 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) WHat is revealed in this chapter about a) the evil latent in the heart of man b) the certainty of divine judgement, c) the priority of divine mercy and d) the urgency of immediateaction while there is time to escape? Cf Lk 17:23- 32;2Pet2:6;Jude 7 2) What did Lot gain for himself and his family by his association with Sodom? In what ways should he be a warning to us? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 19 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) The children of Lot's two wicked daughters became the Moabites and Ammonites, two nations that later became bitter enemies of Abraham's line. The son-in-laws of Lot ignored him and died. Lot's wife turned to a pillar of salt. All these are based on not fearing God's judgement power. Sodom and Gomorrah is all around us. Turn on the news, listen to lyrics on radio songs, even daily associates are into the world's immorality. As Christians, we must FIGHT spiritual warfare. We need to PRAY every day and read His word. God will judge us all. The righteous will be shown mercy, v. 16, "When he (Lot) hesitiated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, FOR THE LORD WAS MERCIFUL." Lot's family line became enemies of God's people because of associating with Sodom & Gomorrah. If we flock with unbelievers and "hang out" with them on a daily basis, we might adapt their contaminating habits. As a family friend told me, "Don't be in a hurry to make friends. " I John 2:15, "DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD OR ANYTHING IN THE WORLD. IF ANYONE LOVES THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM...THE WORLD AND ITS DESIRES PASS AWAY, BUT THE MAN WHO DOES THE WILL OF GOD LIVES FOREVER." Amen and Amen. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 19 Is Lot a Righteous Man? In this chapter we observe more about Lot's life. There are positive and negative sides of his life. Just this chapter alone, we may find the credits and points of this man: He is a godly man and worshipped the two angels, washed their feet, invited them to stay in his house. When the wicked people came to his house with the intention to insult the angels, he went out to advice them not to be violent and "talk like a judge." His problems are calling those malicious gangs "brothers" 19:7 and intended to give away his daughters to please them. Also, he did not really want to get out of Sodom, 19:16, etc. I did not have much respect to Lot until paying attention to Peter's epistle. II Peter 2:7-9 declared his righteousness and stated that "and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men [8] (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day with their lawless), [9] then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This chapter presents quite a few different looks at God's nature and character. We see the evil in Sodom and Gommorah rising to a level that God could no longer tolerate it. A patient God that just has too much. We get an idea of the evil in the hearts of men. We see the men in the city wanting to do evil to the angels of the Lord. We then see the fact that when God decides that Judgement will come, there is no turning back. God shows us too divine mercy. He has mercy upon whom He has mercy. Lot was not the most God seeking man, but he did recognize the angels and tried to protect them, showing his understanding of what was right in his heart. From the angels' warnings and pulling them out of the city, they received their salvation. It had nothing to do with them, because they were still lost(Lot actually wanted to stay), but the hand of God pulled them out of their lost condition to save them. They were totally helpless and didn't even necessarily want to be saved, but the revelation of their need was not only made by God, but the salvation act was carried through by God. This once again is a model of our salvation, that we have no part in receiving the kingdom, but that God prepares it for those upon whom He has mercy. 2) Lot gained nothing for himself as a result of choosing what was best in the world's eyes. He lost his wife, and had two sons by his daughters. By choosing what was good(the land choice previously made) in the world's eyes and seeking the things of the world, Lot sowed the evil that that brings. Moabites and Ammonites(two sons from Lot's daughters) would continually plague the children of Abraham in the generations to follow. May each of us seek first the kingdom of God rather than that which appears appealing in the world. For the things of this world will fade to dust, but the things of the kingdom will endure forever. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 20:1-21:21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What may we learn from Gn 20 of the weakness of human nature, even in a believer; and of God's protecting care and saving grace? Cf Ps 94:18;Mk 14:38; I Cor 10:12;2Tim 2:13. 2) Gn 21:1-7 'Isaac' means 'laughter' What is the difference between Sarah's laughter in 18:12 and in 21:6? How was the chane brought about? See also 17:17- 19. To what two complementary truths did the name Isaac thus bear witness? Cf Mt 19:26 3) Gn 21:8-21 From what was Ishamael cast out, and why? Cf Rom 9:6-9;Gal 4:28- 30. Why did God nevertheless hear Ishmael's voice, and grant him His blessing and His presence? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 20:1-21:21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1-3) Even after all God promised, Abraham still lived in fear of men. However, God was with him. Sarah's unbelieving laughter turned into laughter of joy when God's promised son was born to her. Isaac represents a miracle, something beyond human ability. Ishmael was also Abraham's offspring and was not forgotten by the Lord. I find king Abimelech's actions commendable, after hearing Sarah was really Abraham's wife. He gave A. a thousand shekels of silver to cover the offense and completely let him be free. It shows he was actually wise, politically shrewd and feared God as well. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 20 The Prayer of the Prophet Abraham moved from Hebron to Gerar into the land of the Philistines to continue his shaper's life. Now he lied again, because "---there is no fear of God in this place; and they will kill me because of my wife."20:11. How did God make king Abimelech and his household fear the Lord? Revealed Himself to the king in a dream (passing the understanding) and (2) Closed the wombs of the household of the king (physically evidence). Then, Abraham prayed for their forgiveness of sin - fearless of God. "---for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you ---" 20:7. Genesis 21 Isaac versus Ishmael Born according to Spirit; Born according flesh. Child unto sonship; Child under slavery. Covenant of promise; Covenant under law. Galatians 4:22-23 "for it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, And the son by the free woman through the promise." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Abraham, father of the Jewish nation Israel, mighty man of faith was just like you and me. He had fear of this world and did not trust that God could take care of those fears. His one constant insecurity was that people would kill him for Sarah's sake. It is reassuring to know that those with whom God established great covenants, called men after His own heart, and called to lead nations were just like you and me - with the same human insecurities and shortcomings. 2) Sarah's laughter of doubt turned to laughter of joy when the Lord fulfilled His promise to Abraham and delivered a son (Isaac) through Sarah. This was a demonstration that All things are possible for God, even the humanly impossible. 3) Ishmael was cast out from the inheritance of land, birthright, and NAME. He was cast out because Sarah was jealous of him. He represented the child of a slave, Isaac represents the children of freedom. However, God still blessed Ishmael because of the second portion of His promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed by his seed. This included the son of a slave - Ishmael. Praise God that not only the descendents of Abraham(Jews) have been given freedom, but that we too(gentiles) are able to receive the grace of GOd through Christ Jesus and be not outcasts, but coheirs with Him. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 21:22-22:24 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Gn 22 In what ways was the command of verse 2 a most severe test of Abraham's faith in God? Note the significance of the comment in Heb 11:17-18 Whence did Abraham expect to get, and where did he expect to find, the answer to the questions which he could not answer? How did his fiath express itself? Cf Ja2:20-24. 2) Gn 21:22-34. What was it about Abraham that made Abilmelech believe that a covenant between them which would be kept was a serious possibility? Do we covet similar evidences in our lives which will make others trust us and reverence our God? Cf Mt 5:16;1 Pet 2:12. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 21:22-22:24 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) The story of Abraham being commanded by God to sacrifice Isaac brings tears to my eyes. If only we could have that fear of and devotion to obey God, what more He could do in our lives with that kind of faith. Abraham was willing to give up what he loved most in the world and his hope. Are we? Abraham was a man of his word; he could be trusted. Abimelech believed it when Abraham swore an oath - Abraham had integrity. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 21:22-22:24 Well of the Oath, 21:22-34 Beersheba - the name means "well of the oath". Beersheba is the chief city of Neger desert, in the land of Philistines. At this location, Abraham made a covenant with the pagan king, Abimelech, about a well he dug and was seized by philistines. The significance of this paragraph is demonstrating that Abraham treated other peoples in Canaan respectfully. Abraham Was Tested and Blessed, Genesis Chapter 22 This test shows us that even it is unbelievable that God would test anyone's faith for killing his son. However, God is telling us that this is the love "I" love you all. After the test, the Lord blessed Abraham that "indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is on the seashore, ---", 22:17. Now, it comes to the reality, "rubber hits the road, right!", that the blessing would come through Nahor, 22:20-24. Let us look into the details: Terah has three recorded sons: Abram, Nahor and Haran. Haran has a son, Lot, and a daughter, Miloch; Miloch was the wife of Nahor, Abram's brother. Nahor had eight sons and the youngest is Bethuel; Bethuel's daughter, Rebekah, married to Isaac. Bethuel also has a son, Laban; Laban had a daughter, Rachel, married to Jacob. That means Abram's promised descendants are: Abram; Sarai - Isaac; Rebekah - Jacob; Rachel - Joseph. These four men are the center figures of Genesis 12 - 50, of the patriarchal stage. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 21:22-22:24 -------------------------------- 1) From the get go, God told Abraham what he was to do. He was to take his ONLY son whom he LOVED and sacrifice him. It wasn't as if God hid his intentions from Abraham. He told him that he was to kill Isaac plain and simple. He didn't mention that He would intervene, yet Abraham by faith still went and did as he was ordered by God. Heb 11:17-19 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18 it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. Abraham's faith manifest itself in the only way possbile, in ACTION. If we truly have faith in God and what He has revealed to us, we will put into action the promises that He has given to us in His word in our daily lives. 2) Verse 22 shows the reason Abimelech believed Abraham would keep his covenant. He realized that "God is with you in all that you do;" What a great testimony to those we deal with on a business basis that they would recognize our integrity from our walk with the Lord. May we follow Matt 5:16 and let our light shine(the light whose source is Jesus Christ). 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 23 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What features in Abraham's character does the story of this chapter bring out? With v4 cf Heb 11:9,10.13-16. What may we learn from his example concerning the right way to face both life and death? 2) What is Sarah's character as shown in Genesis? Cf Heb 11:11; 1Pet 3:5,6 How many wives today become what the Bible calls 'her children'? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Abraham was a smart business man. If he bought only the "end of the field", it would prevent him from financial obligations on the whole field. However, the seller was equally shrewd. Because he believed in God's promise to give him the vast stretch of land which included Canaan, he bought that land as a burial place. Sarah was known for her beauty, laughing in disbelief, later in joy when Isaac was born to her, sending Hagar away, and being obedient to Abraham. (I Pet. 3:5-6). Her beauty was in her submission to her husband. Abraham's strength was his fear of and obedience to God. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 23 - Death and Burial of Sarah Sarah is the mother of Israelites. She is the only woman whose death and burial place were recorded in the Bible. Her beautiful features went together with her into earth. She is a dominant woman and her decision affected the whole world up to today. Abraham brought a piece of grave yard from Ephron, a Hittite. Hittites were descendants of Canaans. It is one of the seven Canaanitish nations. When Abraham bargained with them about the cemetery land price, he told them that "I am a stranger and a sojourner among you; ---", 23:4. That was the attitude Abraham lived through his life and it should also be to attitude for us to live our lives. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This story brings out the business acumen of Abraham. It shows how he was able to handle himself in business situation within the world. Yet in everything he did business wise, Abraham conducted himself in a manner that those around him would see God in his dealings. I pray that in each of our business and work dealings we would be conscious of the witness and character assessments we are inviting through our proper dealings with integrity and consistency and brought about by gospel love. 2) Heb 11:11-13 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE. 13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Sarah was the mother of the man almost as good as dead(Isaac) A symbol of everyman for whom God would send a replacement Lamb, His own Son - Jesus Christ. She was the mother of all Israel and the woman from whom a nation was born.