Today's reading:
Genesis 15 and 16
Matthew 8
I wonder if God ever sighed when Abram brought up the whole "descendents" thing time after time after time. Is that why He decided to take him outside?
And He took him outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendents be." Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15: 5-6
What did the LORD do to "take him outside"? I can't even imagine what the stars looked like with no city lights and street lights...pretty overwhelming to have what he must have seen compared to his descendents. But the visual aid helped Abram - because then he believed. What visual aids has the LORD given me?
Tomorrow's reading:
Genesis 17 and 18
Matthew 9
I am continually reminded how God's ways are not my ways. Sarah tried to "help" God by coming up with plan B...and look where the world is today because of it. Now I doubt that my plan B's would ever have worldwide consequences that last thousands of years, but still...they do have consequences in my life and in the life of my family. I just need to rest in God's plan and trust that He knows what He's doing.
ReplyDeleteTwo things stick out to me as I read this morning.
ReplyDeleteFirst --- God has just told Abram "I am your shield, your very great reward". Abram's response is basically, "really I was hoping for something else."
Second --- God doesn't really sugarcoat his "good" news. During his covenant ceremony with Abram he reveals that there will be 400 YEARS of slavery. The angel tells Hagar her son will live with everyone's hand against him.