Genesis 17
Genesis 17
First off, I highly recommend reading Romans 4:13-25 alongside your reading of Genesis 17 today. In this part of Romans, Paul argues that “Abraham’s descendants” refers specifically to those in Christ and that the promise of the world being blessed through Abraham really referred to the Gospel. Paul uses Abraham as evidence that justification is through faith, not works!
I also recommend listening to the episode of the Knowing Faith podcast that discusses chapters 16 and 17 of Genesis.
One thing that Jen Wilken pointed out in the podcast that really resonated with me was Abraham’s response to the birth of Ishmael. God promises the birth of Isaac to Abraham. Abraham points to Ishmael as a living son who, in his view, could be the one God uses for the world’s benefit. Jen Wilkin says that we could interpret this as Abraham being a concerned and loving father, but we could also see this as him saying to himself, “Did God really say…?” just like Eve in the garden of Eden.
Abraham is 99 years old at this point, Sarah is 90. It’s been decades since God’s original promise that Abraham would have descendants that would be a great nation. He tried to solve the problem himself by marrying Hagar and having Ishmael, but God says, “No.”
God uses miracles to bring glory to Himself. In response to Abraham’s questions, God makes clear that He is going to establish His covenant with Isaac, “whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year” (Genesis 17:21). It had to be through Abraham and Sarah to prove that it was God who was at work and God who keeps His promises.
Abraham saw the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. We see Abraham immediately obey after this specific promise was made, and that he is characterized by unquestioning faithfulness and obedience for the rest of his life!
We have Scripture to show us how trustworthy God really is. Those in Christ have the Holy Spirit living in them to help us. We have the ability to confidently look at any circumstance and say, “I can trust God with this.”
How will you live this out today?
By: Kaitlin White
First off, I highly recommend reading Romans 4:13-25 alongside your reading of Genesis 17 today. In this part of Romans, Paul argues that “Abraham’s descendants” refers specifically to those in Christ and that the promise of the world being blessed through Abraham really referred to the Gospel. Paul uses Abraham as evidence that justification is through faith, not works!
I also recommend listening to the episode of the Knowing Faith podcast that discusses chapters 16 and 17 of Genesis.
One thing that Jen Wilken pointed out in the podcast that really resonated with me was Abraham’s response to the birth of Ishmael. God promises the birth of Isaac to Abraham. Abraham points to Ishmael as a living son who, in his view, could be the one God uses for the world’s benefit. Jen Wilkin says that we could interpret this as Abraham being a concerned and loving father, but we could also see this as him saying to himself, “Did God really say…?” just like Eve in the garden of Eden.
Abraham is 99 years old at this point, Sarah is 90. It’s been decades since God’s original promise that Abraham would have descendants that would be a great nation. He tried to solve the problem himself by marrying Hagar and having Ishmael, but God says, “No.”
God uses miracles to bring glory to Himself. In response to Abraham’s questions, God makes clear that He is going to establish His covenant with Isaac, “whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year” (Genesis 17:21). It had to be through Abraham and Sarah to prove that it was God who was at work and God who keeps His promises.
Abraham saw the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. We see Abraham immediately obey after this specific promise was made, and that he is characterized by unquestioning faithfulness and obedience for the rest of his life!
We have Scripture to show us how trustworthy God really is. Those in Christ have the Holy Spirit living in them to help us. We have the ability to confidently look at any circumstance and say, “I can trust God with this.”
How will you live this out today?
By: Kaitlin White
3 Comments
Enjoyed listening to the knowing faith podcast! It is a great study about Genesis 16 &17.
Such a good commentary today, Kaitlin. Faith is a tricky thing for humans, and I'm so grateful that God gives us examples of the struggles even righteous followers have with it. Nothing is impossible for El-Shaddai, Almighty God. It's through the impossible that God shows us who He is.
This tugged at my heart deeply. Having patience and trusting in God on his time. It doesn't happen when you think it should. Trust in God, have faith and he will see you through.