GENESIS 20-23: DAY 37 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
February 6, 2023
GENESIS 20-23
DAY 37 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verse: Genesis 22:2
Today, we continue our journey through the book of Genesis. Today’s journey covers the birth of Issac the father of the nation of Israel. We learned of the importance of the bloodline of Abraham, by protecting Sarah, while held captive by King Abimelek and see the faith of Abraham in his journey to the mountain with Issac.
As we begin our journey today let’s take a minute to ask God to give us an understanding of our journey through Genesis 20-23. Do you have something on your mind? Do you have a friend in need? Do you have a relative that is going through something? Seek God’s help – pray for them. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14, NIV) Let’s start our journey through Genesis 20-23.
Genesis 20-23: Abraham moves to Negev, where once again Sarah, his wife, is taken by a king, Abimelek, to be part of the king’s harem. Once again Abraham fails to tell King Abimelek that Sarah was more than his sister: She was, in fact, his wife. But the Lord protects Sarah and Abraham, and, at the age of 90, Sarah gives birth to Issac. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14, NIV) Hagar and Ishmael are sent away at Sarah’s request because Ishmael was observed mocking Issac. Abraham is instructed to sacrifice Issac, whom the Lord spares. Sarah dies at Kiriath Arba (Hebron). Abraham purchases a burial plot from Ephron to bury her. Abraham, Issac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob were also buried there. (Genesis 20:1-23:20)
Our focus verse for today:
2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
(Genesis 22:2, NIV)
This verse, and the actions of Abraham that follow, leave many Christians confused. What is happening here? As you read the focus verse for today, you will see a reflection of God’s sacrifice, His only Son Jesus, for our sin. Abraham’s actions reveal unwavering love for God. God provides a sacrifice, a ram caught in the thicket, to spare Issac’s life. Have you ever faced a situation in life in which you felt God calling you to do something outrageous? What was your response? Did you show faith in the Lord?
Godspeace!
