Tuesday, January 12, 2010

TTB: Genesis 18-20


Little Insights:
*Whether or not he knew upon seeing them that it was the Lord and angels, Abraham was a generous and gracious host to his visitors. (Hebrews 13:2)
*God graciously visits the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah, just as He did Babel, to allow mercy and enact justice.
*The mob of men was so driven by their lust that they continued in a rape attempt even after they had been blinded. (Gen. 19:11)
*Lot's witness to his townspeople and his own son-in-laws must have been lacking, for they laugh at him and his warning of judgement. (Gen. 19:14)
*Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed utterly, there is no record of the valley being inhabited again.
*Sodomy bears the association with the infamous city, a warning forever to future generations. (2 Peter 2:7 & 10 & Jude 7)
*The Moabites and the Ammonites were judged by God, not for their shameful beginnings, but because they did not serve the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness.
*God is gracious, even to sinners- a Moabite, Ruth, is listed in Christ's genealogy; no culture, race or person is beyond God's lavish grace!
*Abimelech was restrained from touching Sarah to ensure that Abraham was the father of Isaac.
*At 90 years old, Sarah was still beautiful enough to be desired for a harem- either Abimelech was trying to solidify an alliance with Abraham (in marrying his "sister") or she had a fabulous pregnancy glow!
*Abraham's lie is evidence that humans are prone to struggle with specific sins over and over and over; sometimes those sins pass to our own children too! (Gen 26:7-14 & 27:19-24)
*Abraham is referred to as a prophet, a word used in Genesis only once!

YDW encouraged us to consider a miracle. What thing in the world that seemed utterly impossible that God could do. I think about 3 years ago, I was in need of a miracle. It didn't seem possible that God could take the ashes of my failed life and turn it into beauty; but, that is just what happened. What miracle are you waiting for? What hope, beyond hope have you sidelined because it seems to be impossible. Do you not know that we serve a God of impossibilities?
"Looking at them, Jesus said, ' With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.'" (Mark 10:27)

Just for fun: Google "Necker Cube" or "Impossible cube" and read about my analogous picture.

Love, Lauren

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