Genesis 17

In Genesis 17 God gives Abram two powerful testimonies of His love. A new name, Abraham, and a new sign, circumcision. Both the new name and sign were symbols of God's commitment to Abraham. But they were also meant to call Abraham to new obedience. God was changing his identity and status, and Abraham obeyed.

In Genesis 16 we see Sarai struggling to believe the promises of God. Through her own plotting and planning she takes attempts to take control away from God and provide an heir through Hagar. That child then becomes a reminder to Sarai and Abram that God does in fact see their pain and hears their distress.

Genesis 15:1-21

Have you ever asked for a sign from God. Genesis 15 shows us that the sign God gave to Abram points to the same sign he gives to us - Jesus on the Cross. And because of his faith in God and his promises the Lord credits righteousness to Abram, just like he will for us.

In Genesis 14 we see the spiritual side of what appears to be a geo-political struggle. The kings of the Dead Sea area fighting against foreign kings. The king of Sodom emerges as the man who is seeking to exert his own power and prominence. But Abram's faith in God shames the King of Sodom, brings blessing from Melchizedek, king of Salem, and places Abram in line to be blessed by God.

Text: Ruth 1:6-18

How do we assess what God is doing in the light of what we see? The book of Ruth helps us realize that God is at work, even when we least expect it.

Genesis 13:1-18