Our reading challenge for the day is Genesis chapters 14-18. I'll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
Genesis 14 - Notice the actions of Abram and the actions of Melchizedek. See where else Melchizedek is mentioned in the Bible and in what context.
Genesis 15 - Observations about how God makes his covenant with Abram - one-sided, based on God's promise, not Abram's, God's presence passing through the torn animals signifies that God may be torn apart if he fails to keep his promise. Notice Abram was not allowed to bind himself the same way.
Genesis 16 - Human plans to bring about the child of promise ultimately fail and lead to strife. What does this say about our ability to accomplish the promises of God?
Genesis 17 - God's covenant of circumcision re-establishes his promises granted in chapter 15 but is a sign passed down from generation to generation to be received by faith. With the clothing customs of the Semitic people this is a barely visible covenant.
Genesis 18 - The promise of Isaac, the child of promise, brings laughter to Sarai. The name Isaac means "laughter." Even as God promises this child through whom his covenant will be lived out, he also speaks against the sin of man. Abram pleads with God to be merciful and God does state his mercy in elaborate terms. We will see in future chapters whether God's mercy will be exercised.
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