The writer of Hebrews has this to say of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac: 19 He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Hebrews 11:19 NRSVUE An uncommon act of faith and trust. Psalm note: In stunning poetry, David recapitulates the creation … Continue reading Genesis 21-23, Psalm 8
Month: January 2024
Genesis 18-20, Psalm 7
What caught my eye in these passage were two things. First, the obligation to show hospitality is demonstrated twice, once by Abraham and once by Lot. They are both very insistent that these visitors (the Lord and two angels?) accept their offering of a great meal, and a place to lodge. The offering of the … Continue reading Genesis 18-20, Psalm 7
Genesis 15-17, Psalm 6
Not for the first time God talks to Abram about the multitude of descendants he will have and phrases it this way: 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:5, NRSVUE Count … Continue reading Genesis 15-17, Psalm 6
Genesis 12-14, Psalm 5
Look at God's actions after the scattering at Babel. He chooses Abram, saying "I will make of you a great nation...." (Genesis 12:2a NRSVUE) A look at Deuteronomy 32:8-9 helps us understand what is going on here. 8 When the Most High apportioned the nations, when he divided humankind,he fixed the boundaries of the peoples according to the number … Continue reading Genesis 12-14, Psalm 5
Genesis 10-11, Psalm 4.
There are many generation lists in these two chapters, eight or nine depending on how one counts them. Lists of generations separate various sections of the book of Genesis, each one telling us a shift is taking place in the story. These lists in chapters 10 and 11 surround the story of the tower of … Continue reading Genesis 10-11, Psalm 4.
Genesis 6-9, Psalm 3.
The first four verses of chapter six present interesting challenges to our understanding. But it appears that these sons of God (are they the Nephilim?) and their actions may have contributed to the thorough wickedness described in verse five. Whatever the cause, God choose to reboot his creation. And after the flood, the commission for … Continue reading Genesis 6-9, Psalm 3.
Genesis 3-5, Psalm 2
By the end of chapter three, the entire course of humanity and its relationship to God and to the earth and to each other is established. If we lose sight of this, we lose sight of the reason for Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. And why that is the good news. The consequences of choosing … Continue reading Genesis 3-5, Psalm 2
Genesis 1-2, Psalm 1.
Origin. The first book of our bible. This is the account of "God" bringing order to chaos. Making a world that is like a garden -- hospitable for humanity and a place where God can dwell with humanity. In the second telling of creation, we learn of God's purpose for humanity, to manage his created … Continue reading Genesis 1-2, Psalm 1.
Completion.
If you made it to the end of the year, congratulations. You completed your read through of the New Testament. As you no doubt observed, I didn't with the comments. And then, I didn't with the readings. Well, it just didn't work out for me. I'm hopeful that many of you were successful. I did … Continue reading Completion.