Read Genesis 24-25:11

The characters in this chapter are so amazing to me, each in their own story. Not everyone marries, but if we do, God is still very concerned about the person we choose. Even our closest friends are important choices as these people influence us greatly.

• Why do you think Abraham is so concerned about who Isaac is going to marry?

We are going to look at each character and how they demonstrate their faith through their actions. James taught us this spring that our faith is proved genuine by our actions – not by our words. How do you see faith in each of the characters below:

• Abraham?
• In the servant?
• In Rebekah?
• In Isaac?

Abraham is very specific in his request of the Lord. Jesus, in Mark 10:46-52, also asks this man to be specific about his request. Why do you think it is valuable to speak specifically in our requests to God when we pray for ourselves as well as for others?

Read Genesis 22

Ahhhh – this is a hard to read story.

• What do you discover about Abraham in this chapter?

• Moriah would be a three day journey. Isaac was old enough to carry wood for the fire and ask questions (and old enough to run away when he realized that he was the sacrifice). What can you see in his character during this scene?

• In verse 8 the Hebrew word for “will provide” is raah which literally means “to see to” or “to attend to”. From Hebrews 11:17-19, what can we speculate was going on in Abraham’s head?

• Where do you need God to provide today? Do you believe that He will provide? What has grown this faith in you?

Read Genesis 21

I always think it’s funny that verse 2 highlights Abraham’s old age when Sarah is the one who gave birth well into her old age!

• The name Isaac means “he laughs.” Why is this appropriate for them?

• What does the birth of Isaac teach us about God?

Hagar had been given to Sarah as her maid and therefore Sarah could dismiss her. But because Sarah had given her to Abraham and she bore a son to him, she was elevated to the status of a wife and sending her away would be similar to divorcing her, although she would gain her freedom.

• What do you learn about Abraham’s character throughout this sending away?

• Hagar is afraid. Think about what makes you afraid. As you sit and think about what is causing the fear, where is God in the midst of the story?

Read Genesis 20

• What are your thoughts as you read this story?

• Based on God’s promise to conceive a family through Abraham and Sarah, what is risked by the lie?

• This is the second time we’ve seen Abraham do this. What is he struggling to learn? Why do you think this is his default?

• Why do you think God intervenes?

• How has the Lord intervened in your life to protect you or provide for you?

Read Genesis 18 and 19

I continue to find God & Abraham’s relationship so interesting and encouraging. As well as the interchange between God and Sarah and His “yes, you did laugh.”

• What stands out to you today in the relationship between God and Abraham?

• How does this impact your picture of prayer?

• Again we see a picture of a man (Lot) who cares for and wants to protect the angels, and then offers his daughters up. The good and the bad on display for all generations to read. Why do you think God intentionally shows both?

The Moabites and Ammonites descend from Lot’s daughters (again more good and bad on display), and one famous Moabite we won’t get to read about in this devotional is Ruth. You can read her story in the book of Ruth.

• How does this showing of the good as well as the bad and confusing encourage you in your daily walk with Jesus?

• What pops out in the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?

SODOM & GOMORRAH

While this passage describes the events surrounding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, other passages give insight behind God’s judgment. For example in Ezekiel 16:49-50 it says, “‘49 Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.’” In Jeremiah 23:14 it states, “And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that not one of them turns from their wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” In the Gospels, Jesus states that cities that do not show hospitality to his disciples were worse than Sodom and Gomorrah (Matthew 10:9-16; Luke 10:8-12). You can see from these passages God’s overall posture towards sin and sanctity of human life.

Read Genesis 16 and 17

• How do you empathize with Sarai (later God changes her name to Sarah), and her desire to have a child?

• Picture the dynamic between Hagar and Sarai once Hagar is pregnant, why do you think Sarai begins to mistreat her?

• Imagine the situation that Hagar is in, brought to her by the people she sees worshiping God. I love how God intervenes into these three lives in the next few chapters. We certainly see flaws in them, but hopefully we also see honest people trying to follow God. What do you appreciate about how God reaches out to Hagar?

• How does God reach into the life of Abraham? (this is fifteen years after his first calling to leave and follow)?

• What promises does God make to him?

• Why do you think God insists on His way and does grant Abraham’s request of Ishmael being the one through whom blessing would come?

• Think about the past several weeks, when have you followed your own leading instead of God’s?

Today, let’s check into the Bible Project’s video about the first 11 chapters in Genesis.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy their creativity!