The Watford Church of Christ Podcast
We are on a journey to that future life exploring the incredible plans God has for us on earth to love Him and to love others. Join us on this journey!
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Friday Jan 29, 2021
Friday Jan 29, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. I’m Malcolm Cox and this is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.Episode 33Today we continue in chapter 18“Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”” (Genesis 18:16–19 NAS95)What are we seeing here? The benefits of walking in the presence of God.As mentioned at the start of the chapter, God’s desire is not that Abraham know about him, or even know him, but consciously walk through this life in his presence.Here we see the first example of what this means. The LORD confers with his companions. Who are they? Perhaps part of the divine counsel (Jeremiah 23:18). Will they bring Abraham into the kind of relationship with God that the prophets will later enjoy?They will. Abraham is a proto-prophet in his connection to God as well as his intercessory intensity - so often replicated in later prophets.Devotional thought for todayGod is never one to settle for a shallow relationship. Mere acknowledgment is not enough. Acquaintance is inadequate. What God wants is partnership. Admittedly an unequal partnership, but a partnership characterised by respect.We share in this privilege even more personally than Abraham. We have the Spirit. “The world cannot accept him [the Spirit of truth], because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17 NIV11)“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 NIV11)Who do you want to walk through life with? The Spirit, of course! Prayer point for todayAsk God to help you stay in step with the Spirit as you walk through your day.If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 32
Today we continue in chapter 18
““Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”” (Genesis 18:9–15 NIV11)
What are we seeing here? Divine tolerance.
When Abraham received the promise he fell facedown. When Sarah received the promise she laughed! Should we read anything into that? I'm not sure, but here are some thoughts from the Word Biblical Commentary:
"These remarks of Sarah’s show us the basis of her doubts. She laughed not out of cocky arrogance but because a life of long disappointment had taught her not to clutch at straws. Hopelessness, not pride, underlay her unbelief. Her self-restraint in not openly expressing her doubts and the sadness behind them go far to explain the gentleness of the divine rebuke."
The correction by the messenger is less than it could have been. It is not a rebuke. Perhaps we are seeing an indication of God’s grace. Also, perhaps an emphasis on the name of Isaac. Sarah is already speaking his name, meaning, as it does, “he laughs”.
Devotional thought for today
For the first time it is explicitly stated that Sarah is the one through whom the promised son will come. The promise is laughable. Why? Sarah is post-menopause.
She is astonished at the promise - the LORD is astonished at her lack of faith. How human Sarah is, and how un-Godlike is our thinking when faced with the ‘impossible’.
We might think of the situation in Matthew’s Gospel:
“When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.” (Matthew 9:23–25 NIV11)
Jesus was laughed at. Imagine that! The one who created laughter is on the receiving end of mocking laughter. Yet he has the last laugh. The impossible is made possible. The dead one is alive. We live this truth. Jesus died to defeat death. How odd.
Death is a laughing matter!
Prayer point for today
Ask God to strengthen your ability to trust in his ability to do what is impossible.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.Episode 31Today we start chapter 18“The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.” (Genesis 18:1–8 NIV11)What are we seeing here? Generosity in action.The phrase "something to eat" is more accurately translated "a small morsel to eat". He is promising little and delivering much.The Word Biblical Commentary puts it this way:"His “bit of food” turns out to be a feast. If a seah is about two gallons (eight litres), “three seahs of best wheat flour” would make a great quantity of bread, while to kill “a bull” for just three visitors shows royal generosity: a lamb or a goat would have been more than adequate (cf 2 Sam 12:4; Luke 15:27–30)."What is more impressive is that at this point, it doesn't appear Abraham realises the true identity of his visitors. We know it is "the Lord", he does not. And yet, he offers tremendous generosity.Devotional thought for todayOffering generosity to other people is a way of worshipping. It's interesting that Abraham “bowed low to the ground” (v2). He was, in a sense, worshipping God without realising it. Perhaps that's what's behind the following scripture:“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV11)One of the key practical ways faith expresses itself is by generosity. That generosity is often connected to hospitality. Has God provided you with a channel for hospitality? Is there a way you could be generous? If you were to act in a generous way today, what would that look like? Who would notice? Not that people noticing is the point, but how would you know you had been generous? Prayer point for todayAsk God to help you act generously to whoever he puts into your life today whether in the flesh or virtuallyIf you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.Episode 30Today we finish chapter 17“On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day. And every male in Abraham’s household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him.” (Genesis 17:23–27 NIV11)What are we seeing here? A well developed spiritual character in action.Abraham is quick to respond. He gets on with things "on that very day". Not only is he urgent, but he is thorough. He circumcised "all" and "every" man. It is not often that urgency and thoroughness go together. Abraham in this area, like so many, is uncommon.Why is he so balanced? We can only attribute it to his relationship with God. He does all he does because, "God told him". Devotional thought for todayHesitancy is not part of spiritual character. We shall see this illustrated in dramatic fashion in Genesis 19 with the wife of Lot. The person I'm reminded of is Zacchaeus.“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”” (Luke 19:8 NIV11)He was urgent and thorough - going beyond what was expected of him. He acted, "here and now".Is there an area of your spiritual life where you are currently hampered by hesitancy? Is there an apology to make to someone you lead or live with? Are you putting off confessing sin? Are you delaying offering forgiveness towards someone? Are you holding back from serving someone that God has put into your life?Resolve to be both urgent and thorough.Prayer point for todayAsk God to help you take action and complete what he has given you to do.If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 29
Today we continue in chapter 17
“Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. “I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.” When He finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.” (Genesis 17:15–22 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God can handle our incredulity.
Abraham already knew he would receive a son, but he did not know it would come through Sarai. She, like her husband, is renamed. Both versions of the name mean 'princess', so nothing fundamental has changed, but it is probably symbolic of this new revelation.
Abraham's response? To laugh. God's response to his laughter? To carry on with business.
It seems that everyone gets a blessing. Sarai, Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael. God is not mean with dishing out his blessings!
Devotional thought for today
Isaac's name means "laughter". In laughing at God’s promise, Abraham confirms it without realising what he was doing. I too might well have laughed. What about you?
Some things God tells us appear ridiculous. That we can have the peace that passes understanding? Are we going to have the joy of the spirit? That we can be confident of our salvation? That we will be give us strength to love our enemies?
Which of the promises of God do you find most difficult to accept? The ones which make you laugh in your heart, even if never out loud?
It may not be a sign of great faith when we laugh, but it is honest. God can handle our laughter, our incredulity, our honesty.
At the end of this paragraph God just takes off. He does not attempt to persuade Abraham out of his doubt, but simply tells him what he will do. It should be, and indeed was enough for Abraham. Let God's word be enough for you and me.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you trust his promises - every one of them
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 28
Today we continue in chapter 17
“God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. “This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. “And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. “And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a servant who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants. “A servant who is born in your house or who is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised; thus shall My covenant be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. “But an uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”” (Genesis 17:9–14 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The expectations of God are meaningful and manageable.
God has just presented Abram with a comprehensive and inspiring set of blessings. The verses following are his longest speech in chapter 17 . The theme is not hard to discern. He mentions "covenant" and "circumcise" over and over again.
When God makes promises to humankind, he does not do things by halves. A previous example of something so significant might be what happened after the flood.
““It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. “When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”” (Genesis 9:14–16 NAS95)
On that occasion God provided the sign himself. This time he expects Abraham to partner with him in the sign of circumcision.
Devotional thought for today
Is Abraham's responsibility difficult or easy? Well, there was some pain involved, and the whole episode cannot have been exactly pleasant. However, considering the grandure of the promises, Abraham’s role is miniscule!
God expects that Abraham will follow through on his part of the covenant. But his part is hardly worth comparing to God's.
What is our part of the bargain? To live faithful to Christ.
“And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (Hebrews 10:38–39)
We are called to live by faith. Just like Abraham. That face results in a life which pleases God. Sometimes living this way is difficult. But it never even begins to match the depth, breadth and height of the glories of God's gifts to us.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you gladly embrace a life of faithfulness, even if it is costly
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 27
Today we start chapter 17
“Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. “No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. “I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. “I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”” (Genesis 17:1–8 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? A watershed event.
Chapters 12-16 all point towards this moment.
In the preceding chapters, the land becomes 'this land', then, 'all the land which you can see' then 'from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, and now, 'I shall give to you . . . the whole land of Canaan as a permanent holding'.
Abraham was told he would become a “great nation.” Then his descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth; then as many as the stars, then too many to count, now a 'multitude of nations' and 'kings shall be descended from you'.
Small wonder that Abram falls flat on his face!
The Word Biblical Commentary notes this:
"From this point in Genesis, divine speeches become rarer and little new content is added to the promises, but the fulfilment of these promises becomes more visible."
Devotional thought for today
In some ways God is acting here rather like a parent. He is setting out the future of his 'son'. Indeed, he is naming him. The meaning morphs from "the father is exalted" to, "the father of a multitude".
Why he is chosen for this is hard to say. The same question arises for you and me. Why did God choose to reveal himself to you, and not your sister, your Uncle, your school friend, your work-mate?
We may never know in this life. But, that is not meant to stop us rejoicing.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Peter 1:1–2 NIV11)
We have been chosen by Grace, and appointed for obedience. For what purpose? So the world will know. Gods purpose for Abraham was never that his relationship with Abraham should be exclusive. Rather, it was intended to be as inclusive as possible.
Rejoice you are chosen, and rejoice that you are free to invite others to be chosen.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you rejoice at being chosen, and to rejoice at the opportunity to invite others to be chosen
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 26
Today we finish chapter 16
“The angel of the LORD said to her further, “Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. “He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees”; for she said, “Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.” (Genesis 16:11–16 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? When we feel seen by God we are given the courage to live by faith.
God gives wonderful promises to Hagar. How does she feel? She feels seen. The way it is expressed is almost like an astonished question, "He sees even me - even me?"
The well called 'Beer Lahai Roi' means, “well of the living who sees me”. The name is a reminder of the caring God Hagar encountered in her times of desperation.
Devotional thought for today
When we feel seen by God, we live by greater faith. It is interesting that the one person in this narrative who is a model of faith is not Sarai nor Abram, but Hagar.
She listens to the Lord, feels seen and heard by him, and obeys him. She goes back to the household of the one who abused her (by no means does this imply there are any extenuating excuses for domestic violence, by the way).
She trusts that God will sort out a messy situation. She has a confidence that God is with her.
What helps you to feel "seen" by God? What convinces you that he is paying attention to you, personally, all the time?
Just before giving his followers the words of what we now call "the Lord's prayer", Jesus says this:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7–8 NIV11)
He knows what you need. We have the right to ask him for our "daily bread". He will give to those who make requests (Matt 7:7,11).
Do you want greater faith? The place to begin is discovering how to feel seen by God.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to give you the assurance that you are seen
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 25
Today we move further into chapter 16
““Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” Then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, “I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.”” (Genesis 16:7–10 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God goes looking for the lost.
The angel of the LORD or the angel of God are mentioned a total of 69 times in the Old Testament. Mostly from the books of Genesis to Judges.
The angel of the LORD appears at moments of personal crisis in Genesis (Gen 21:17; 22:11, 15). He either is the LORD in human form, or speaks for God and with his authority.
Devotional thought for today
How did Hagar feel? We will get a better picture of that tomorrow. But for now, let's think about what we're learning about God.
Firstly, he goes looking for the lost. Just like God in Genesis 3. Just like Jesus, Luke 19:10. He wants to create connection and offer support where it is most needed.
Secondly, he is personal. Notice that he uses Hagar's name. Her husband has not used her name, nor has her mistress. This is the first time her name is used in the chapter. Hagar now knows she is not nameless and insignificant, but known and loved.
Thirdly, he is corrective. He sent Hagar back to the way she came, in a direction she does not want to go. He knows what's best for her.
Fourthly, he is visionary. He tells her of wonderful blessings to come.
Which of these four aspects of the angel of the LORD connect for you the most? We see all of them in Jesus. Which passages in the New Testament come to mind when you think of these characteristics of Jesus?
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you yearn for a better understanding of him and a deeper connection with him
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 24
Today we move further into chapter 16
““And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me.” But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.” (Genesis 16:5–6 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The consequences of impatience.
Sarai feels wronged. The word for "wrong" can be translated "violence". It is the same word used to describe what was going on that caused the flood (Genesis 6:11,13). Hagar might be giving her former mistress a hard time, but it cannot possibly as bad as all that!
Sarai now treats Hagar "harshly", a word used to describe the experience of the Israelite slaves in Egypt (Exodus 1:12). Hagar is from Egypt (16:1). Hence, we have a frightening prefigured reversal of the oppression prophesied in Genesis 15:13.
Devotional thought for today
Some kind of combination of hurt, anger, disappointment and resentment has twisted Sarai's heart. Her behaviour is out of all proportion to her treatment. Rarely has the phrase, "be careful what you wish for" been more apt.
When we manipulate circumstances in our favour, we invite all kinds of 'demons' into our heart.
The Word biblical commentary put it this way:
"...the first scene ends in total disaster for all concerned. Hagar has lost her home, Sarai her maid, and Abram his second wife and newborn child."
Is there any area of your life at the moment where you are struggling with impatience? Here is a scripture for you to meditate on today:
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to grant you the patience you need in the specific areas where you feel impatient.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm