Good day dear friends.
Here is our study guide for today: Thursday: Please find Genesis 20 & 21. Try to recall from your personal history where it seems that “common grace” (as in the story of Hagar and Ishmael) had preserved someone who didn’t seem to be theologically correct.
You can access the Biblical passages at www.bible.crosswalk.com and type in the book name and chapter or even book name, chaper and verse only and it will find it for you. You have your choice of all the translations you can think of as well.
In today's reading, we find the story of "common grace" helped preserve Hagar and her son Ishamael. God intervened in a situation that could have been deadly. Sarah was jealous of her servant woman's son and the fact that being Abraham's son as well, the servant woman's son would have access to Abraham's fortune, so she orders Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. While this was distressing for Abraham he complies with the request and sends her away with bread and water. They wander in the wilderness for some days until the water runs out and Hagar fearing that Ishmael will die, hides him under a bush so that she does not have to see his death. But it was the cries of the boy that God heard and provided water for both of them, and they were preserved. Along with the preservation comes the promise of a great future for Ishmael.
What's happened in your life where God has shown "common grace" in preserving someone you knew to be theologically incorrect yet God was with them nonetheless? Did that anger you or help you?
PRAYER: Loving God, we don't always understand Your actions, but we love You and we know You love all people. Help me to better understand myself and who I am, and help me become who You want me to be. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
