Monday 17 January 2011

Last thoughts on Abraham

Well, just as we've moved on to Moses in our Bible readings, some final reflections on Abraham.

I was struck by Aeon's comment yesterday (you can listen here) about how Abraham invariably pitched his tents under trees (eg Genesis 12:6, 13:18), and that the shade of trees was considered a holy place where you could meet with God. And then of course, there is the observation that wherever he goes Abraham builds an altar (eg Genesis 12:7)....


Taking these two together I think gives an insight into what sustained Abraham, as he journeyed around, not sure where he was going to end up, and trying to hold on to promises from God that must have seemed more and more unrealistic as time went on. Basically, in the middle of all that, he put himself in places where he would be likely to meet with God. Surely, that speaks to us - in an often hostile environment, where we too struggle at times to hold on to God, we need to be those who deliberately put ourselves in places where we are likely to meet with God; in personal prayer, worship and Bible reading, and in corporate worship and around the communion table. Not exactly rocket science, maybe. But true all the same.

1 comment:

  1. Good point. Simple but sometimes in the middle of a week when it is hectic - personal prayer, worship and Bible reading gets squashed in. { who knows what profile should be selected}

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