The
Bright Side of the Mysterious God
After this,
the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be
afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
-
Genesis 18:14
Sin has
variations. As human beings, it is evident for us to find a way to disobey of
disappoint God which leads to our own distractions. But what amazes me in these
chapters is how God loves us to the point that He, Himself, moves or lets
things happen even in the most unexpected way just to save us from our too
imperfect selves.
I.
The Tower Of Babel (Genesis
11:4-6)
What’s
wrong if the people built this high tower to which they have planned? At first,
it can be confusing how God saw how harmful it was for His people. But the
thing is, God knows the outcome
even before an idea or a plan is conceived in one’s mind. The people
didn’t have the right intention of building this tower. If this plan did
happen, most of them would have been self righteous and fear not the Lord.
Thus, even before they realize how this can destroy them, God made a way to
help them get away from it. The cool thing about this is that, who would expect
God would use the language to disengage them from themselves on this project?
Same as to
our discipleship, sometimes, as cell leaders, we tend to create plans or ideas
in our minds in our lives, even in our own cells which we’ll never know would
actually distract us from what god intends to happen, thus, He makes ways to
deviate us from our own selves and help us get back on track.
II.
Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16:6-8)
I believe
Hagar wasn’t the only mistress in the Bible but her story was very well
emphasized in the book. Why is that? I may not be a theologian but I may have a
theory on this. God has written Hagar’s story not only because of Ishmael’s
descendants but to give us a message that even the most neglected people on earth, which these people may
think they are, are never neglected by the Lord Himself. Ishmael
happened to be a product of a wrong decision by Sarah, and because of her
insecurities to Hagar, she despised them and decided to throw them away. The
Bible could have just let that happen, but God is more than stereotype. God moves in mysterious ways.
Relating
that to our vision, at times we tend to be neglected or assumed nobody in the
society. Nonetheless, God always has an eye for you. God never neglects anyone
who He has given destiny. And by that I believe that all of us have a destiny.
In the story, it was Hagar’s own will that she decided to obey God’s command to
return to Sarah. It is also our choice to accept God’s grace in our lives,
whether we answer to His call or neglect His offer of love.
III.
Abraham Pleads for Sodom (Genesis
18:32)
My leader
Nanay Sophe has this weird attitude towards us pleading for her forgiveness
every time we disobey her. We literally follow her around as if we’re playing
catch even inside the church. Not that it’s a good thing, actually it’s a
tiring thing but, surprisingly, now, I appreciate that about her. Reading
today’s reading, esp. in Chapter 18, I could not keep her out of my mind.
In the
story, of course God planned to destroy Sodom even with Abraham’s pleading
towards God on the numbers of righteous men, but if that’s the case, why did
God even entertain Abraham’s ridiculous requests? God wanted Himself to be accessible
to Abraham.
I remember
one day, Nanay Sophe told me to fix my perception towards her. I remember her
saying, “Kapag nakikita mo kasi ako natatakot ka agad eh, you have to change
that.” And I was like, “Boom.” Like where did she get that, so as I was
reflecting on it, that’s actually so true. My leader is a clear depiction of
jesus’ discipleship in the new testament. And in that time, Jesus was very much
approachable. Thus, if I don’t see my leader that way, there is something wrong
with my relationship with her. I love my leader. I believe Abraham love God
that much as well, thus, God has just given us the fact that He Himself is very
merciful, loving and to add to His many identity, God is also very much
accessible and approachable.
God’s
promises
(a) I will make
you into a great nation
(b) I will
bless you
(c) I will make
your name great
(d) You will be
a blessing
(e) I will
bless those who bless you
(f) Whoever
curses you I will curse
(g) All peoples
on the earth will be blessed through you
-
Genesis 12:2-3
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