Daily Bible Reading - July 2020 God's Life-Giving Word of PromiseSample

July 5

Introduction

Abram’s wife, Sarai, remains childless and offers her slave, Hagar, to Abram so that Abram can have an heir. After Hagar becomes pregnant, she looks with contempt on Sarai. Sarai treats her harshly, and Hagar runs away. Hagar encounters an angel of the LORD who tells her to return to her mistress. Hagar bears Abram a son who is named Ishmael.

Scripture Reading 

Genesis 16:1-16

Today’s Key Verse: Genesis 16:13

Hagar asked herself, “Have I really seen God and lived to tell about it? “So she called the LORD, who had spoken to her, “A God Who Sees.”

Reflect

In the ancient Near East, it was not uncommon for an infertile wife to offer her maidservant to her husband in order to have an heir. In light of yesterday’s reading (Genesis 15) in which God reassures Abram that he will have an heir, how does today’s reading reflect a tension between that promise and Sarai’s continued childlessness? In complying with Sarai’s request, do you think Abram exhibits a lack of trust in God’s promise? Why or why not? What does today’s reading reveal about the relationship between Sarai and Hagar? What is Hagar told concerning the child she is to bear?

Pray

Almighty God, you are “A God Who Sees” and all creation is in your care. In faith and with trust, I look to you each day for guidance. I thank and praise you for nourishing and sustaining me day by day with your precious Word. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Infertile couples seeking to have a child.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Genesis 17:1-27: Circumcision becomes the sign of God’s covenant with Abram.