Readers Guide: “The Word for Today” Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Read – Genesis 23; 24:1-33, 50-67; & 25:7-11, 19-34 The story of Abraham and Sarah has been a story of God making covenant with Abraham that through him and his descendants God would bring salvation to a wicked world and a story of threats to that covenant of promise. The story of Abraham comes to a conclusion in our reading for today but the theme continues. Way back in chapter 12 when God called Abraham and Sarah God promised that he would not only make a great nation out of them but that he would give them a land. So far in the story they have received no land but rather have wandered about on the property of others. In the first story in today’s reading we hear of Abraham purchasing a plot of land as a cemetery – a place to bury Sarah who has died. God promised a land and God keeps that promise. Could there be any significance in the thought that the first piece of the Land of Promise is a cemetery? Something to ponder. With the next story we are back to threats to the promise. When Abraham dies the promise will need to continue through Abraham’s son, Isaac. But what about finding a wife for Isaac? God’s command is clear. Abraham is not to find a wife among the people among whom he now lives. So the journey to find a wife for Isaac takes Abraham’s servant back to the place of Abraham’s roots. And the story that unfolds reveals God’s hand in the choice. Rebekah is chosen as the new mother of God’s people. The story of Abraham can now end in peace. Abraham dies and he is buried by both his sons, Isaac and Ishmael. This ought to be very surprising for us to hear – even startling! Had not Ishmael been banished? Yet Ishmael is there – included in this most sacred of events. Perhaps there is hope for these brothers and their descendants – Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Abraham and Sarah had been challenged by barrenness. Not so with Isaac and Rebekah. Almost immediately children are on the way – and not one but twins. The story of Jacob and Esau begins and it’s a story filled with conflict and intrigue. Can nothing go right? There are more challenges for God to encounter in the venture of saving the people God created.