I’m reading through Genesis currently as part of a 90 day reading plan (yes, so of course, I’m just beginning)  I’ll post a few brief reactions to the readings on this blog.  Here are some unfiltered reactions to the first 17 chapters:

— the prose is poetic in places, and stunning in its scope and vision of God’s world.  Reading it brings much anticipation that something great is about to happen.  

— also striking how some folks show up without explanation.  Melchizadek!  I get that he is a type of Jesus according to the Hebrews writer, but I wonder what the Israelites made of him in their temple sermons.

— some wonderful humor too:  Sarah lied and said he didn’t laugh, but God said, “you did too laugh.”  beautifully understated

— Some moments of puzzlement:  God declares that people will not live beyond 120 years, then they promptly continue to live 200+ years.

— God’s patience in accomplishing his will and/or promises is striking.  Dozens of years can go by between God’s call and providence. 

— Abraham taking matters into his own hands:  God promises a son.  No son.  So he tries to make his servant a son.  No deal, says God.  So he tries a surrogate Mum.  No deal, says God.  It turns out God meant exactly what he promised, just not on Abraham’s timing. 

— Tough lesson for us humans including this very human human.