In the four chapters chosen for today of which the first is John 7 Jesus points out that according to Jewish law, circumcision is more important than keeping Sabbath, so, if the eighth day is on a Sabbath, it must be performed, but healing on a Sabbath is not permitted. Jesus then promises “Streams of living water”.
January 8: John 7, Genesis 15, Genesis 16, Genesis 17, (click on the chapter to begin reading)
In Genesis 15 God promises Abram a son, and Abram believes God and it is counted to him as righteousness.
But in Genesis 16 Abram badly wants an heir, so Sarai, being too old, gives her handmaiden Hagar to be mother of Abram’s son, Ismael. Sarai regrets what she has done, and Hagar is sent away with Ishmael into the wilderness.
Thirteen years later, in Genesis 17, Ishmael is back with Abram, God promises Abram his seed of promise, changes Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name becomes Sarah, establishes it with an eternal covenant, the covenant of Circumcision, and it was performed on Abraham, Ishmael and all Abraham’s servants. A year later Sarah gives birth to Isaac, at the age of 90, (with God, nothing is impossible).
Circumcision is very important for Jews and Muslims (Sons of Ishmael). As for me, I am thankful for the streams of living water.
