This Sunday our lectionary cycle returns us to the story of Abram and Sarai, whose names are changed to Abraham and Sarah to reflect their new covenant relationship with God. In chapter 16 of Genesis, the family fortunes of Abram are laid out in gory detail. Having been called out of his homeland by God with a promise of children and land, Abram has begun to doubt this promise and he and Sarai agree to ask Hagar, their servant, to be a surrogate mother. In Scriptural terms this is a great moment of doubt on the part of Abram. He felt that he had to act to deliver the promises of God. What is even more dramatic is the superior way that Hagar goads Sarai about her infertility. This leads to Hagar running away from the household, only to be met at a well (the best things happen at wells!) by God, who urges her to return. Hagar names the well “Beer-lahai-roi”, which in the Hebrew means “well of the living one who sees me.”
This story raises lots of issues about how we should approach the balance between faith and action. In what ways do we participate with God within a dynamic and evolving covenant relationship?
The story’s reassurance is that in the covenant of grace, we are seen and supported by God, no matter what happens, even if we have our doubts.
Here is an image of the beautiful font at Salisbury Cathedral. It’s like a well of running water, where we’re invited to quench our thirst – a great image for God in our lives.
Here’s some wonderful music to listen to as you reflect: Living Water/As the Deer, by Shane and Shane.
Place of Wondering 