The Gospel According to Moses - Genesis - Lesson 43 - Gen. 21:1-14 GOD LOVES ALL - EVEN NON BELIEVERS

I am doing these podcasts on the first five books of the Bible, sometimes called the Torah, for Christians for deeply personal reasons.  Some of these are 1) I am having a ton of fun doing them and 2) the Lord has given me a cool hobby for a man age 73 and 3) and I am learning so much as I study the Bible in its historical context and 4) I put them out there on the internet for any to hear and listen and perhaps, be touched by the Lord (not me!) to walk in a deeper way on the Straight Path the Good Shepherd leads us on as in Psalm 23.  We read in English that they are the Paths of Righteousness.  In Hebrew the word used means straight, the Straight Paths.  In Hebrew this is a word that is interpreted a righteousness.  See the picture below of what David was talking about – the straight paths of the sheep following their shepherd.

Here's a super short video by Ray Vander Laan - click here for the 4 minute video

Thus, for me, I do not worry about success – how many listeners do I have or the popularity of the Light of Menorah podcasts or vidcasts.  I am already a success in that the Lord seemingly has led me to do this work and I obey and try to do it the best I can so He is honored by the quality I try to put in this work.  That’s it.  I then hope and trust that as I put them out there the Lord may see fit to use them to reach the one or two or ten people He is after to become disciples of Rabbi Jesus or to become stronger and more passionate in their walk with the Lord. 

This lesson is a prime example.  I always wondered how could the Lord approve of Sarah’s actions by kicking out Hagar and Ishmael?  From my 21st perspective it made no sense.  Hagar and Ishmael left and nearly died of thirst.  Huh?  Why?  All because Ishmael was “mocking” his younger brother, Isaac? 

I thank the Lord for giving me the chance to earn a masters degree in Bible history.  This has led me to study the Bible in its historical perspective focusing in on the archaeology, history, geography, customs, culture, and even the languages of the ancient Middle East.  My profs helped me get connected to credible scholars and teachers who are so unlike the typical pastor who has never been trained in Biblical Greek, Hebrew or in the historical and ancient cultural context of the Bible.  In this lesson those scholars, those brilliant archaeologists, historians, both Jew and Gentile, have helped me see a realistic alternative view of these events.  Abraham and Sarah are Chaldean.  They are NOT Hebrews!  So, are there aspects of the ancient Chaldean culture of ancient Babylon that contribute to our understanding of Sarah kicking out Hagar and Ismael?  Yes.  Wait till you see. 

So, come and join me and see the results of the "hobby" (the works He has given me as per Eph. 2:8-10) the Lord has given this old guy.  It is a hobby based upon John 8:31-32.  My life is now dedicated to studying and integrating God’s word totally so that it becomes my foundation for life so that I will know the truth, the truth that sets me and you free.

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background