Genesis 16 and 17 tell the story of the Abraham’s struggle with faith as the promise of an heir is delayed. In weakness of faith Abram and Sarai take matters into their own hands rather than wait upon God for what appears to be an unlikely promise, considering their age. Abram accomplishes his goal of having an heir by his concubine but this is not acceptable to God. Consequently, rather than obtaining a legitimate heir, Abraham’s faithless act results in the birth of a nation that would perpetually afflict the chosen descendants. Continue reading “Genesis 16-17 in the Gospel Story and in the City”