Day 87: God's Covenant with Abraham and the Birth of Ishmael

Welcome to Day 87 of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. In this episode, we delve into the story of Abram (later Abraham) and the profound moments of his life as recorded in the Bible. The Lord speaks to Abram, assuring him of protection and great rewards. Despite his lack of a son, God promises Abram that he will have numerous descendants. A covenant is established between God and Abram, symbolized through a sacrificial ritual. We witness the birth of Ishmael, Abram's son with Hagar, Sarah's servant, and God's reminders of His promises. Abram's name is changed to Abraham, meaning 'father of many nations,' as God's covenant is reaffirmed. Details of circumcision as a sign of this eternal covenant are outlined, and we see the hospitality Abraham shows to visitors who prophesy the birth of his son Isaac with Sarah. The episode closes with a reaffirmation of faith and God's miraculous promise. Join us as we explore these pivotal biblical narratives and the foundation of God's eternal covenant with Abraham and his descendants.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 God's Promise to Abram
01:18 The Covenant Ritual
03:00 Hagar and Ishmael
05:41 The Covenant of Circumcision
09:46 The Three Visitors
10:58 Sarah's Laughter and Promise
11:54 Conclusion

Welcome to Immerse: Beginnings! Buy a copy of Immerse Beginnings at Tyndale.com

• And for the full 16 week plan, visit https://www.immersebible.com/beginnings-16-week/

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”