Genesis⁵ 16-25

In this week's reading we go through Genesis 16–25. This section becomes very interesting once we stop reading only to “get a revelation” and instead ask, “What is actually happening here?” These chapters start with the birth of Ishmael and end with Esau giving away his whole birthright for a bowl of soup. Yes—soup. Not pilau, not nyama choma… just supu ya ndengu. In between these events, the story is full of real people, real mistakes, and a very real God whose character is continually revealed.

It all begins with a tough situation. Sarai cannot have a child, so she gives her servant Hagar to Abraham. Today, this whole arrangement would be the plot of a very dramatic TV show. Ishmael is born, and God BLESSES him. But even with all the drama, jealousy, and complaints, we see something important: Abrams mistake did not interfere with God’s plans. Even when he took a shortcut, God still stuck to His plan.

As the story continues, Abram now has two key women in his home, and instead of peace, there is tension. Soon after, God introduces circumcision as a sign of their discussion and agreement. Imagine Abraham trying to explain to all the men in his household what circumcision involves? I laugh sometimes as I read. Who was entrusted with the role of circumcising all the WILLING adults?

Then something amazing happens: God shows up again on earth. Three visitors come to Abraham, and he serves them lunch. One of the visitors is actually God Himself. He talks with Abraham and reminds him that the promise of a son still stands. This is where God asks the famous question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Sarah hears this and laughs, because she is old, tired, and about to be told she will have a baby. This same message is repeated in the New Testament when Mary asks how she will give birth to a child having not been with a man —God brings life where life seems impossible, whether it is Isaac, Jesus, or any person being born again.

After this, Abraham begins interceding for Sodom. He asks God, “What if there are 50 righteous? 45? 40? 30? 20? 10?” Sadly, Sodom is dark and sinful—much worse than some people think—and God judges the city. Lot is rescued, but his family situation becomes messy, and the Bible tells the truth even when the truth is uncomfortable.

Then Isaac, the promised child, is finally born. God proves that He keeps His word even when the situation looks impossible. Sarah laughed before he was born, but she probably laughed even more after he arrived—this time with joy. Isaac grows, and later Abraham’s servant sets out to find him a wife. He prays, God guides him, and Rebekah appears at exactly the right time. If God can guide a servant to find the right wife for Isaac, He can guide us into the right relationships, friendships, and future.

The whole section ends with Esau coming home hungry, smelling stew in the air. Jacob is cooking. Esau demands food. Jacob demands the birthright. Esau says, “Fine, I’m starving,” and just like that, he trades something priceless for a bowl of soup. Not the best deal he ever made.

These chapters remind us that God’s plan is stronger than our mistakes, that God sees people who feel forgotten—just like He saw Hagar—and that nothing is too hard for Him. They remind us that our choices matter; small decisions can bring great blessings or great losses. They also show that God can guide our steps, just like He guided Abraham’s servant. And finally, they teach us to read the Bible with open eyes. These are real stories about real people with real struggles—and a real God who keeps His promises through it all.

Prosperous week to us all.