Monday 2 November 2026

Psalm 13

Background
The Methodist Church recently launched a new discipleship course, ‘On The Way,’ to help people explore the Christian faith. This year at 3Generate, which is the Methodist Church in Britain's annual youth assembly held in October, 1800 young people were introduced to the idea of journeying as a way of understanding the Christian faith and our relationship with God. This metaphor has its roots in both the Old and New Testament of the Bible.

Our Bible readings for the rest of the week are taken from Genesis, the first book of the Bible. In Hebrew, the name of this book means ‘in the beginning'. Genesis contains many stories about the origins of creation and God’s relationship with the world.

In the creation account at the beginning of Genesis, God called the world into being. Here God makes a second call as we are introduced to the story of Abram, later known as Abraham. Abram is called to set out on a journey, leaving his country for the land God will show him. Although Abram’s name means ‘exalted father’ or ‘ancestor’ he is 75 years old and has no children.

Alongside this theme of calling, the theme of blessing and of promise runs throughout the story of Abram. Here God tells him that he will become a great nation, be blessed and become a blessing. Indeed, God promises that "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (v. 3). God promises land to a landless people and an heir to a couple who are barren (Genesis 11:30). Canaan is an ancient name for the land that today includes Israel and Palestine. This theme of the promised land remains very important to many people of the Jewish faith today.

For Abram and Sarai, leaving their country and people in response to God’s call takes great courage. Walter Brueggemann, a renowned Old Testament scholar, comments in his commentary on Genesis: "to stay in safety is to remain barren; to leave in risk is to have hope." (Interpretation Commentary, p. 118).

The themes of call and promise continue throughout Genesis, alongside an emphasis on faith.

To Ponder:

• In what ways do you think faith as a journey is a helpful metaphor? Have you experienced this in your life?
• Abram was blessed, that he would be a blessing to others. Are there people in your life who God has used to bless you? How can you be a blessing to others too?

Prayer
Lord, I thank you that you called Abram and Sarai to follow you and that you continue to call people to follow you today. Thank you for the people who have blessed me and taught me something about your love and guidance. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Kate Cambridge
Kate is a presbyter in the Winchester, Eastleigh and Romsey Circuit. In her free time she enjoys doing laundry (!), spending time with her family and wrestling ball point pens off her miniature poodle.