Who really named God?

In this Wednesday night Bible study from First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Cushing, Oklahoma, we walk slowly into Genesis 16:1–16, the story of Hagar, Sarai, Abram, the wilderness road to Shur, and the well that came to be called Beer Lahai Roi: The Well of the Living One Who Sees Me.

Most of us have heard Genesis 16 as a chapter in Abraham’s story. Sarai cannot bear children. Abram listens to Sarai. Hagar is given to Abram. A child is conceived. The household fractures. Hagar runs. And then, eventually, the “main story” seems to get back on track with Isaac, the promised son.

But what if Genesis 16 is asking us to notice something else?

What if this is not merely a side chapter in Abraham’s story?

What if ...