PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365

Episode: DAY 10 – Genesis 21 & 22 | Matthew 8:23-34 | Psalm 9:1-6

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Erika Kirk
Pastoral Advisor: James Kaddis

Overview

This episode of PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365 continues the journey through the Bible in a year, focusing on the birth and near sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 21 & 22), Jesus’ calming of the storm and casting out of demons (Matthew 8:23-34), and a psalm of thanksgiving (Psalm 9:1-6). The episode underscores God’s faithfulness to His promises, the assurance found in trusting Him through trials, and the might and mercy displayed in both Old and New Testament readings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis 21: The Birth of Isaac and Protection of Hagar & Ishmael

• God’s Promise Fulfilled:
  • The long-awaited birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah at age 100 marks the fulfillment of God's promise.
    • Quote: “The Lord visited Sarah as he had said. And the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.” (00:05)
• Sarah’s Joy:
  • Sarah, overwhelmed with gratitude, highlights the joy and surprise at God’s blessing.
    • Quote: “God has made laughter for me. Everyone who hears will laugh over me…Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?” (00:13)
• Conflict and Resolution:
  • Sarah’s discomfort with Hagar and Ishmael leads to their dismissal, but God reassures Abraham of His plan for both sons.
    • Quote: “For through Isaac shall your offspring be named. And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” (00:35)
• Divine Provision:
  • Hagar and Ishmael, wandering in distress, are met by God’s mercy as He provides water and a promise for Ishmael’s future.
    • Quote (Angel of God): “Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy… for I will make him into a great nation.” (00:53)
• Covenant at Beersheba:
  • Abraham and Abimelech establish a treaty, symbolized by the exchange of lambs and the naming of Beersheba, underscoring themes of peace and God’s presence.
    • Quote (Abraham): “…this may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” (01:26)

2. Genesis 22: The Sacrifice of Isaac

• God Tests Abraham:
  • The profound request for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac tests the depth of his faith and obedience.
    • Quote (God): “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering…” (01:46)
• Faith and Assurance:
  • Abraham sets out in submission, culminating in the moment where he assures Isaac,
    • Quote (Abraham to Isaac): “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” (02:10)
• Divine Intervention:
  • At the moment of sacrifice, the angel’s voice halts Abraham, affirming his faith and God’s provision of a ram in Isaac’s place.
    • Quote (Angel of the Lord): “Do not lay your hand on the boy… for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” (02:17)
• Blessing Promised:
  • God reaffirms His covenant, blessing Abraham’s descendants and promising global blessing through his offspring.
    • Quote (God): “…because you have done this… I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven… and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed…” (02:38)

3. Matthew 8:23-34: Jesus’ Authority Over Nature and Evil

• Calming the Storm:
  • Jesus’ disciples panic as a storm swamps their boat; Jesus rebukes both their fear and the storm itself. The miracle astonishes everyone.
    • Quote (Jesus): “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (03:12)
    • Quote (Narrator): “He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (03:18)
    • Quote (Disciples): “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (03:19)
• Deliverance of the Demon-Possessed:
  • In the land of the Gadarenes, Jesus confronts two men possessed by demons; the demons recognize Him and plead for mercy.
    • Quote (Demons): “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (03:31)
    • Jesus permits the demons to enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea. The townspeople, witnessing the event, beg Jesus to leave.
      • Quote (Narrator): “…they begged him to leave their region.” (03:47)

4. Psalm 9:1-6: Thanksgiving and Assurance of God’s Justice

• Wholehearted Praise:
  • The psalmist expresses complete gratitude for God’s wondrous deeds and justice.
    • Quote: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (04:00)
• God’s Judgment:
  • God’s righteousness results in the downfall of enemies and establishment of true justice.
    • Quote: “For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment.” (04:13)
    • Quote: “The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins… the very memory of them has perished.” (04:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “God has made laughter for me. Everyone who hears will laugh over me.” (Sarah, 00:13)
• “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love… offer him there as a burnt offering…” (God, 01:46)
• “God will provide for himself the lamb…” (Abraham, 02:10)
• “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Jesus, 03:12)
• “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Disciples, 03:19)
• “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart…” (Psalmist, 04:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 — Genesis 21: Birth of Isaac; Abraham’s family conflict; Treaty with Abimelech
• 01:46 — Genesis 22: The Sacrifice and Near-Death of Isaac
• 03:02 — Matthew 8:23-34: Jesus Calms the Storm, Heals the Demon-Possessed Men
• 04:00 — Psalm 9:1-6: Declaration of Praise and Thanksgiving

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode’s tone is reverent, awe-struck, and hopeful, mirroring the sense of wonder at God’s faithfulness woven throughout the daily Scripture readings. The readings are delivered in a clear, gentle, and contemplative manner—inviting reflection and deep trust in God’s providence, justice, and sovereign might.

Summary:
Day 10 of BIBLEin365 brings listeners through one of the most pivotal demonstrations of trust in God (Abraham and Isaac), Jesus’ direct confrontation with chaos and evil, and an invitation to echo the Psalmist’s praise. Each passage underscores that God hears, provides, delivers, and is worthy of wholehearted trust and thanks.