So far this year, God has shown us many of his abundant and perfect attributes. We have seen Him offer a plan of redemption for Job's friends. Here the redemptive story, the love story between God and His chosen people, continues with Abram. The caption tells of Abram's wife Sari being a half sister. Remember God had not yet provided God's law thru Leviticus and Deuteronomy, so Abram was not breaking a law by marrying a very close relative.
Here we can see that FAITH is needed. In Gen 12:1-3, the account begins: The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave you country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you...all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
In verse 4, we see a RESPONSE, an ACTION. So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Again, like Job, we can just imagine where the account would go if there was no response. If Job had not prayed for his friends, if Abram did not leave, not much would happen.
Abram left his home located southeast of present day Bagdad, traveled to Haran located in present day northern Iraq before traveling south to Cannan present day Israel.
You notice Abram traveled as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. In the Mideast, national boundaries were set by impermanent landmarks. Hence; disputes over soverign territory could readily develop. At this tree, God promises to Abram's offspring the land. Remember Abram is claimed by we Christians, the Hebrews, and Muslums. It behooves us to pay attention to this man of faith, prayer and action, Abram.
In Faith, what does he do 4 times? When he arrives somewhere...he builds an altar..he calls upon the name of the Lord. In his life there is a clear and visible demonstration of his faith and belief in God.
Abram moves to Egypt due to a famine in the land. The text does not state that an altar was built. In Egypt, out of fear, Abram tells Pharaoh a half truth...a lie...that Sari is his sister (not half sister and not wife). look at the strife this lie caused. The lie causes him and his men to be exiled.
Abram in faith separates from his nephew, Lot, giving Lot the choice of land and Abram would take the rest. Later Abram rescues Lot. We then learn that Abram is a Hebrew.
Abram moves to (Jeru) Salem and we read of Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, who blesses Abram. Melchizedek is a name to remember, for he points to Jesus and we as Christians are called to be a royal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, Psalm 110 and Hebrews 5-7.
Here we learn of the gift of a tenth.
God renewed His covenant with Abram.
Thoughts:
How can I thru the Spirit ask for stronger faith to hear God's call and act? Often when God calls,it is a call out of our comfort zone as it was for Abram.
Do others see a clear and visible demonstration in our lives of our faith in our Lord? Abram built altars and called on the name of the Lord. What do we do?
Do we realize that nothing good comes out of lies and half truths? Look at Abram in Egypt...no altar...half truth...led to exile. Do lies and half truths lead us into exile w/r/t God? Remember Jesus died for our sins and we need to on a moment by moment basis remember, accept and claim that truth.
Do we realize that we are ambassadors for Christ and in that role, we have a high calling? A priesthood?
Ask for forgiveness and renewal and restoration as only Jesus can through his work on the cross. provide.
Do we give proportionately according to the Spirits call? Do we joyfully give firstfruits like Abel, or do we give "some" as Cain?
What are some attributes of God you see?
Pray for our daily bread.
In Christ
David P
No comments:
Post a Comment