DAY 4
Part of today's reading is God's covenant with Abram. God had promised Abram that all nations would be blessed through him (I'm not giving anything way, am I?). At one point, Abram speaks out to God that what he really wants is children.We've already read that Abram's wife, Sarai, was barren. So, the impossibility of having a true heir seemed to be of more importance to Abram than just mere land.
That got me thinking about our children. Abram wanted children, in part, to pass on his name and faith. We want our children to carry our faith, too, right?
If you're participating in the Bible Project, let the kids in your life know. A great thing would be to watch the videos with them--I told you there were very well done! Let them know about some of the stories you're reading. Remember: faith is more caught than it is taught. Let them catch you reading and praying.
Genesis 12 stands as a shift in the story of God's people. Here's a video to help illustrate that shift.
Now, let's get reading.
DAILY READING
Genesis 12-15 & Psalm 4DAILY NOTES
Genesis 12:1-3- This is the call of Abram. Notice what God asks Abram to leave behind. The command comes with a promise to Abram, but it still required much of Abram. How much are we willing to "give up" in order to be faithful to where God is leading us as people? As families? As a church?
- Remember Noah, for example. We read why God chose him to build the ark. But here we have no indication why Abram was selected for such a great plan of God. From the text, the only thing we know about him is that he was a descendant of Terah (Genesis 11:27) and his wife, Sarai, was barren (Genesis 11:30).
- This passage is often used to support modern Middle Eastern politics.
Genesis 12:4
- And just like Noah, Abram simply obeyed what God told him to do. We have no indication of any questions, concerns or push back Abram might have had. He simply listened. Oh, and I love that he was 75 years old. There's not time like the present, no matter how old/young you are, to be obedient to God.
Genesis 12:15-20
- An account of how Abram accumulated his wealth. Remember, God has blessed Abram, and a covenant has been made. No one can take that away, not even Pharoah. You can expect God to protect Abram against the threat of the promise not coming into fruition. So, Abram is worried he will be killed because of his wife's beauty (That's always my fear, too, Gloria!). But a faithful reader will trust that will not happen.
- Of course, you can read into this passage a bit of foreshadowing. Famine, Egypt, Pharaoh, God's people in trouble. The book of Exodus will describe another generation's deliverance from Pharaoh. One time I was reading that story and thought how it was a story of the underdog pulling through. Then I realized that's not the Exodus story--that was the Captain America movie I had seen. Neither the Exodus story or this passage is about the underdog. It's about God. If anything, Pharaoh is the underdog. God's people read the story and know there is no way for any king to over rule God's plan or power.
- How did Pharaoh learn she was Abram's wife?
Genesis 13:1-7
- Most likely you read that Abram was rich with.... Reread verse 2 this way: Abram was burdened with... What difference does that make? The literal translation is that Abram was heavy with these items. Heavy burdens? Look at what the excess causes between Abram and Lot. In theological terms: Mo Money, Mo Problems.
- This is the second time Abram has "journeyed on by stages." That seems to me a sermon waiting to be written. Or something for you to reflect upon. Think about how you have journey by or through stages of life.
Genesis 13:8-13
- Verse 8 may give us an idea of Abram's character since he gave the decision of where each would go. "For we are kindred" If for no other reason, let's settle this because we are family.
- I don't have a biblical map in front of me. Did Lot go right or left?
- There is a sense, especially since we know what happens in Chapter 14, that no matter which direction Lot chooses, Abram is committed to keeping him close.
- There it is again. Even with the seemingly arbitrary way their lands were chose, God still is able to fulfill his promise.
- Verse 13 is the first time anyone is identified as a Hebrew. The root of the word means to cross over or pass through. In Exodus, the Hebrews passed through the sea. Abram passed through when he was first called (Genesis 12:6).
Genesis 14:1-12
- Notice how it takes 12 verses to describe how this war unfolded. Lot get's caught up in this kings' game. Then notice how quickly, in verses 13-16, Abram is able to rescue Lot.
Genesis 14:18
- Learning about King Melchizedek might be some fun homework for you.
Genesis 14:20
- We assume Abram gave the tithe to Melchizedek. The text reads: And he gave him tithes of all. That's not very specific.
Genesis 14:22
- Abram recognizes that everything he has comes from God. His oath to God prevents him from receiving anything for himself from anyone so that no one will be able to say they added to his wealth. Stewardship sermon!
Genesis 15
- I love this entire chapter! Some of you have heard me recount this scene at an Ash Wednesday service (or two). It's a powerful experience.
- It is full of concrete images.
- Chances are your Bible version, in verse 4, probably says that Abram's son will come from him, his flesh and blood. The NRSV says, "no one but your very own issue..(italics added)." The good ol' KJV may offer the truest, albeit strangest, sense of what God says: "...shall come forth out of thine own bowels..."
- Verse 13 is a clear prelude to the Exodus experience.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
I alluded to the concept of journey. Often, it feels like that has turned cliché, but it is an important life application. God's presence goes with us in our journeys. We learn and grow along the way. Maybe we could better appreciate the stages and seasons of life if we could see them as a part of our longer journey with God. The Japanese poet, Matsuo Bashō, wrote: Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.
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