Day 16: Genesis 12-15
We are returning to Genesis today, and we’re picking up where we left off in the story of Abram. He was born through the bloodline of Adam, Noah, and Shem. God continues His special relationship with this chosen, godly (though not perfect) family through Abram.
God tells Abram that he will be blessed to be a blessing to others. This blessing would be ongoing and lead to Jesus, the Messiah, being born through that family lineage. So, this family was blessed, and so are all the families of the earth, praise God!
God promises the land of Canaan to Abram, but this promised land is currently inhabited by the enemies of God, called the Canaanites. Remember, they were the cursed descendants of Ham. Abram, Sarai, their nephew Lot, and all their servants and possessions move to Egypt because there is a famine.
Abram is afraid that the Egyptian Pharaoh will kill him and steal his wife, so he tells Sarai to pretend that she is his sister. This is true; she is his half-sister, it’s just not the whole truth. Pharaoh does steal Sarai and adds her to his harem. Scripture notes that she is very beautiful, even at 65 years old. But God is not happy with what's happening, so He sends plagues so that Pharaoh will release Sarai. This is evidence that God is sovereign even when we mess up. God did not allow Abram and Sarai to interfere with His ultimate plan to use their bloodline.
I also want to note that Abram vacillates between walking by faith and making decisions out of fear. An indicator that we are human, and there may be times when we do the same thing. However, Scripture makes it clear that Abram’s faith was counted as righteousness. Let’s commit to walking by faith.
Abram and his family leave Egypt and head to the desert region of the Negev. God has abundantly blessed them so they have numerous animals and not enough grass. This is where Abram and his nephew Lot chose to go their separate ways. Lot chooses a beautiful and fruitful land close to all the wicked people near the Dead Sea.
Lot was kidnapped during a war that broke out, and Abram, with his 318 warriors, chased them down to get Lot and his people back.
This is also where we are introduced to King Melchizedek of Salem. He is a model or picture of Jesus. His name translates as: King of Righteousness. His kingdom is a kingdom of peace (Salem). He is a king and a priest who brings out bread and wine. He has no genealogical record listed. Doesn’t all this make you think of King Jesus?
God makes a promise to Abram and tells him that he will have a son! Abram has faith and believes in God. His faith counts as righteousness. This reminds me of how important it is that we trust and believe God’s Word. It is literally impossible to please God without faith.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
God and Abram enter into a covenant in which God shows up and passes between the animals that Abram cut up. This is God’s way of saying that He takes the curse of the covenant to be cut off. God would be cut off if he didn't fulfill his part of the covenant, and He agreed to being cut off if Abram didn't fulfill his part of the covenant. It cost God to make that promise. He committed to His covenant of blessing Abram even if it meant God had to die, and He did, through Christ. Wow! That speaks volumes about God! Talk about integrity!
This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).
Resources Used:
Tara-Leigh Cobble from the Bible Recap, suggests these videos if you'd like to dig a little deeper in today's topic:
God's Covenant with Abraham | Genesis 15
ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda
The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible
Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/
Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count
BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count
Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks
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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.
By: LaRissa J
toddlermomdiaries.com