DAY 023: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – GENESIS 12-15

January 22, 2024

GENESIS 12-15
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DAY 023: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

As we continue our study of the Old Testament book of Genesis, we are studying the life of a Biblical legend of the Old Testament, Abram, who is described as a man of faith. He is further described as his belief in God’s promises counted as righteousness. Too often people think of the Old Testament as a book of rules through which you earn salvation. This is not true. Abram was called to be the father of a great nation. The great nation he fathered: Israel!

Before reading Genesis 12-15, pray for understanding of today’s reading. Read Genesis 12-15. Let’s journey!

Genesis, the first book of the Jewish Torah and of the Christian Old Testament, was written by Moses as revealed to him by God. As God reveals the beginning to Moses, we are able to understand that God is continually giving second chances; another chance to better ourselves and the world in which we live.

Genesis 12-15: The Lord tells Abram, at the age of 75, to leave his home in Harran leaving all behind that he knew. Abram did not question the Lord. He put together the things he was taking with him and set out for a strange land. He didn’t question God’s direction. He got his things together and left. He believed in God’s promise. Due to a famine, Abram is forced to detour to Egypt where they have food. Nothing indicates that Abram doubted God’s promise while in Egypt. Abram and Lot’s, (Abram’s nephew who was traveling with him) herdsmen could not get along and the two groups separated, with Abram giving Lot the choice of land. Abram accepted what Lot had not selected. Lot picked what appeared to be the best land near the City of Sodom. In the Bible, things are not always as they seem. It is important to understand what cannot be seen with mere human eyes. Abram and Lot settled their respective lands and lived as neighbors in peace. Lot, his family, servants, and all of his possessions are taken captive by the three kings who waged war against Sodom. Abram rescues Lot, his family, servants, and all of Lot’s possessions. Lot returns to Sodom. God makes a covenant with Abram to give to Abram’s descendants the land described in verses 18 and 19 and 20. In the eyes of man, this was a problem because Abram’s wife Sarai, was past childbearing years. Regardless of what appeared impossible: Abram believed God. (Genesis 12:1-15:21)

Read chapters 12 through 15, and ask yourself these questions: Are you obedient in your belief? How do you show it? How can you see God’s forgiveness, and willingness to give second chances? Why does God continue to forgive?

Godspeace!