Genesis 12:1-9
Thursday, 17 March 2022
“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” -Genesis 12:4
Revealing the Past
The first five books in the Bible were written during the time of Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. Moses was used by God to pen down these wonderful books, which contains the very basic foundations of human history in every area of life. The primary purpose of this revelation was to give an understanding to Israelites about their own roots and their origin. After 430 years in Egypt, much has been lost and hence their true identity was also lost. Being under slavery for that long, their perception of themselves needed a makeover. God had a wonderful plan for them— in order to make them realize this He chose to reveal to them their past and their rich heritages as a people who has great promises from God, which would be fulfilled in their life time by the mercy of God. We also need to know our real roots so that we can flourish and become fruitful accordingly. Our true root lies in Christ and we have wonderful promises in Him as a chosen generation. 2Peter 1:4: ” …by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
Instant obedience
God called Abraham and separated and blessed Him according to God’s plan and purpose. The only thing God expected from Abraham was his total commitment and obedience. In our key verse we see how, Abram obeyed instantaneously. This produced wonderful results for Abram and family as well as the succeeding generations. God's blessings are followed by our faithful obedience to His revealed will in our life. His blessings are kept in store in our way of obedience. Disobedience always brings in curse and misery of being cast away from God.
Obedience brings separation
God called Abram from Haran, an idolatrous background. But Abraham’s obedience to God's call brought in separation from all that was defiling his relation with God. In other words, he was called and separated into the land where there was nothing to hold on except God. Hebrews 11:8 [NLT] says: “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.” All that he could hold on was removed and was only dependent upon God for His protection and sustenance. This needs a real work of faith. Only by faith we can make this move. This kind of faith in God and His promises brings in the blessings down into our lives.
Unconditional obedience
No condition attached to his obedience. Abraham obeyed God without any question or condition. Neither was he confused about it; he just obeyed. We see this trait all through his life and walk with God. In chapter 15, Abram obeyed God when he was asked to enter into a covenant with God. In chapter 17, he obeyed God regarding circumcision. In 21st chapter he sends out Ishmael according to God's directions. In 22nd chapter he obeyed God in laying down his own son Isaac as a sacrifice before God.
All these incidents were recorded in detail for Israelites to understand and follow God in obedience without any condition— so that God can bless them make them fruitful. Even today, the life of Abraham talks to us to have an unconditional obedience to God's call and purpose in our life.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to lead a life of faith walking in complete obedience to Your revealed will. In Jesus name. Amen.
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