January 4

January 4

Genesis 12–15

Scripture Text: Genesis 12:1–15:21

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Go to January 5

Imagine being 75 years old and moving to a new country to start over. That was the call of Abram. Hard as it might have been to do, Abram took his wife Sarai, and his nephew Lot, and they set out for the land of Canaan. As he traveled, there was a famine that caused him to find refuge in Egypt where there might be food. Note here, that though Abram was called of God, he was a sinner who did not fully trust the Lord. What was the scheme he concocted and has his wife go along with, and how might he have trusted God instead? 

Sin further divided the family, as their people fought over land rights. There may even have been some coveting of richer lands. If so, what commandment was broken, even though the Ten Commandments had yet to be given?

Also notice that though Lot had chosen the richer land, God's promise remains upon Abram. Was the Lord's ability to follow through based on the richness of the land? 

Because Lot was living in desirable land, he was captured by invading kings. Abram went with only 318 men and defeated those kings, returning Lot, along with his people and possessions, safely to his land. On the way back, Abram was greeted by Melchizedek, which means "the king of righteousness.” He blesses Abram and serves him a meal that may remind you of a meal you receive from God's hand. In Genesis 14:20 you find who it was who enabled Abram and his 318 men to conquer the kings.

In chapter 15, God covenant with Abram. Because Abram believed God's promise, it was "credited it to him as righteousness." Luther wrote, “Righteousness is nothing else than believing God when He makes a promise.” If that is so, how have you been made righteous?

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