Bible Chapter: Genesis 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    God called and Abram answered.  He did what God directed him to do.  He didn’t know where they were headed and he didn’t know the details of what was ahead.  He only knew that God had spoken to him, so he obeyed.  While he was not perfect (we see that in this chapter), Abram was obedient and did what God directed him to do.  God places a high value on obedience.  They traveled many, many miles to a new land.  Then, when they got there, they ran into a famine and had to keep moving ahead for food.
    Abram went to Egypt.  He did a foolish thing and it almost cost him everything.  He lied about his wife, claiming that she was his sister.  When Pharaoh saw her he took her as one of his wives.  God judged Pharaoh for this.  I see this as one of the ways that God wants us to recognize the sacredness of marriage and the marriage covenant.  The marriage relationship is the most unique and special human relationship.  It is to the honored.  When Pharaoh realized what was happening, he sent Sarai back to Abram.  He then sent them out of the land.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The blessings of obedience.  Obedience can be hard.  It can lead to challenging situations.  Abram and his entourage ran into famine.  They had a long and challenging journey.  Yet, because of his faithfulness and obedience, the promises in verses 2-3 came true.
2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (NKJV)
    I also need to trust God that things will work out.  I don’t need to “help God” as Abram did by lying about his wife.  His sinful deception only hurt things.  It had to hurt his relationship with Sarai and be a bad example to his family and servants.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people see the benefits and blessings of obeying God.  There is something in our nature that makes us think we always have the best way, even when it leads to failure.  Making Jesus Lord of our lives (that means giving Him control) is always the best we can do.