Theme of the Week: Genesis
Bible Verse: “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1
Scripture Reading: Genesis 12:1-20
From the scattering at Babel, the text slows down to a crawl. The story, for all its incredible detail and fascinating twists and turns, has been moving at breakneck speed through history. With a slight slowdown for the story of Noah, we have galloped through generations with little more than a blurry name passing by.
But at the end of Genesis 11, something happens in the story. We are introduced to a new name, but we are given more detail about that name than the ones who came before. The story is changing. As a reader, we wonder what’s happening. What’s the significance of the change? Will this bring us back to the promise of the serpent killer?
Like Noah, God talks to Abram with specific instructions. Rare, but not new to the story. What is new is what God says to Abram. Noah was given a message of salvation for himself and his family. Abram was given a family message too, but also a message that again like Noah’s message, has implications for a broader audience. As readers, we need to pick up on these similarities between what God says in these two messages.
What God says to Abram about what He is going to do for Abram’s family makes us wonder again about the serpent killer. God is doing something special in and through Abram’s family. Something that will affect the whole world. But it’s a big ask of Abram. Adam had only to avoid eating a certain thing. Abram must leave everything he knows. Will he do it? Fortunately, we are not left to wonder for long. Abram leaves as God asks, and the story embarks on a new turn. God has found a human who is willing to follow! It is an exciting time in the story. God and humans both seem to be doing something different. To the people that God scattered at Babel, he has promised, through Abram, to bring great blessing.
To be continued.
Prayer: God, there is so much that I take for granted. Forgive me for not seeing you in the story and for just reading what it is I think is there. Thank you that you do new things. Thank you that you make new chances.
Reflection: Have you ever felt God call you into something new? A new place or a new habit? How do you respond?
Copyright © 2023 Impactus | Promise Keepers Canada. All rights reserved.
About
