In the Beginning: Reading Through GenesisSample

The Plan of God Unfolds

Read: Genesis 12–16

Here we have a very important turning point. Out of sinful humanity, God chooses Abraham to begin to build a special people. Abraham is called to leave the comforts of home and move out into an unknown future as God leads him.

Although Abraham is a man of faith, he too falls short. To protect himself he commanded his wife to tell a half-truth, lest the Egyptians slay him to obtain her. A characteristic of the Bible is that it is so honest in portraying its heroes; it pictures them “warts and all.”

God’s blessing on Abraham produces great material wealth. But this in turn, as is so often the case, leads to interpersonal conflict. In that conflict with Lot, Abraham who was the senior and therefore had greater authority, graciously lets Lot choose what he wants. Tragically, Lot gradually moves his tent in the direction of wicked Sodom. In time Abraham is compelled to take drastic action to rescue his nephew from the consequences of moving into Sodom.

God promised Abraham that he will have a multitude of descendants. But he remains childless. Instead of trusting God completely, Abraham resorts to questionable means to produce an heir, which in turn produces tragic consequences within the family.

Prayer: Father, convince us so thoroughly that decisions made contrary to your will bring sad results, that we may always seek to do what you say. In Jesus’ name. Amen.