Genesis 12:1–24:67
Exclusive Election
and Inclusive PurposeRead Dr. Spina’s commentary at www.spu.edu/lectio
Summary
Thirteen chapters on one of the most high-profile
characters in the entire Bible…that’s a lot to take in within the span of seven
days! Be sure to pace yourself – set aside
daily reading time to make regular progress through the text.
Walking with God
One of the greatest scenes of walking with God is the
call of Abram in Genesis 12. The Lord speaks
to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the
land I will show you.” The Lord promises
to bless Abram and make his ancestors into a great nation, so that all peoples
on earth will be blessed through him. Abram
responds in faith, and starts walking with God in the direction God points out. One two occasions, at Shechem and Bethel,
Abram built an altar to the Lord and called on his name – Abram continued conversing
with the God who spoke to him.
In Chapter 15 God establishes his special covenant with
Abram. In chapter 17 the covenant
deepens, and Abram and Sarai become Abraham and Sarah. And for the most part, Abraham continues to
walk with God, passing some very significant tests of faith along the way.
Stumbling – the Tragic Flaw (Hamartia)
A Self-preservation instinct that puts loved ones at risk
On two different occasions Abraham faces a powerful
adversary and acts as if Sarah is not his wife but his sister in order to save
his own skin. In each situation, God
takes care of things, but not before Sarah is made vulnerable and Abraham looks
like a coward.
Genesis 12:10-20. Heading to Egypt because of a famine, Abram is
worried that the Pharaoh would be attracted to his wife Sarai and kill him in
order to have her. Abram’s bright idea
is for Sarai to pass herself off as Abram’s sister. God takes the initiative and lets Pharaoh
know that something isn’t right.
Genesis 20:1-13. When Abraham and Sarah were in Gerar he did the
same thing, saying of his wife “She is my sister.” Abimelek, king of Gerar, “sent for Sarah and
took her.” God speaks to Abimelek in a
dream and says, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken;
she is a married woman.” Abimelek resolves the situation and asks
Abraham why he did this. Abraham
replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and
they will kill me because of my wife.’ Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter
of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. And when God had me wander from my father’s
household, I said to her, ‘This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere
we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
Personal Identification Questions
- Where might this tragic flaw show up in your story?
- Have you ever allowed someone else to take the heat while protecting yourself? Why do you think you did this? What were you afraid of? What ended up happening?
- Have you ever risked your own safety or reputation to protect another person? What was the situation, and what was the result of your action? What do you think contributed to your courageousness?
Restored…God continues to walk with us
Abraham’s stumbling doesn’t keep God from moving the two
of them forward along the path of his plan.
In both instances, God is the one who cleans up the mess Abraham
makes. God remains in covenant
relationship with Abraham even when he doesn’t deserve it…one of the great
narratives of grace in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Prayer of Confession
LORD, why do I sometimes think primarily about preserving
myself while allowing others to take the heat? I’m sorry…- For staying quiet when I should speak up in defense of someone or to challenge injustice
- For seeking to ensure my comfort at the expense of others
- For taking for granted my relationships with family & friends who depend on me
Encouragement
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will
be with you wherever you go.”
John 15:12-14 (Jesus speaking) My command is this: Love
each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down
one’s life for one’s friends. You are my
friends if you do what I command.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one
another above yourselves.
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