Exploring Humility - Genesis 32:3, 6-12; 33:1-11 - April 27, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Exploring Humility – April 27, 2008

This is the last lesson in this series of study.

Our scripture is Genesis 32:3, 6-12; 33:1-11.

Being humble at the right moment is a powerful weapon. Being humble is not being a coward. JESUS said if a person strikes you on one cheek then turn the other cheek to that person. Of course, that may be like a story my father told me about a pastor who also worked in the cotton mill. During work a man struck him on one cheek and he turned the other cheek to that man. The man struck him on that cheek. The pastor then proceeded to give the man a licking. My father asked him about him being a pastor and JESUS’ statement about turning the other cheek. The pastor responded, “I did turn the other cheek but JESUS did not say what to do after you turned the other cheek, so I defended myself.”

Being humble is not rolling over and playing dead but it is putting aside your prejudice, hard feelings, selfish nature, ego and a number of characteristics that our flesh brings to our minds. Our flesh can cloud good judgment. Our flesh often gets in the way of trying to settle an issue. Our flesh wants to win and have victory. It is part of our inherent nature for survival. A wild animal needs to be tamed, if it lives in a tame environment, so does our nature.

Bad feelings can run very deep among friends and certainly family.

Let’s explore briefly some history so we can understand why fraternal twins, Jacob and Esau, had deep seated rivalry and conflict. It all begins in the womb. Even when their mother was carrying them they were very active in her womb. Esau was born first and was the elder brother. When Esau was born, Jacob followed grasping Esau’s heel. Esau was red and very hairy thus the name Esau or Edom. Jacob means grasping the heel or he deceives. Later GOD changed Jacob’s name to Israel which means struggles with GOD. Esau was the hunter and his daddy, Isaac, loved wild game and he loved Esau. Esau had been hunting and came back home starving for something to eat. Jacob was cooking some lentil stew and Esau desperately needed food. Jacob said he would give him food in exchange for his birthright. Since Esau was the oldest the blessings of Abraham would be passed to Esau. Jacob wanted the birthright. Esau agreed to exchange his birthright for the food. Esau’s rational was that he was about to die, or so he thought, so what good would his birthright do him if he was dead. Bottom line, Esau did not care about his birthright.

Time goes along and Isaac became blind and feeble. It came time for Isaac to pass along his blessings to the eldest son. (Genesis 27)

Rebekah overheard Isaac tell Esau to go hunting and prepare him a meal. Then Isaac would give him the blessing. Rebekah swung into action because she wanted Jacob to receive the blessing. She devised a plan to deceive Isaac into thinking that Jacob was Esau since Isaac was blind. Her plan worked and Jacob receives the blessing. Soon after Isaac received the blessing, Esau entered the presence of his father with his savory meal. Isaac realized that he had been deceived. Esau realized that Jacob had deceived their father and received the blessing. Esau was ticked and decided after their father died, he would kill Jacob. Rebekah knew Esau’s plan to kill Jacob, so she again swung into action. She built a case why Jacob should leave home and go to live with his uncle some 400 miles away. She told Isaac that she did not want Jacob to marry a Canaanite woman. She wanted him to go far away to her brother Laban who lived in Haran to choose a wife. Jacob left with Isaac’s blessing. When Esau found out what had happened, he tried to please his parents by marrying Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham. Jacob married his cousins Leah and Rachel who lived in Haran. Jacob fled from his father-in-law to return home after being gone for twenty (20) years.

Jacob was naturally nervous about returning home because he did not know if Esau still wanted to kill him. Let’s read our scripture.

There was a lot of history about Isaac, Jacob and Esau between Genesis Chapters 25 and 36.

Let’s read Genesis 32:1-8:
3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 He commanded them, “You are to say to my lord Esau, ‘This is what your servant Jacob says. I have been staying with Laban and have been delayed until now. 5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male and female slaves. I have sent [this message]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to inform my lord, in order to seek your favor.’ ” 6 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has 400 men with him.” 7 Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people with him into two camps, along with the flocks, cattle, and camels. 8 He thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the remaining one can escape.”[3]

Jacob was returning home. So he sent messengers ahead of him to check things out with his brother Esau. The message to Esau was that he went to their uncle Laban and he was returning with animals and slaves. This could have been a way of telling Esau that he was not returning to be a burden but that he was self supporting. Therefore, he was returning to mend their broken relationship. This was an expression of humility. It is difficult to take the first step in reconciliation and often the person taking the first step has to swallow his or her ego.

It seems by Esau’s response that he may have thought that Jacob was returning to bring him under his authority. I think that Esau was savvy enough to ask the right questions to determine the number of people in Jacob’s group. He gathers 400 men. Esau allows the messengers to get back to Jacob in enough time for Jacob to prepare or worry a lot.

Jacob was afraid when he heard that his brother was coming to meet him with 400 men. So Jacob divided his group into two (2) groups, hoping that at least one (1) group would survive, if his brother attacked them.

Where was Jacob’s faith in GOD? Likely it is like many of us. When we know we have done wrong how can we expect GOD to help us? I think Jacob had a guilty conscience and GOD knew he had to deal with what he had done. Jacob realized that he can ask GOD for help. He had exhausted all he could do.

Many of us do the same thing. When we exhaust our ability then we turn to GOD. When we have the right relationship with GOD, then HE is the first we turn to.

Let’s read Genesis 32:9-12:
9 Then Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown Your servant. Indeed, I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please rescue me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children. 12 You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your • offspring like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’ ”

Jacob was in a tough situation and he finally reached out and asked GOD for help. He realized he was not worthy of the blessings he had received and was repentant. He admitted that he was afraid of his brother. In essence this was an admission that he knew he did his brother wrong. He reminded GOD of HIS promises to him, therefore GOD could not let them be wiped out. So Jacob was bargaining with GOD.

Jacob did not realize that GOD wanted people, especially families, to reconcile their differences and be reunited in peace and harmony.

This moment was the beginning of Jacob humbling himself before GOD and his brother. But it took a frightening situation to bring him to that point of reconciliation with GOD and then his brother. GOD allows his children to come face to face with circumstances in their lives that need to be dwelt with. This matter had been festering for twenty (20) years. This was a moment when both Esau and Jacob could grow spiritually as they resolve their issues. Until we resolve issues between ourselves and our fellow man, who we can see, how can we approach GOD, WHO we have not seen, to worship HIM in spirit and truth?

Let’s read Genesis 33:1-3:
1 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two female slaves. 2 He put the female slaves first, Leah and her sons next, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3 He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until he approached his brother.
Jacob arranged his family such that the slaves would be the first ones to be attacked, then Leah and her family and last Rachel and her son. If you read the history you will see that Jacob loved Rachel and likely placed her and their son last so they would have a better chance to escape. But being the deceiver he was, he likely said to Leah since you are wife number one (1) you need to be in front of Rachel. But who knows for sure.

Jacob went out to meet his brother and bowed seven (7) times as he approaches Esau. This was an act of respect, honor and humility. It was a greeting as if he was approaching a king.

Let’s read Genesis 33:4-5, 9-11:
4 But Esau ran to meet him, hugged him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Then they wept. 5 When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” He answered, “The children God has graciously given your servant.” 6 Then the female slaves and their children approached [him]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. and bowed down. 7 Leah and her children also approached and bowed down, and then Joseph and Rachel approached and bowed down. 8 So Esau said, “What do you mean by this whole procession[1] Lit camp I met?” “To find favor with you, my lord,” he answered. 9 “I have enough, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what you have.” 10 But Jacob said, “No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, [and it is]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. like seeing God’s face, since you have accepted me. 11 Please take my present that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have everything I need.” So Jacob urged him until he accepted.

To Jacob’s surprise Esau ran to meet and greet him. Esau gave him a great big bear hug and what a relief it must have been for both of them. Jacob was not there to confront Esau. I think when Esau saw the situation he realized that Jacob was not there to show any type of force or authority. Both men wept with unspeakable joy. Often we weep when we realize the situation is under control and is not as bad as we thought it would be. It is a relief cry. Both men cried.

Esau looked up and saw the women and children and immediately wanted to know who they were. Jacob acknowledged that the children and all possessions are blessings from GOD. Each group approached Esau with respect bowing before him. This must have reminded Esau of the gifts Jacob had sent ahead. Let’s go back to

Genesis 32:13-18:
13 He spent the night there and took part of what he had brought with him as a gift for his brother Esau: 14 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 15 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. 16 He entrusted them to his slaves as separate herds and said to them, “Go on ahead of me, and leave some distance between the herds.” 17 And he told the first one: “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘Who do you belong to? Where are you going? And whose [animals]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. are these ahead of you?’ 18 then tell him, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau. And look, he is behind us.’ ”

Esau said he had enough but Jacob insisted that he keep the gifts.

Jacob referred to seeing Esau was like seeing the face of GOD. Could Jacob have meant that as he found forgiveness from GOD that he had found forgiveness from Esau? We are not sure but it was an overwhelming experience for Jacob and he saw the hand of GOD in the reconciliation with his brother.

The most difficult part of reconciliation is to decide to try. Take action by taking the first step toward reconciliation. No one knows the outcome but it is vital that we pray and ask GOD to help us and guide us in the process. The ideal results are when both parties agree to reconciliation but even if only one does their part at least they have the comfort that they tried. The other party may never come around but with GOD’S help there is always the opportunity that HE will touch their heart. Believers must ask GOD for HIS help when they need to be reconciled with others and trust the results. If the need to be reconciled comes to our minds that is the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT to take action, so that a spiritual barrier can be removed from our lives so we can grow and mature spiritually. Seek the relationship with HIM and HE will equip believers as we take steps toward reconciliation.

Exploring Perseverance - Genesis 26 - April 20, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Exploring Perseverance – April 20, 2008

This is lesson three (3) in our series. This lesson should be titled, “Who or what is filling the wells you have dug?”

Our scripture is Genesis 26: 1-3, 6, 12-33.

We fast forward from Isaac as a teen in last Sunday’s lesson to Isaac being married with a family in this Sunday’s lesson. Isaac did not marry Rebekah until he was forty (40) years old. GOD blessed them with twin boys, Jacob and Esau, when Isaac was sixty (60) years old.

Our study is on perseverance. Isaac was a man of character in spite of a misstep along the way. He waited upon the LORD to provide him a wife. He had only one wife. When we read some of the history about Isaac, we see that the apple does not fall far from the tree. When Abraham feared for his life he told Pharaoh in Egypt and King of Gerar (GHEE rah), Abimelech (uh BIM eh leck) that his wife Sarah was his sister. Sarah was a beautiful woman and both kings thought she was up for grabs. But in both cases GOD intervened and prevented anything from happening to her. In both cases these pagan kings scolded Abraham for deceiving them.

Genesis 12:10-20: (Abram’s encounter with Pharaoh.)
10 There was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine in the land was severe. 11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but let you live. 13 Please say you’re my sister so it will go well for me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account.” 14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, so the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. 16 He treated Abram well because of her, and Abram acquired flocks and herds, male and female donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels. 17 But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his house with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai. 18 So Pharaoh sent for Abram and said, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She’s my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now, here’s your wife. Take her and go!” 20 Then Pharaoh gave [his]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. men orders about him, and they sent him away, with his wife and all he had.

Genesis 20:1-10 (Abraham’s encounter with Abimelech.)
1 From there Abraham traveled to the region of the • Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he lived in Gerar, 2 Abraham said about his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.”[1] Gn 12:13; 26:7 So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “You are about to die because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”[2] Lit is possessed by a husband 4 Now Abimelech had not approached her, so he said, “Lord, would you destroy a nation even though it is innocent? 5 Didn’t he himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I did this with a clear conscience[3] Lit with integrity of my heart and clean[4] Lit cleanness of my hands.” 6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience.[5] Lit with integrity of your heart I have also kept you from sinning against Me. Therefore I have not let you touch her. 7 Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will certainly die, you and all who are yours.” 8 Early in the morning Abimelech got up, called all his servants together, and personally[6] Lit in their ears told them all these things; and the men were terrified. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said to him, “What have you done to us? How did I sin against you that you have brought such enormous guilt on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.”[7] Gn 12:19; 26:9 10 Abimelech also said to Abraham, “What did you intend when you did this thing?”

We fast forward to Isaac and his beautiful wife Rebekah. Isaac finds himself in the same situation as his father. He tells the King, who happens to also have the name of Abimelech, that Rebekah was his sister. Most bible scholars believe the name “Abimelech” was the throne name for the king and not the real name. Therefore, this Abimelech is different from the king Abraham encountered.

Genesis 26:7-11: (Isaac’s encounter with another king named Abimelech.)
7 When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,”[4] Gn 12:13; 20:5 for he was afraid to say “my wife,” [thinking]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , “The men of the place will kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is a beautiful woman.” 8 When Isaac had been there for some time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see[5] Or and he looked and behold— Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. 9 Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, “So she is really your wife! How could you say, ‘She’s my sister’?” Isaac answered him, “Because I thought I might die on account of her.” 10 Then Abimelech said, “What is this you’ve done to us? One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.”[6] Gn 20:8–10 11 So Abimelech warned all the people with these words: “Whoever harms this man or his wife will certainly die.”

This is a character flaw in Isaac but it also shows Isaac is like many of us when confronted with a tense situation. It also shows that the patriarchs of the faith were not perfect and GOD uses believers, warts and all. This is why all people need JESUS as his or her SAVIOR - First, for forgiveness and cleansing from all past, present and future sins - Second, to receive HIS righteousness and grace to live each moment of our lives as believers, acceptable before GOD at all times. When we have CHRIST in us, we have HIS righteousness and we have been saved by grace from that moment throughout all eternity. Being acceptable before GOD at all times is one thing but being obedient to GOD is another. Obedience requires an act of the will and a decision. Seek the relationship with HIM and let HIM help you develop into an obedient son or daughter serving HIM without question.

Let’s read Genesis 26:1-3:
1 There was another famine in the land in addition to the one that had occurred in Abraham’s time. And Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, at Gerar. 2 The Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Live in the land that I tell you about; 3 stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your • offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham.
6 So Isaac settled in Gerar.

In Genesis 12 we read about the famine Abram encountered. Abram went to Egypt to escape the famine. In our lesson today, Isaac encounters a famine but GOD told Isaac NOT to go to Egypt. I wonder if the issue with Abram and Sarai had anything to do with GOD telling Isaac not to go to Egypt. We do not know but the important thing is Isaac was obedient and did not go to Egypt. GOD used Isaac’s obedience to reveal to him a character flaw that worked to help him grow and trust the LORD. The same thing that had happened to Abram and Sarai happened to Isaac and Rebekah. Isaac tried to pass Rebekah off as his sister. GOD knows all and HE knew what Isaac would do. Did GOD allow this encounter with Abimelech and Isaac to happen to humble Isaac and let him see that GOD can and will take care of him and his family? It had to be a learning experience for Isaac.

Isaac was obedient to GOD and like his father went to the land GOD would show him. GOD reconfirmed HIS promises to Isaac.

Let’s read Genesis 26:12-16:
12 Isaac sowed seed in that land, and in that year he reaped[7] Lit found a hundred times [what was sown]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . The Lord blessed him, 13 and the man became rich and kept getting richer until he was very wealthy. 14 He had flocks of sheep, herds of cattle, and many slaves, and the Philistines were envious of him. 15 The Philistines stopped up all the wells that his father’s slaves had dug in the days of his father Abraham, filling them with dirt. 16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Leave us, for you are much too powerful for us.”[8] Or are more numerous than we are

Isaac was obedient and GOD blessed him with great wealth. We need to keep in mind there was a famine in the area and Isaac was very prosperous. It was the old supply and demand situation. Isaac had and there was a need for what he had. This is a formula that can produce great wealth.

Jealousy and envy can raise their heads when it seems that everything a person touches turns into something of value. Isaac was a foreigner in this land and the struggling locals were very jealous. We are no different today. We see people come in from other areas or countries and seem to prosper while we struggle. We tend to question why GOD does not allow us to prosper. Of course in this case Isaac was worshipping GOD and the locals were not. Just because believers are obedient to GOD DOES NOT mean automatic prosperity. Let’s look deeper and Isaac’s character.
The locals began to cause Isaac some trouble. They began to fill up the wells that were vital to Isaac and his enterprise. The people doing this mischief are called Philistines. The area was referred to as Philistia.

What made matters worse was that Isaac’s father had had the wells dug. So Isaac had to deal with tradition and whether or not to defend this tradition.
Isaac had a good case to defend the wells.

The king came to Isaac and asked him and his family to leave. The king knew this could be an explosive situation and he may have not fully trusted Isaac because Isaac had lied to him about his wife.

Let’s read Genesis 26:17-22:
17 So Isaac left there, camped in the valley of Gerar, and lived there. 18 Isaac reopened the water wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham and that the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. He gave them the same names his father had given them. 19 Moreover, Isaac’s slaves dug in the valley and found a well of spring[9] Lit living water there. 20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Quarrel[10] Hb Esek because they quarreled with him. 21 Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also, so he named it Hostility.[11] Hb Sitnah 22 He moved from there and dug another, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Open Spaces[12] Hb Rehoboth and said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”

Isaac had a decision to make. The king of Gerar had asked him to leave. Should he defend himself and save face with his family and servants or do as the king requested? Isaac did as the king requested and packed up and left. He went to the Valley of Gerar. We are not sure how far away the Valley of Gerar was from where he had been living. But he relocated far enough to satisfy the king.

Water is a vital resource for farming and raising livestock. So Isaac began to reopen the wells his father had had dug and named them the same as his father had named them. These wells were the very same wells that his father had had dug but the Philistines had filled them up after Abraham had died.

Isaac had his servants to continue to dig wells in the valley. They dug one that turned out to be a spring. This is a great find because most of the wells depended on the rainfall to have water but when you find a spring that is special. The herdsmen of Gerar protested that the water belonged to them. Again, Isaac had a decision to make, stand his ground, after all his people found the water, or let them have it and move on. Since there was a protest over who the well belonged to, Isaac named the well “Quarrel” and moved on to dig another well.

They dug another well and found water. Again, there was a dispute and again a moment for a decision, stand your ground or move on. So Isaac named the well “hostility” and moved on. Had Isaac learned this from his father when he allowed Lot to choose the direction he would go when their herdsmen had a quarrel? We do not know. Many of our good and bad attributes are learned at our father’s feet.

Isaac moved on and had yet another well dug. They find water and the area herdsman do not protest so Isaac named the well “Open Spaces.” Isaac interpreted the fact that there was no controversy that this marked the area GOD wanted them to settle.

Let’s read Genesis 26:26-33:
26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me? You hated me and sent me away from you.” 28 They replied, “We have clearly seen how the Lord has been with you. We think there should be an oath between two parties—between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you: 29 You will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have only done what was good to you, sending you away in peace. You are now blessed by the Lord.” 30 So he prepared a banquet for them, and they ate and drank. 31 They got up early in the morning and swore an oath to each other.[15] Lit swore, each man to his brother Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace. 32 On that same day Isaac’s slaves came to tell him about the well they had dug, saying to him, “We have found water!”[16] Gn 26:19 33 He called it Oath.[17] Hb Shibah Therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba[18] = Well of the Oath [19] Gn 21:30–31 to this day.

Isaac settled and after a time, the king and his advisors pay him a visit. When Isaac saw them coming, did he think well here we go again, looks like we will have to move again? We do not know but our human nature would lead us to think that.

Isaac went to the very heart of their visit. You kicked me out of your area, now what?
Notice the words of the king. The king had likely been told of the way Isaac handled himself when the herdsmen claimed the wells after he had them dug. The king may have seen that his actions matched his faith in GOD. Isaac in essence redeemed himself in the eyes of the king. The king may have even put the herdsmen up to giving Isaac a hard time just to see what he would do. Isaac redeemed himself from the lie he had told the king regarding his wife Rebekah. The king saw Isaac as a person he could trust and offered to make a covenant with him. The king saw Isaac as an ally.

Because of the way Isaac handled himself during times of potential trouble, in the king’s mind, Isaac went from someone he did not trust to one he could trust. Isaac was a witness to the king though his actions.

Isaac agreed to the covenant and had a banquet prepared for them to fellowship with each other. Early the next morning they sealed the covenant. The king left and Isaac’s servants came to give the good news about the well they were digging. They found water and Isaac named the well “oath.” Beer-Sheba means well of the oath.
Who or what is filling the wells you have dug? When that seems to be happening to us, how do we respond? GOD is in all things working to bring about the best for HIS children. We need to ask ourselves, “What is GOD trying to tell us or show us about ourselves?” What do we have in our heart that needs to be revealed?

There are times we need to escape to a safe place in life but there are times we need to persevere to learn from our situation and to grow and mature spiritually.

Let’s think for a moment, when someone fills your wells that you have dug and asked you to leave, how do you respond? My first thoughts are to stand my ground on principle. My response reveals my heart and an area that needs to be worked on by the HOLY SPIRIT. My response would compromise my witness, yet GOD allows believers to be exposed to these challenges to reveal our heart. Does this mean to roll over and play dead? NO! GOD exposes believers to life’s circumstances to help us to grow spiritually and to allow us to see HIS power in these circumstances. Most often when GOD challenges believers and we respond in obedience to HIM, we grow spiritually and in our relationship with HIM. HE is interested in building faith and trust in us so we can serve HIM without question.

Exploring Devotion - Genesis 22:1-18 - April 13, 2008

Sunday School Lesson - Exploring Devotion - April 13, 2008

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Genesis 22:1-14, 17-18.

Last Sunday we began a journey along with Abram and his wife Sarai. In this Sunday’s lesson, Abram and Sarai have journeyed with GOD for about forty-five (45) years. They have seen the promise of GOD come true in the birth of their son, Isaac. GOD had worked in their lives in many different ways and GOD is about to ask Abraham to give back to HIM the most precious thing he possessed, his son Isaac.

As a father and a grandfather, this story of Abraham and Isaac is an awesome example of the faith in GOD. Again, we see the absolute faith that Abraham had in GOD. We view GOD’S request for Abraham to offer his only son as a “burnt offering” as barbaric but in Abraham’s day child sacrifice was part of some of the pagan cultures. The Cannites practiced the sacrifice of small children to a limited extent. So it was not an off-the-wall request by GOD for Abraham to sacrifice his son according to the area but we know later in scripture that GOD condemned human sacrifice. It was a test of Abraham’s faith. However, we must keep in mind that we know the end of the story but Abraham did not know the conclusion until it happened.

I will share with you what the LORD revealed to me later in this lesson.

Let’s read Genesis 22:1-2:

1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2 “Take your son,” He said, “your only [son]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a • burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

“After these things” covers various encounters that Abraham had had with GOD over approximately forty-five (45) years. Abraham and GOD had built an intimate relationship. Abraham knew GOD’S voice and when he heard HIS voice he responded. GOD had been faithful to Abraham in giving him and Sarah their son, Isaac. Isaac was GOD’S miracle child. JESUS is GOD’S miracle child. Abram and Sarai took matters in their own hands and produced a child, Ishmael, using Sarai’s handmaiden Hagar. But Ishmael was not GOD’S promised child through whom all the promises of GOD to Abraham would be fulfilled.

GOD called to Abraham and Abraham responded “Here I am.” Most of us want to hear GOD speak to us but what will GOD ask of us? GOD had spoken to Abraham many times and Abraham always responded. This time is no different. GOD asked him to do something that must have cut him to his heart.

GOD did not mince any words, HE told Abraham what HE wanted him to do and HE would show him where HE wanted it done. The story is straight forward – GOD told Abraham to sacrifice his only son, who he loved, as a burnt offering. Apparently GOD made the request the evening before and because early the next morning Abraham packed up all he needed to carry out the request. Scripture tells what he took with him and that the trip took three (3) days. There is no suggestion of the conversation along the journey. Apparently most of the trip was in silence. When a person has something serious on his or her mind, he or she usually remains silent. Abraham told the two (2) servants to wait while he and the boy went to worship. He tells the servants they will be back. Isaac has to tote the wood. Isaac asks where the sacrifice is. Abraham said GOD would provide. Isaac soon finds out that he is the sacrifice. Abraham ties Isaac and places him on the wood. He raises the slaughter knife to slit Isaac’s throat. Abraham was going to do the deed. In an urgent cry GOD calls Abraham’s name twice. GOD tells Abraham not to harm the boy. Abraham looks up to see a ram caught in the bushes. GOD provided the ram to be sacrificed. Then GOD reconfirms and expands HIS promises to Abraham.

This is a straight forward account. We want to fill in some details. I am no different, so I will do some speculation. But realize much is speculation.

GOD uses the words “your only son whom you love.” GOD knew Abraham’s heart. GOD knew Abraham loved his only son Isaac and HE knew that Abraham loved HIM, GOD. Now Abraham is faced with a choice, obey GOD or question what he thought he heard GOD asked him to do and sacrifice his only son as a burnt offering.

Let’s see read and speculate.

Let’s read Genesis 22:3-10:

3 So early in the morning Abraham got up, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the sacrificial knife,[1] The same word is used in Jdg 19:29 and Pr 30:14. and the two of them walked on together. 7 Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide[2] Lit see [3] Gn 22:14 the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together. 9 When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac[4] Or perhaps Isaac hand and foot and placed him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.

The implication is that GOD had spoken to Abraham the day before and without question Abraham got up early did as GOD asked him.

We are not sure of the age of Isaac but likely he was in his teens.

Abraham prepares for the trip and takes everything he will need to carry out GOD’S request.

It took them three (3) days to reach the place GOD had asked Abraham to go. On the third day JESUS was resurrected from the dead. As far as Abraham was concerned Isaac was as good as dead but GOD in essence raised him from the dead by providing a substitute sacrifice.

Abraham had a lot of time to ponder what GOD had asked him to do. Did he question if he had heard GOD correctly? GOD had given him and Sarah their only son and GOD had told him that he would have offspring as numerous as the sands of the seashore. It must have entered Abraham’s mind why GOD wanted him to sacrifice his only son. Yet, Abraham responded in obedient. Abraham has great faith in GOD. Hebrews may give us a clue to the degree of faith GOD had in GOD.

Hebrews 11:17-19:

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested,[16] Gn 22:1–14 offered up Isaac; he who had received the promises was offering up his unique son, 18 about whom it had been said, In Isaac your seed will be called.[17] Gn 21:12 19 He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead,[18] Rm 4:17–18 from which he also got him back as an illustration.[19] Or foreshadowing, or parable, or type

Hebrews may also help us with the statement Abraham makes in verse 5, “The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” Notice two (2) things, Abraham calls refers to Isaac as “the boy”. Had Abraham already distanced himself from his son? But the most important statement is “then we will come back.” WOW!!!

In Abraham’s mind Isaac was as good as dead and reduced to ashes but if GOD can do the impossible by giving him and Sarah a child from barrenness, HE can raise Isaac from the dead. GOD knew Abraham’s heart and HE knew that his intentions were to sacrifice Isaac. But GOD did not intervene at this point. GOD took Abraham to the very brink of using the slaughter knife to kill his son.

Isaac had to carry the wood that would reduce him to ashes. But who else had to carry the wood that would become their instrument of death? JESUS!

Abraham is carrying the two (2) things that could harm Isaac the fire and the sacrificial knife. The knife is a special slaughter knife.

Isaac being an astute young man asks the question “My father” where is the lamb? Notice Abraham’s response “Here I am, my son.” Abraham responds as he would to GOD and he responds with tenderness, “My son.” Abraham’s heart must have been about to burst but his answer is out of faith, “GOD Himself will provide.”

It seems that the silence is deafening as they walk to the exact place GOD told them. This exact place became the site for the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem years later. During the life of Abraham it was a mountain that would become a special place in Jewish history, Solomon’s temple.

2 Chronicles 3:1:
1 Then Solomon began to build the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah[1] Gn 22:2 where the Lord[2] LXX; Tg reads the Angel of the Lord; MT reads He had appeared to his father David, at the site David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.[3] 2 Sm 24:16–24; 1 Ch 21:15–28; Ornan is spelled Araunah in 2 Sm.

Did Abraham say anything to Isaac as he was binding him for sacrifice? The binding was such that the animal would not escape. Did Isaac question his father? We do not know but it seems that Isaac was obedient to his father s request. All is ready for the sacrifice. Abraham takes the slaughter knife to slay his only son. Isaac was a good as dead.

Activity seems to pick up quickly. There is a sense of urgency.

Quickly let’s read Genesis 22:11-14, 17-18:

11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” 12 Then He said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you • fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me.” 13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.” 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this thing and have not withheld your only son [9] Rm 8:32 17 I will indeed bless you and make your • offspring as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the gates of their enemies. 18 And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring[11] Gn 12:3 because you have obeyed My command.”

The Angel of the LORD called out not once but twice “Abraham” “Abraham”. Abraham knew that voice and he answered “Here I am.”
Was Abraham anxiously hoping for such a cry of his name?

Good news Abraham you have passed the test. GOD knows that you would have sacrificed your only son whom you love.

Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the bushes. He sacrifices the ram.

Because of Abraham’s faith and obedience GOD told him of the blessings that would be his and his offspring. Because we have faith, every Christian is included in the promises GOD made to Abraham.

Let’s think about what we have just read.

The birth of Isaac was a miracle. GOD empowered the womb of Sarah to conceive Isaac, just as HE empowered the womb of Mary to conceive JESUS. Abraham fathered Isaac but GOD fathered JESUS through the HOLY SPIRIT. Isaac was Abraham’s only son whom he loved deeply and JESUS is GOD’S only SON whom HE loved deeply. Abraham had to make a choice to obey GOD and sacrifice his only son. He chose to obey GOD. GOD provided a substitute sacrifice for Isaac as an example of a temporary solution. GOD gave HIS only SON as a permanent solution to satisfy the penalty for sin and death.

GOD asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son who he loved. Yet, this was the son through whom the future nation depended. His offspring would multiply to number as the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore. GOD tested Abraham but Abraham did not know it was a test. He did not know what we know. As far as Abraham was concerned Isaac was as good as dead. Yet, he knew that GOD had promised him a son and that there would be offspring.

We have to also consider the obedience of Isaac and consider the obedience of JESUS. It seems the relationship between Abraham and Isaac can be compared to the relationship between GOD, THE FATHER and JESUS. GOD made a decision to allow HIS ONLY SON to come to earth to die for the sins of mankind. JESUS obediently chose to come to earth to give HIS life to redeem mankind from sin and death. Abraham had to decide whether or not to obey GOD’S request. Abraham was obedient. However Isaac did not know he was to be the burnt offering until they got on the mountain. But as CHRIST had to carry HIS own cross timber to HIS place of execution, so Isaac carried the wood for him to be sacrificed upon. It seems that Isaac did not resist his father’s will to obey GOD.

When I try to place myself in this same situation it is very difficult. I am sure I would rationalize some way out of sacrificing my child. This reveals the absolute trust and confidence Abraham had in GOD. The word “burnt offering” meant that nothing would be left after the sacrifice. Unlike other sacrifices a “burnt offering” was a total commitment to GOD with nothing left for human use. Isaac would be reduced to a pile of ashes. I see the pain Abraham must have felt as he approached the moment when he had to implement GOD’S request.

I think this event reveals the pain GOD felt in HIS heart when HIS ONLY, SINLESS, SON, WHOM HE LOVES BEYOND IMAGINATION hung on the cross for the sins of the world. Even though GOD had the power to resurrect HIS ONLY SON the fact that HE had to go through the ordeal broke HIS heart. GOD knew there would no substitute for JESUS as there was for Isaac. Yet HE gave HIS SON for this purpose because “HE so loved the world”. Through the obedience of JESUS, mankind would be redeemed from sin and death to all who believe and receive eternal life. There would never be a need for another sacrifice. JESUS paid it all.

GOD knows the heartbreak of every person who has lost a loved one in death. GOD rejoices that through the death of HIS SON, mankind has the hope of the resurrection through CHRIST for those who accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR. GOD knows how people feel when they lose a loved one in death. HE and JESUS rejoice that for those in CHRIST, it is not the end but only a continuation of the eternal life they received the moment they accepted CHRIST as their SAVIOR.

The Angel of the LORD reconfirms the promises of GOD to Abraham.

Let’s examine the earlier promises GOD made to Abraham:

I am not going into detail but hit a couple of areas to provoke thought.

It seems that each time Abraham showed that his heart was in the right place or he responded in faith GOD reconfirmed and in some cases expanded HIS promises to him.

Our first example is when GOD called Abram and he responded in faith.

Genesis 12:2-3: It is GOD’S promise to make Abram and his influence special. It seems to all about Abram. Notice the number of times “you” was used.

2 I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[1] Or great. Be a blessing! [2] Zch 8:13 3 I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt,[3] Gn 27:29; Nm 24:9 and all the peoples[4] Lit clans on earth will be blessed[5] Or will find blessing through you.[6] Or will bless themselves by you [7] Gn 26:4; 28:14; Gl 3:8

Genesis 13:14-16: Abraham did not exert his authority over Lot. Abraham wanted an amicable solution to their matter. This was achieved when Abraham let Lot choose where he wanted to go to first. This showed Abraham’s heart. GOD reconfirmed HIS promises to Abraham and his offspring. The expansion is “his offspring.”

14 After Lot had separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, 15 for I will give you and your • offspring forever all the land that you see. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted.

Genesis 17:1-11: GOD had earlier confirmed to Abraham that HE would give him a son from his own loins. GOD establishes the covenant of circumcision with Abraham.

1 When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am • God Almighty.[1] Gn 28:3; 35:11; Ex 6:3 Live in My presence and be devout.[2] Gn 6:9; Ps 15:2; Lk 1:6 2 I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell to the ground,[3] Lit fell on his face and God spoke with him: 4 “As for Me, My covenant is with you, and you will become the father of many nations.[4] Abraham was father not only of the Israelites, but also of the Ishmaelites, the Edomites, and the Midianites. Spiritually, he is the father of all believers; Gl 3:7,29. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram,[5] = The Father Is Exalted but your name will be Abraham,[6] = Father of a Multitude for I will make you the father of many nations.[7] Rm 4:17–18 6 I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. 7 I will keep My covenant between Me and you, and your • offspring after you throughout their generations, as an everlasting covenant to be your God and the [God]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. of your offspring after you. 8 And to you and your offspring after you I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession, and I will be their God.” 9 God also said to Abraham, “As for you, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations are to keep My covenant. 10 This is My covenant, which you are to keep, between Me and you and your offspring after you: Every one of your males must be circumcised. 11 You must circumcise the flesh of your foreskin to serve as a sign of the covenant between Me and you.[8] You in v. 11 is pl.

Notice how GOD has included Abraham’s offspring throughout their generations.

Go back and review Genesis 22:17-18. Up to this point GOD had been doing all the blessing, now Abraham’s offspring would be a blessing. WHO is that offspring? JESUS!!!

GOD had just given Abraham the ultimate test of faith and he passed the test. In verses 17 and 18 GOD seems to be speaking with enthusiasm and delight that HE can give to Abraham and his descendants these promises because of their faith. It seems that the final decision is made that JESUS will come through the ancestry of Abraham. All who have faith as Abraham did, GOD will equip them with HIS power to control the gates to their lives through THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND AFTER CHRIST the indwelling power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

As believers we have to take note that GOD did not intervene in what HE had asked Abraham to do until the very last moment. Often when we walk with the LORD, HE will test us to the very brink. But when it is over we have grown in confidence in the LORD. Abraham called the mountain, the LORD will provide.

This has the same promise of Romans 8:28: 28 We know that all things work together[16] Other mss read that God works together in all things for the good[17] The ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Notice that Abraham did not see the ram until GOD considered that he had fullfilled HIS request.

Exploring New Direction - Genesis 12 and 13 - April 6, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Exploring New Direction – April 6, 2008

This begins a new series of study entitled “Pioneers in the Covenant.”

We will study Abram (Abraham), Isaac and Jacob.

Our scripture for the month of April will be in Genesis:

April 6 – Abram – Exploring New Directions – Genesis 12:1-8; 13:5-9, 14-16.
April 13 – Abraham and Isaac – Exploring Devotion – Genesis 22:1-14, 17-18.
April 20 – Isaac – Exploring Perseverance – Genesis 26:1-3, 6, 12-22.
April 27 – Jacob – Exploring Humility – Genesis 32:3, 6-12; 33:1-5, 9-11.

To me it is overwhelming to consider that Abram (Exalted father) came from an area that worshipped idols and his father, Terah, worshipped idols. But at some point in his life Abram chose to worship the unseen GOD and to speak to HIM. Abram never tried to make an image of GOD. GOD communicated with Abram. How GOD first began to communicate with Abram is not clear. The main point is that they communicated and Abram responded to what GOD asked him to do by faith. Abram responded to GOD’S request with obedience. But Abram did not see GOD act or do anything based upon his obedient response to immediately confirm to that he had made the right choice, yet he always responded in obedience. If GOD did some mighty act every time Abram responded, we might speculate that is why Abram decided to worship the unseen GOD. Abram was responding in pure faith. Were Abram and GOD meeting in the eyes of Abram’s heart? This is what makes their relationship so unique but so vital to all of mankind. GOD had a plan to bring HIS ONLY SON into the world through the ancestry of Abraham (father of a multitude) to redeem the world of sin and death.

Abram had complete faith and trust in GOD and chose to follow the unseen GOD of the universe who he had never seen or ever witnessed a manifestation of HIS power. We are studying ground zero of a true pilgrim and pioneer of the faith as the scripture allows us to witness Abram building a relationship with GOD through faith.

Believers today have so much more to help them build an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST than our spiritual forefathers, yet we all struggle to allow GOD to control our lives. The flesh rules in our lives and it ruled at times in the lives of Abram and Sarai.

GOD looked at Abram’s heart and knew he had the attributes and character that HE wanted in the father of HIS nation and in the ancestry of CHRIST. Sarai is equally part of GOD’S plan. Sarai had her journey with GOD, as well.

GOD looked at the heart of Abram and HE saw the good and the not-so-good. HE knew that Abram was not perfect but he had the faith desired by GOD. To me this is good news for all believers. Each believer has good points and not-so-good points. Sometimes we think because of our past lives that we are not worthy to serve our LORD. Always keep in mind that we are all saved by grace. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD. We all come to CHRIST by way of the cross. Each person needs salvation.

[You may want to read the entire story of Abraham and Sarah. One point of information, Abraham did not tell a blatant lie when he told the king that Sarah was his sister. She was in fact his half sister. Abraham and Sarah had the same father but different mothers.]

All believers can trace his or her spiritual ancestry back to Abraham through CHRIST. All the promises GOD made to Abraham are also each believer's promises to claim through faith.

Let’s read Genesis 12:1-8:
1 The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[1] Or great. Be a blessing! [2] Zch 8:13 3 I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt,[3] Gn 27:29; Nm 24:9 and all the peoples[4] Lit clans on earth will be blessed[5] Or will find blessing through you.[6] Or will bless themselves by you [7] Gn 26:4; 28:14; Gl 3:8 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated, and the people he had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the site of Shechem, at the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 But the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your • offspring.” So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and worshiped[8] Or proclaimed or invoked the name of; lit called on the name of Him.

GOD spoke to Abram. GOD asked him to leave his home, father and relatives and go to a place GOD would show him. Then GOD tells him about the benefits he will receive. All the promises are promises without any guarantee, except the WORD of GOD. Today we know that GOD’S Word is as good as it gets. HIS Word is HIS bond. Abram was seventy-five (75) years old when GOD called him. Abram responded without hesitation.

What does this mean to us? A person never gets too old to be called by GOD to serve HIM. Sarai was sixty-five (65) years old and accompanies her husband.

GOD told Abram, HE would make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, he will be a blessing, HE will bless those who bless him, HE will curse those who treat him with contempt and all people will be blessed through him.

GOD told Abram that HE would give this land to his off-spring. Notice in verse 7 that GOD appeared to Abram when HE made this promise. It is stioll a promise but Abram accepted what GOD told him on faith. Abram’s routine when GOD told him something was to build an altar and worship GOD. GOD made a promise and Abram built an altar to confirm his faith in what GOD said. To show that he trusted what GOD had promised him, he not only built an altar but he worshiped GOD. No wonder GOD chose Abram and acknowledged his faith.

Abram apparently had not connected GOD’S use of off-spring to mean children.
Abram means “exalted father” and Abraham means “father of a multitude”. GOD changed Abram’s name to Abraham in Genesis 17:5 when GOD renewed HIS covenant with him at the time HE told Abram that Sarai would bare him a son. GOD changed Sarai’s name to Sarah.

Genesis 17:1-8:
1 When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am • God Almighty.[1] Gn 28:3; 35:11; Ex 6:3 Live in My presence and be devout.[2] Gn 6:9; Ps 15:2; Lk 1:6 2 I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell to the ground,[3] Lit fell on his face and God spoke with him: 4 “As for Me, My covenant is with you, and you will become the father of many nations.[4] Abraham was father not only of the Israelites, but also of the Ishmaelites, the Edomites, and the Midianites. Spiritually, he is the father of all believers; Gl 3:7,29. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram,[5] = The Father Is Exalted but your name will be Abraham,[6] = Father of a Multitude for I will make you the father of many nations.[7] Rm 4:17–18 6 I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. 7 I will keep My covenant between Me and you, and your • offspring after you throughout their generations, as an everlasting covenant to be your God and the [God]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. of your offspring after you. 8 And to you and your offspring after you I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession, and I will be their God.”

Genesis 17:15-16:
15 God said to Abraham, “As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for Sarah[9] = Princess will be her name. 16 I will bless her; indeed, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will produce nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”

Sarai means “princess” but also can mean “quarrelsome.” Sarah means “noble lady” or “chieftainness” or “commander.”

Let’s read Genesis 13:5-7:
5 Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks, herds, and tents. 6 But the land was unable to support them as long as they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they could not stay together, 7 and there was quarreling between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land.

We fast forward a few years and GOD has blessed both Abram and Lot with many possession and flocks. Grazing land was running out and the herdsmen of Abram and Lot began to quarrel. Often GOD’S blessing can result in problems. How those problems are resolved can be tests of character and reveal the hearts of those involved. How issues are resolved are witnesses to non-believers looking on. Abram and Lot were in the land of Canaanites and Perizzites, who were non-believers.

Abram was the leader, the elder and can use his authority to resolve the matter. He could have told Lot how the matter would be resolved.

Let’s read Genesis 13:8-9, 14-16:
8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Please, let’s not have quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives.[3] Lit brothers 9 Isn’t the whole land before you? Separate from me: if [you go]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to the left, I will go to the right; if [you go]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to the right, I will go to the left.”

14 After Lot had separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, 15 for I will give you and your • offspring forever all the land that you see. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted.

Abram being the leader made the first move to resolve the matter. He could have said I am going this way and you go the other way. But Abram valued his relationship with Lot and his relationship with Lot’s family more than getting his way. Abram left the choice to Lot.

Abram was at a critical point in his spiritual journey. Was this a test to see how Abram would resolve the matter? We never know what is in our heart until we make a decision. When Abram made the decision to let Lot make the choice it revealed what was in Abram’s heart. I think GOD was pleased and GOD knew Abram was mature enough to take the next step in his spiritual journey and fulfillment of GOD’S plan. Look back at verses 14-16. If Abram had chosen to go toward Sodom it would have revealed Abram’s heart but Lot chose the more fertile valley to Sodom. This revealed Lot’s heart.

Often GOD places HIS children at a crossroads and they have to choose. Their choice reveals their heart. Often at the crossroads there is a temptation to lure a person one way or the other. The Bible tells us with every temptations GOD always provides a way of escape. Seek and respond to GOD’S desire for you.

GOD made promises to Abram. But again it seemed not to sink into Abram’s mind that GOD is speaking of blessing him and Sarai with a child. Often believers conclude that GOD cannot bring something about in their lives because they lean on their own understanding but all things are possible with GOD and CHRIST.

The Apostle Paul summarizes the essence of Christians being spiritually related to Abraham in Galatians 3:6-8.

Galatians 3:6-8:

6 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,[7] Gn 15:6 7 so understand that those who have faith are Abraham’s sons. 8 Now the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and foretold the good news to Abraham, saying, All the nations will be blessed in you.[8] Gn 12:3; 18:18 9 So those who have faith are blessed with Abraham, who had faith.[9] Or with believing Abraham

What a rich spiritual heritage all believers have through CHRIST!!!

If you have never asked CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your heart, do it right now. If you need to rededicate your life to CHRIST, then do so right now! HE is waiting to journey with you to the Promised Land. Just as Abraham and the Israelites encountered miracles and hardships along their journey, so will you. But GOD will be with you each step of the way.