Tag: Faith

Bible Studies

“What’s in a name?” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 17 NLT – Abram Is Named Abraham – When Abram was – Bible Gateway

“This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.” Genesis 17:4-5 NLT

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Your name is significant. It identifies you. It may have a special meaning or be in honor of one of your parents or someone nestled in your family tree. Overall it is unique to you even if others have the same name. There is a purpose for it, and that purpose is you, it is your name. Imagine having your name changed at age ninety-nine. Imagine living until age ninety-nine. Abram was quite alive when he was ninety-nine years old and he had his name change by the Lord God. There was a special purpose for it, Abram was about to Abraham, the father of many nations.

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.’ (Gen.17:1 nlt) It had been thirteen years since Ishmael was born, Sarai’s and Abram’s plan to have a child through Hagar, Sarai’s servant. Abram was commanded to live a blameless life by the Lord ‘El-Shaddai’ which means ‘God almighty, nothing is impossible with God.’ Abram must respond in obedience to receive God’s promises for him. Abram fell down to the ground as the Lord spoke to him about the covenant He would make with him.

The Lord God told Abram He was going to make him the father of many nations. He then said to Abram that his name would change from Abram (Exalted Father) to Abraham meaning (father of many nations). God promised that Abraham’s descendants would be fruitful and become many nations with many kings. This covenant would be an everlasting covenant lasting throughout the generations and the Lord promised He will always be his God and the God of his future descendants.

God also said, “And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever.” (Gen.17:8 nlt) The Lord includes the earlier covenant He made with Abram in chapter 15 here in chapter 17. The Lord promised the land where Abram was standing would be his descendants forever. Abram was to walk through it and claim it. This everlasting covenant is still in effect today and beyond. It does not end. The Lord God has promised that land to Israel.

Abraham had one responsibility in this covenant along with all his future descendants and that was to conduct the sign of the covenant, circumcision. “From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased. All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant.” (Gen.17:12-13 nlt) Circumcision was common in Abram’s day. It was carried out by various people groups. The most common reason was for hygienic purposes. Here God uses it as a symbol of cutting away sin and being cleansed, and it served as signifying consecration to the Lord.

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Sarai also gets a new name. “Then God said to Abraham, ‘Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah.” (Gen.17:15 nlt) Both Sarai and Sarah mean ‘princess’ although ‘Sarai’ includes ‘my princess.’ This name change would emphasize Sarah would be the mother of many nations as Abraham’s wife, for she will bear a child to him and serve God’s purposes. “And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.” (Gen.17:16 nlt) Abraham could not believe what he heard and laughed to himself, after all he would be one hundred years old and Sarah ninety.

Abraham seeks a simpler solution that is right in front of him again. He once again asks God for Ishmael serve as his heir. But again God says ‘No!’ Sarah will have a son and you will name him Issac, meaning ‘he laughs.’ Abraham did laugh, if only to himself. God said that He will confirm His covenant with Issac and his descendants for he is the covenant child of promise, not Ishmael. But God does indeed bless Ishmael and his descendants. Abraham will be the father of many nations and Ishmael descendants will help fulfill that promise. The Lord God said,
“As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.” (Gen.17:20 nlt)

On that very day when the Lord left Abraham he immediately obeyed God by fulfilling his responsibility by circumcising his son Ishmael and all the male servants in his household. “Both Abraham and his son, Ishmael, were circumcised on that same day, along with all the other men and boys of the household, whether they were born there or bought as servants. All were circumcised with him.” (Gen.17:26-27 nlt) Abraham obeyed God. He did not delay by thinking about it. He had faith that God would do what he had promised even though it may seem impossible. Abraham’s faith is an example for all of us. May Abraham’s faith be contagious to us in our day to catch his faith through the help of the Holy Spirit because El-Shaddai is God Almighty wherein nothing is impossible.

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Next week a son is promised to Sarah and Abraham pleads with God……..

Bible Studies

“God’s Covenant with Abram” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 15 NLT – The LORD’s Covenant Promise to Abram – Bible Gateway

“Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’ So the LORD made a covenant with Abram that day and said, ‘I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River.’” Genesis 15:5, 18 NLT

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Last week in Sunday’s Biblical Insights Abram is visited by the king of Salem, Melchizedek. The king brought a large meal for Abram and his men after their victory over the kings of the north. Melchizedek blessed Abram and he blessed God. Abram gave a gift of one-tenth of all the spoils to the Lord and His servant, Melchizedek. The king of Sodom was present and offered Abram all the goods that were returned to Sodom. Abram in his generosity did not want a thing, only what his men and his allies where entitled to. He would take nothing for himself.

This week in chapter 15, God renews His promise to Abram with a covenant. Chapter 15 opens with God telling Abram in a vision not to be afraid because He is Abram’s protector. Abram may have been afraid of retaliation from the four kings and their armies he had just defeated. Abram may also have had something else on his mind. He said in reply, “O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth.” (Gen.15:2 nlt) Abram was concerned that he still had no children and he wasn’t getting any younger. He suggested to God that his servant Eliezar could be his heir. The custom in Abram’s day was that if a couple was childless they could adopt one the servants to be the heir. Abram was asking permission to do so.

The Lord said no to Abram’s request. He had other plans. Abram and Sarai would have a son, yes, in their old age. God then directed Abram outside and said, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” (Gen.15:5 nlt) In ancient Palestine more than 8,000 stars were visible in the dark sky of a Near Eastern night. The enormous amount of stars in the sky was God’s illustration of the promise to come. Abram believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. This is the first time ‘believe’ and ‘righteousness’ are used in the Bible. This is the core foundation of justification by faith. Abram believed God. When one believes God and His plan for salvation without any works involved on our own, it is counted to us as righteousness. God sees Jesus’ righteousness in us as we accept Him as Lord and savior.

Abram believed God and asked how he could be sure of His promises. He asked in faith believing, not suspecting if God’s promises were true. God is going to confirm His promises to Abram with a covenant, a legal binding agreement with a formal expression of intent. “The LORD told him, ‘Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.’” (Gen.15:9 nlt) Abram was to gather these animals suitable for sacrifice. Three years old was the prime age for animal sacrifices. A serious covenant is sealed with blood. Abram then cut the animals in half, but not the birds, laying their pieces side by side. The idea is walking through the two halves seals the covenant by saying if I break it, may the same thing be done to me.

“As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down over him.” (Gen.15:12 nlt) God caused a deep sleep to come over Abram. Abram did not need to walk through the pieces. The ratifying of the covenant did not depend on him, but on God. Our salvation does not depend on us, but on God. The Lord gives Abram a preview of his descendants before they enter the Promised Land. “Then the LORD said to Abram, ‘You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth. After four generations your descendants will return here to this land.’” (Gen.15:13-14, 16 nlt) The Lord is assuring Abram his descendants will occupy the land as promised.

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“After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses.” (Gen.15:17 nlt) The Lord God passed through the pieces represented by the smoking firepot and a flaming torch. In ancient times this solemnized a covenant. It was only necessary for God to pass through the pieces. This covenant is God’s alone. It cannot fail because God does not fail. The Lord God keeps His promises. “So the LORD made a covenant with Abram that day and said, ‘I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River.’” (Gen.15:18 nlt) The Lord gives Abram the specific boundaries of the land and the current occupants as a definite acquisition, it will happen. The children of Israel did move into the Promised Land, but they have not possessed its entirety to this day. But God’s promise to Abram still stands. Israel will possess all the land promised them when Christ returns to rule from Jerusalem. Our Lord keeps His promises.

Next week Abram and Sarai become impatient………..

Bible Studies

“A Man of Fairness and Generosity” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 14:17-24 NLT – Melchizedek Blesses Abram – After Abram – Bible Gateway

“Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” Genesis 14:19-20 NLT

Abram had won a battle over the four kings from the north who had taken his nephew Lot and his family captive and stolen all his belongings. Lot, as we reviewed last week, was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His desire to live the good life caused him to compromise his values and eventually settled for life in the sin-city of Sodom. The king of Sodom along with the kings of Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar, were about to be attacked by the kings of the north, and Lot was a sitting duck. Abram stepped in with his trained men and rescued Lot and the city of Sodom. Afterward, the king of Sodom set out to meet Abram to show him his appreciation.

The liberated  “king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).” (Gen.14:17 nlt) This valley was one of the several valleys near Jerusalem, named Salem in ancient times. Possibly this could have been the ‘Kidron Valley.’ Abram and the king of Sodom are met by a historical figure, Melchizedek, a priest and king of Salem. “And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine.” (Gen.14:18 nlt) Melchizedek’s name means ‘king of righteousness’ or ‘righteous king.’ Being a priest and a king, many biblical scholars identify him as a ‘type of Christ’ figure. David writes in the book of Psalms concerning the coming Messiah, “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’ The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Ps.110:1, 4 nlt)

This priest and king, Melchizedek, brought food for Abram and his men. This was more than bread and wine but signifies a large meal or a banquet in recognition of their victory over their enemies. It was also a symbol of friendship and hospitality. Scripture doesn’t provide us much background about Melchizedek other than he was a worshiper of the true God. His references to God as ‘God most high’ and ‘creator of heaven and earth’ points us in that direction of Melchizedek’s faith and knowledge of the Lord God. This kingly priest did two things, he blessed Abram and he blessed God. “Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” (Gen.14:19-20 nlt) Melchizedek gives all the credit for Abram’s victory to God. Abram also is aware the victory came from the Lord God. Abram gave a tenth of the spoils to the Lord and his servant Melchizedek in gratitude for Lord’s victory.

The king of Sodom now makes an offer to Abram for his returning the people and goods of his city, Sodom. The king only wants his people back and Abram can keep all the goods. “Abram replied to the king of Sodom, ‘I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, I am the one who made Abram rich.’” (Gen.14:22-23 nlt) Abram was careful not to allow himself to be obligated to anyone but the Lord. How tempting that must have been to not take advantage of what some might say was certainly deserved. Abram made it an oath not to accept anything. Accepting this offer would have negative results for Abram. People would be able to say that part of Abram’s wealth came from the king of Sodom. The king of Sodom may see it as an opportunity to lord himself over Abram. Abram did not go into this battle for personal gain, but to rescue his family. Accepting the offer would also show a lack of trust in God to supply his needs and finally Abram wanted no part of the king of Sodom and his wicked city.

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Abram’s faith in God and his godly character is shown at the end of chapter 14 as he requests to receive only what his men had already eaten and for his allies to share the spoils among themselves. Abram looked out for the men who serve him and for those who aligned with him in this battle. This man of faith was also a man of fairness and generosity.

Next week, the Lord’s covenant promise to Abram…………

Bible Studies

“A Long Look” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 13:1-13 NLT – Abram and Lot Separate – So Abram left – Bible Gateway

“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt.” Genesis 13:10 NLT

This week in Biblical Insights Abram is leaving Egypt with his tail between his legs after being called out by Pharoah for his deception. It was a mistake going down to Egypt in the first place failing to trust God in caring for them during the famine. But he is on his way now traveling north into the Negev on their way to the region of Bethel and Ai. Abram left Egypt a lot more prosperous than when he entered. The Lord had blessed Abram in spite of his sin. Pharoah gave Abram much livestock and servants in addition to what he already had. “So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned. (Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.)” (Gen.13:1-2 nlt)

Abram went back to Bethel and worshiped the Lord at the altar he made at his first visit when entering Canaan. Abram got back to business with God. Realizing God’s mercy and blessings towards him when he failed the Lord, Abram went to the nearest place he had set up an altar and worshiped God.

Lot, Abram’s nephew, was traveling with him. Lot had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many servants. Wealth in ancient Palestine was measured in the number of livestock, servants and jewels one possessed. Both Abram and Lot had plenty. This created a problem for the both of them. It’s hard to comprehend how blessings from God could be the cause of a problem. We accept these problems noting it is a good problem to have. A young family have God’s blessings of more children and soon find themselves needing to move into a bigger place. A good problem to have.

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Abram and Lot found themselves having ‘a good problem to have.’ The region could not supply the sufficient needs for all of the livestock of both Abram and Lot. The land did not have enough water or pastured land. “So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. (At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land.)” (Gen.13:7 nlt) It is also noted that rural dwellers were living there as well. On a side note, it should be mentioned besides this problem being caused by God’s blessing both of them, it should be noted that Abram was instructed to leave his family in Ur and go to the place where God would lead him. If Lot was not with him, there would be no problem. Sometimes the smallest miscue in obeying God even with the best of intentions surface later in ways we never thought of. It’s always better to obey God completely, 100%.

Abram knew this issue needed to be resolved. “Finally Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!’” (Gen.13:8 nlt) It wasn’t good for families to be fighting with each other and not a good look for those who were representing the Holy God the creator of all things.

It seems the decision to separate is a wise one and there is no dispute. The decision as to who goes in what direction is now to be decided. Abram, although the elder, shows kindness to Lot in letting him choose first. Whichever direction Lot chooses Abram will go in the opposite direction. Abram was growing in faith and relying on God and not his own decisions. His experience in Egypt had an effect on him. Abram is finding faith in God’s sovereignty and trusting Him. He knows in whatever direction he goes the Lord will be with him and bless him. Not so with Lot. Abram took off his self-centeredness and Lot put his on.

“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt.” (Gen.13:10 nlt) Lot took a long look. There is always danger in taking a long look. Some will disagree saying you need to be careful and sure to make a wise decision and that is true. But what captivates you in that first look? Do you ever get past the surface and consider what is underneath? Lot based his decision on what his eyes told him. He saw the green lush vegetation of the fertile fields in the Jordan Valley. There was an irrigation system in place, even in that day, from the Jordan river. Lot knew this was a prize pic. He chose the land towards the east in the Jordan Valley at the edge of the Promised Land. His decision was a wise one in business terms and in a worldly point of view. Lot was more than content with his newfound territory and moved on away from Abram with his possessions, but it would turn out to be a disastrous decision.

Abram settled to the west in the land Canaan and Lot settled around the city of Sodom. Abram walked by faith; Lot walked only by sight. Lot allowed his long look to dictate his future. Abram let his growing faith in God decide his future. Sodom was an evil and sinful city. Lot was putting himself and his family in harm’s way to satisfy his selfish desires. When our selfish desires put us in a bad spot it will have the same effect on those closest to us and not only ourselves. Having Abram’s growing faith will have the opposite effect on each of us. Shortening that long look and putting our faith in God will help us to make the right decisions.

Next week we’ll begin to see some of Lot’s troubles as a result of his long look……

Bible Studies

“Abram’s Deception” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 12:10-20 NLT – Abram and Sarai in Egypt – At that time – Bible Gateway

“But the LORD sent terrible plagues upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. So Pharaoh summoned Abram and accused him sharply. ‘What have you done to me?’ he demanded. ‘Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?’” Genesis 12:17-18 NLT

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The first two weeks in our story of Abraham we saw Abram, who later became Abraham, as a man of great faith and the father of all who believe. He left all that was familiar to him, his home, friends, and family to go where God called him. This took great faith as we learned last week. Unfortunately Abram paused his journey along the way and settled in Haran for a period of time. Although Abram was called of God, he was not perfect and wasn’t chosen because he was perfect. He eventually moved on after God’s repeated the call to him. Abram made it to the Promised Land and built an altar to the Lord when arriving in Shechem. This week Abram’s frailty leads him through a detour into Egypt.

The land of Canaan was suffering from severe famine. The Palestine region in ancient times often experienced famines. Abram decided to journey down to Egypt on his own under no divine guidance from God. Egypt fared well during periods of famine. It had an abundant supply of food available from the water source of the Nile River. Abram took his wife Sarai and all who were with him down into Egypt. He may not have planned to stay long, but it turned out to be long enough to bring shame on God’s chosen vessel.

As Abram nears Egypt he says to Sarai his wife, “Look, you are a very beautiful woman. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’” (Gen.12:11-12 nlt) Abram was right in his assessment that Pharaoh would take beautiful women to be part of his Harem. He was also right in that they would kill him to take his wife. The Egyptians respected marriage but had an unusual way to show it, especially the Pharaohs. Pharaoh would have the wife of the husband killed first before he took her for his Harem. Abram, of course, didn’t want this to happen so he devised a plan, again not under God’s guidance. Abram said to Sarai, “ So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.” (Gen.12:13 nlt) Abram’s fear, and really his lack of faith at this point, caused him to deceive the Egyptians into thinking Saria was his sister. It worked, and they took her.

Abram’s scheme was a half-truth, or we could call it a half-lie, and a half-lie is really a lie. Abram’s reasoning was to deceive and that is what he did. He failed to trust in the Lord who was leading him and would protect him. He was thinking more of himself than any thought he had for his wife. But despite Abram’s failure here, the Lord is going to watch out for Sarai and protect her. “And sure enough, when Abram arrived in Egypt, everyone noticed Sarai’s beauty. When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to Pharaoh, their king, and Sarai was taken into his palace.” (Gen.12:14-15 nlt)

The irony of this story is that Abram is rewarded by Pharoah for taking his sister. “Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her—sheep, goats, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.” (Gen.12:16 nlt) Abram was right, Pharaoh did treat him well. Having livestock and servants were a indication of wealth in those days, and Abram was paid handsomely.

But as we noted, the Lord protected Sarai. He sent plagues upon Pharoah and his household. Scripture does not tell us the nature of these plagues, but they were severe enough for Pharoah to summon Abram. Some commentators speculate that Pharoah’s illness kept him from defiling Sarai. We do know from Scripture that no mention is given of Sarai being intimate with Pharaoh. We also know from history that a four-month purification process was in place for new brides before they were received into Pharoah’s Harem. God’s hand was at work in protecting Sarai.

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Pharoah sharply accused Abram of deception. He came to know Sarai was his wife and these plagues were the proof of it. Pharoah ordered Abram to get out of Egypt and even had his men escort him out to make sure he left. Abram was exposed as a liar. The Egyptians with their many faults were still a society that valued truthfulness. This wasn’t a good look for Abram who was called by God. Abram was kicked out of Egypt in humiliation before the Egyptians and those traveling with him who knew of his call from the Lord. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “Abram’s behavior was not worthy of the majestic soul of Jehovah’s special ambassador to the nations. He would need to grow; he would need to go back to Bethel.”

Abram will grow and God will still use him. God knew of Abram’s failures before He call him out of Ur and into the Promised Land. God knows of our failures even before we do and yet He calls us just the same. The Lord will never give up on us despite our failures. We may have a rough go of it when we decide to go our own way, but the Lord will put us back on track as we trust Him and allow Him to lead us in every situation.

Next week Abram and his nephew Lot have a decision to make. Until next week trust the Lord completely even in a famine.

Devotionals

God’s Guiding Light Through the Wilderness        

Loring Schultz

“The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:20-22 NLT

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Wilderness wandering can cause you to lose focus. Managing to think and see clearly in a valley of overwhelming frustration seems impossible. All of us find ourselves in a wilderness at some point in our lives. Not only is our vision blurry, but there seems to be no exit ramp to brighter days.

The children of Israel were just released into brighter days after 400 years in bondage by the Egyptians. The Lord promised He would guide them as they moved from Succoth and on to Etham by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. After a miraculous escape through the parting of the Red Sea they found themselves on their way to Mt. Sinai. The cloud and pillar of fire never left them and soon they would need them more than ever. (Neh.9:19)

Israel soon found themselves wandering in the wilderness for 40 years after disobeying God in failing to enter the Promised Land when first presented to them. That generation would never see that exit ramp to brighter days again, but it will appear to their children. During those 40 years in the wilderness the Lord still led them and provided for them. The cloud and pillar of fire remained. The future generation saw God’s faithfulness as He led them through the wilderness and eventually into the Promised Land.

Whatever your wilderness journey is, the Lord is there to guide you through it. You may not have a physical cloud or a fire at night as Israel had, but what you have is the same assurance they had of the immediate presence of God. The Lord guided Israel into the Promised Land and He will guide you through your wilderness into the brighter days ahead.

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Bible Studies

“The Call of Abram” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 11:26-12:9 NLT – After Terah was 70 years old, he became – Bible Gateway

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1 NLT

Our story of Abraham begins with God calling him as a pagan and probably a worshiper of the moon-god ‘sin’ His name at this point is Abram and is living in Ur of the Chaldeans, a prosperous commercial city of early the Sumerian kingdom in Mesopotamia, modern day Iraq. We find Abraham’s family and his ancestors in Genesis chapter 11. Abram, whose name means ‘exalted father’ is a descendant in the line of Shem one of Noah’s sons after the flood. His father’s name is Terah meaning ‘delay’ which is significant. Abram had two brothers, Nahor and Haran who had died. Abram adopted his nephew Lot after Haran died. “Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah. Milcah and her sister Iscah were daughters of Nahor’s brother Haran.” (Gen.11:29 nlt) Abram’s wife was his half-sister and Nahor’s wife was his brother Haran’s daughter. Prohibition against such marriages were unknown in patriarchal times. Later Mosaic law did not permit such marriages.

“One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there.” (Gen.11:31 nlt) This is Abram on the move obeying God’s call. It sounds as if Terah made the call to move on, but it was God speaking to Abram. The call would be repeated after an unadvised stay in Haran until Terah died. The book of Acts confirms Abram’s original call was in Ur. Steven in speaking to the Jewish council said, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran. God told him, ‘Leave your native land and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you. So, Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran until his father died.’” (Acts 7:2-4 nlt) We don’t know why there was a stay in Haran. Some of the reasons for the stay may have been due to Terah’s age. The city of Haran was also a thriving city and also worshiped the moon-god, perhaps Terah felt at home there. An important note to make, Abram was not told to bring the family along, but to “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” (Gen.12:1 nlt) We are left with not knowing why Abram stopped and stayed in Haran for he was there for a considerable amount of time. He left Haran with “all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran.” (Gen.12:5 nlt) Abram is now on his way with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew Lot to the land God has called him.

Abram had great faith that God would fulfil his promises to him. He left his homeland and family twice giving up his familiar way of life. Bishop Ryle notes, “He was to ‘renounce certainties of the past’ ‘face uncertainties of the future’ look for and follow the direction of Jehovah’s will.’” The promises God made to Abraham were seven-fold, 1. ‘I will make you a great nation’ 2. ‘I will bless you’ 3. ‘I will make your name great’ 4. ‘You shall be a blessing’ 5. ‘I will bless those who bless you’ 6. I will curse those who curse you 7. ‘in you all the families of the earth will be blessed’ Abram’s faith started with the very first promise. God promised to make him a great nation. Abram was 75 years old when God spoke this promise to him and Sarai was barren and not much younger. Relating that to us today, can we find it within ourselves to have the same faith? It might be a little hard. But these stories in scripture are put in there for our benefit to find encouragement and to learn from them when and where we live.

Abraham has certainly become famous, he has been greatly blessed by God, Israel has become a great nation, Abraham had been a blessing to others, God has blessed those who bless Israel and the Jewish people and continues to do so until this day. One of the reasons I believe nations are blessed today is they are supportive of the nation Israel. And as we noted last week all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abraham for Jesus, the Messiah, came through the line of Abraham providing salvation to all who accept Him.

Abram’s first stop when entering Canaan was Shechem, a major settlement at the crossroads of two main commercial highways, 40 miles north of Jerusalem. He came into the land God has promised and the Lord appeared to him again. “Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’ And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the LORD, who had appeared to him.” (Gen.12:7 nlt) This is the first of several altars Abram built along the way when encountering a spiritual experience. He knew the land of Canaan belonged to the Lord and he consecrated that Promised Land to God. Abram then traveled south and camped near Bethel where he built another altar and worshiped the Lord God. Abram was no longer a moon-god worshiper. By setting up camp he also declared permanent residence though it was only a tent and wouldn’t be realized for many years. Here is another example of his great faith.

We close this week with Abram continuing to move south pulling up stakes and heading toward the Negev in southern Palestine southwest of the Dead Sea. Next week Abram is forced to go to Egypt as a result of a famine. Even when God is leading us things don’t always go smoothly. How does Abram handle it? Well, we will see this man of faith is just like us.

Until next week………

Bible Studies

“Abraham: Father of all who believe” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 4:16-25 NLT – So the promise is received by faith. It – Bible Gateway

“So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.” Romans 4:16 NLT

This week we begin a new study in Biblical Insights, ‘The Story of Abraham.’ He is probably the most influential and important figure of all the patriarchs in the Old Testament. Abraham is also mentioned many times throughout the New Testament for his great faith and how that faith affects every Christian. Abraham believed God for all the promises He spoke to him. The Bible says it was counted to him as righteousness. “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” (Ro.4:3 nlt) Abraham was seen as righteous before the Law was written as to obey it because of his faith in God. Abraham wasn’t righteous because he obeyed and did good deeds, but because he believed God. Christians today are saved and are righteous before God for our belief in God and His salvation plan through His Son Jesus Christ. “So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” (Gal.3:9 nlt)

Abraham is not only recognized as the father of the Jews but the father of all who believe. The Lord promised Abraham that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him. (Gen.12:3) Abraham received from God the good news that salvation for all would come through him. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came through Abraham’s seed. Every person on the earth today is blessed through Abraham by his lineage in which the Messiah came. God’s salvation plan for sinners came through Abraham. The New Testament opens with the ancestors of Jesus, “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of  Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.” (Mt.1:1-2 nlt) Jesus was born through the line of Judah one of the twelve sons of Jacob, Abraham’s grandson.

Jacob’s twelve sons comprise the nation of Israel. Abraham is revered as the father of the Jewish people, but Christians can also claim Abraham as a father. Abraham is the father of the Jews ethnically, and the father of both believing non-Jews (Gentiles) and believing Jews. “The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’” (Gal.3:7-8 nlt)

As we begin to look into the story of Abraham we will find he was much more than the father of the Jewish nation, but the father of all who believe. We will examine details of his extraordinary faith and yes, even his failures. Abraham’s great faith is seen from the beginning. God called him to leave his home and his familiar lifestyle to venture out to a land God would lead him but he knew not where. This step of faith set in motion God’s plan of salvation for each of us. “The obedience of one man was to make possible the beginning of God’s cosmic plan of salvation, which in Christ was to open out into undreamed of riches for all who hoped in Christ.” (1)

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Next week ‘The Call of Abram.’

(1) Baldwin, Joyce G. The Message of Genesis 12-50. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986.

Devotionals

True Faith

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 5:1-8 NLT – Advice about Widows, Elders, and Slaves – Bible Gateway

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples…. But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”  (Jn.13:35,     1 Tim.5:8 nlt)

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What does ‘true faith’ look like? If you were asked to put it into words, how would you describe it? It may help to separate the two words and take each one on its own. ‘True’ is according to fact and not false. It is accurate, correct, and real or (authentic). What is notable is the first definition found in ‘Websters New World Dictionary’ for the word ‘true’ is ‘faithful.’ So, let’s move on to ‘Faith’ as defined in Webster. ‘Faith’ is unquestioning belief, specifically in God. Complete trust or confidence, loyalty.

Combining these two words together we may say ‘true faith’ is ‘our complete trust and belief in God that is authentic based on what is fact and accurate, the Lord God.’ You may come up with other variations, but you get the idea. It is a starting point. We can mix and match these definitions to help us explain ‘true faith’ and most would be within reason of each other, but what does ‘true faith’ look like from God’s perspective?

Christian compassion for one another is a major component of ‘true faith.’ Jesus said our love for each other will show the world we are His disciples. This is especially true of our love for our families. When there is a lack of love and concern for our families it is immediately noticed by unbelievers. Even most unbelievers care for their own families. Paul writes, “those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith.” (1Tim.5:8 nlt) It’s sad, but some Christians have indeed denied the true faith. This ought not to be. May our ‘true faith’ be authentic in the Lord God from His perspective having true love for another, especially those in our own household.

Devotionals

Consistent Faith   

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 14:22-33 NLT – Jesus Walks on Water – Immediately – Bible Gateway

“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29 NLT

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Consistent faith. Do you have it? Faith in God, the only one to put our faith and trust in. So, again, do you have consistent faith? How about limited faith, do you have that? We tend to think limited faith is better than having no faith at all. Perhaps that is true, but it can lead some disastrous outcomes. Having the faith to go all in with God requires our faith be consistent.

One of the most well-known stories in the New Testament is Jesus walking on the water. Many of us forget the fact that two people are recorded in the Bible for having walked on water. Peter is often forgotten. It could be because it didn’t end very well. We also forget the great faith it took for Peter to step out of that boat in the midst of stormy sea. Peter had faith in Jesus at the outset but when the wind and waves circled around him his faith sunk as did his body when he took his eyes off the object of his faith. Peter had great faith, but it wasn’t consistent when trouble surrounded him.

You may find yourself today struggling with your faith in God. You started out with great faith in the Lord, but things aren’t going as well as when you first stepped out of the boat. Question? Are your eyes still on Jesus or on the surrounding events or problems in the world and in your life? Consistent faith will see you through. God will not abandon you. Jesus didn’t let Peter sink but pulled him up from drowning in his lack of faith. The Lord will do the same for you, but a lot of stress and difficult times can be avoided with a little more consistency in our faith.