Genesis 12 – Genesis 15

This is kind of exciting, isn’t it? Now 15 chapters into Genesis. Four days into our read. I’ve even gotten a few likes and followers. Being that I’m new to Blogging, I find that exciting. Don’t forget, you can comment and ask questions below. I’ll do my best to answer them. Also, come and join me Wednesday evening 6:30 in the Chapel at First, where we can share some conversation together. Now on to our readings . . .

As we begin chapter 12, we are going realize that Abram is a relatively cunning man. This is the first time, but won’t be the last that he uses something, or someone, to get what he wants. Sometimes, he does so with questionable motives. There is the call to Egypt due to a Famine, and what does Abram do? He essentially pimps his wife in order to provide 1) safety 2) numerous gifts given by Pharaoh. “Oh, her? She’s just my sister.” Really Abram? Really? I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t work if I even tried to suggest it to my wife! Never the less, for Abram’s sake, it works, and amazingly when Pharaoh finds out, Abram’s life is spared. One would think, that there would be vengeance and hatred. Instead, they are simply sent away. No doubt, God’s divine guidance was with them.

This guidance, provides Abram the assurance he needs as he and Lot part ways. Lot chooses the better land, but Abram knows that God is with them, and no matter when they go, they will be blessed. That’s how our chapters for day end. With Abram’s blessing . . .

‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’
God said to Abram, ‘So shall your descendants be.’
Genesis 15:5

A promise is made, a promise will be fulfilled. Even Abram and Sarai in their old age will have a child, who will have one, who will have another . . . Tying us all together in that age old Sunday School Song, “Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had Father Abraham, I am one of them, and so are you, so lets all praise the Lord!”

One last note for today, as we praise the Lord, a quick side note on Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God. It seems random. It seems odd. Even well before the temple and the order of the priesthood is established, we find this lone priest. But this priest is not alone. He is part of something much greater. It take until the book of Hebrews chapter 7 until we figure it all out . . . where Jesus Christ, is proclaimed “Priest forever of the order of Melchizedek.” So from the blessing given to Abram to the glories of the open tomb, God is there, so let’s all praise the Lord!

See you after our next readings. Genesis 16 – 18.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey