
God’s Call and Covenant with Abram
As we transition from the Book of Job to Genesis 12, the focus shifts from the deep exploration of individual suffering and faith to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for humanity through the call of Abram (later Abraham). This pivotal moment in biblical history introduces God’s covenant relationship with Abram, through whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Abram’s journey of faith parallels Job’s trust in God, but it unfolds within the context of God’s plan to establish His chosen people. As we move forward, consider how the lessons of faith and reliance on God from Job carry into Abram’s story and how God’s plans are always working toward His ultimate purposes.
In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He will show him, promising to make Abram into a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. Abram obeys without hesitation, leaving behind everything familiar to follow God’s call. Uncertain of his future, Abram takes his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot and sets out for the land of Canaan, traveling as far as the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. The Abrahamic Covenant, introduced in these opening verses, includes promises of land, descendants, and blessing, with its ultimate fulfillment pointing to Christ. This covenant reveals God’s sovereignty and His initiative in salvation history (v. 1-9).
This chapter also highlights human weakness and God’s grace. Faced with a famine, Abram goes to Egypt, where he pretends Sarai is his sister to protect himself. Because of her beauty, Pharaoh takes Sarai into his palace. Despite Abram’s deception, God intervenes to protect Sarai, sending plagues on Pharaoh and his household, which ultimately leads to her release (v. 10–20). Although Abram’s obedience to God’s call demonstrates the essence of his strong faith, his failure to fully trust God, as seen in his deception in Egypt, reveals his human imperfections. We are reminded, in these passages, that God’s purposes are not dependent on human perfection. We can trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even when His plans are not fully revealed, knowing that His grace covers our shortcomings.
In Genesis 13, Abram and Lot return to Canaan, but their growing flocks create strife between their herdsmen (v. 5–7). To resolve the conflict, Abram offers Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating faith in God’s provision and a willingness to trust Him rather than rely on his own efforts. Motivated by its appearance, Lot chooses the fertile plain near Sodom. However, the people of Sodom were wicked and sinned greatly against the Lord (v. 10–13). Lot’s decision, driven by immediate benefits without considering the spiritual or moral consequences of his decision, foreshadows the moral corruption and eventual judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). In contrast, Abram lived in the land of Canaan. Here, God reaffirmed His covenant, promising him descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth (v. 14–17). Abram responds with worship, settling near Hebron and building an altar to the Lord (v. 18). Abram’s consistent practice of building altars demonstrates his heart of worship and gratitude. Likewise, it should encourage us to regularly acknowledge God’s blessings and faithfulness through worship in our own lives.
In Genesis 14, a coalition of four kings, led by King Kedorlaomer, wages war against five other kings, including those of Sodom and Gomorrah. During the conflict, Lot is captured along with his possessions (v. 12). When Abram hears of this, he gathers 318 trained men from his household, pursues the captors, and successfully rescues Lot and the other captives (v. 13–16). After the victory, Abram meets Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blesses Abram. In response, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he recovered (v. 17–20). The king of Sodom also offers Abram material wealth, but Abram refuses, choosing to rely on God for provision rather than accepting gifts that might compromise his testimony (v. 21–24).
In Genesis 15, God reaffirms His covenant with Abram through a vision. Abram expresses concern about his childlessness, noting that his only heir is a servant in his household. God assures Abram that he will have a son of his own and that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abram believes God, and his faith is credited to him as righteousness (v. 1-6). Abram’s faith being credited as righteousness reminds us that salvation is not about earning God’s favor but about trusting in Him.
God reminds Abram that He brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give him the land of Canaan as an inheritance. Abram asks for confirmation of this promise, and God instructs him to prepare a sacrifice by gathering and preparing specific animals. Abram obeys, cutting the animals in half and arranging them opposite each other, as was customary in ancient covenant sacrifices. Birds of prey attempt to descend on the sacrifices, but Abram drives them away (v. 7-11). As the sun sets, Abram falls into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness comes over him. God speaks to him, foretelling that his descendants will be enslaved and mistreated in a foreign land for 400 years but will eventually be delivered and leave with great possessions (v. 12-14). God assures Abram that he will live a long life and will die in peace (v. 15).
Overall, in Genesis 12–15, we see the foundation of God’s redemptive plan, the importance of faith and obedience, and the assurance that God’s promises are unshakable. These truths encourage us to walk by faith, trust in God’s timing, and live as His representatives in the world. Like Abram, we may not always see immediate evidence of God’s promises being fulfilled. However, we are called to trust in His timing and faithfulness. Whether it’s waiting for answers to prayers or holding on to His promises during trials, we can rest assured that God will keep His word.
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