Scripture
Genesis 12
Podcast
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Let’s dive deeper into Genesis 12:1 & 4.
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (7 promises later…) So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years olds when he set out from Harran.
**The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household:
The Lord told Abram to leave all he had ever known. Obedience builds faith. When Abram obeyed and trusted God he stepped into a deep relationship with God Almighty and had his faith increased the more he experienced God’s faithfulness and presence. But, Abram was told to leave… why? (Check out the podcast to find out… )
What will God do with surrender and obedience?
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**to the land I will show you.
Abram didn’t know where he was going. God hadn’t revealed the destination to him, just the first step.
As we step out in obedience and surrender, God reveals more and more of HIs plan to us.
In Luke 8:22-27 Jesus told His disciples that would go across to the other side of the lake. The disciples chose to step into the boat and go with Him. They faced storms and uncertainty of the unknown. Jesus woke to distressed men in need of a Savior. He calmed the storm and questioned the disciples faith because when Jesus says “Let’s go over to the other side” He will fulfill His word and you’ll get there. It doesn’t mean there won’t be storms, but with Jesus ion your boat all will be well, our job is to lean on Him, trust in His word and have faith that He will guide and protect our steps of obedience into the unknown.
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(7 promises later…)
God made seven promises to Abram that would change his life and the world. Seven is the number of completion in scripture and it also is the number that represents God. In Revelations, 6 is distinguished as the number of man and 7 is the number of God. 6 always falls short of 7 and will never be 7. We, as humans, fall short of the glory of God and need His grace and righteousness through Jesus. It’s not a coincidence that God game Abram 7 promises. He is always faithful to complete the work He starts. He did it for Abraham and he will do it for you. (Philippians 1:6)
7 days of creation.
7 times the Israelites marched around the city of Jericho for 7 days and God delivered that city into the Israelites hands.
7 pairs of every kind of animal were on the ark.
7fold Spirit of God in Christ: Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, fear of the LORD, and a delight in obeying the LORD (Isaiah 11:2-3)
In Revelations….
7 churches in Asia (Rev. 1:4)
7 seals opened by the Lamb of God (Jesus) (Rev. 6:1)
7 angels stand before God (Rev. 8:2)
7 trumpets for 7 angels standing before God (Rev. 8:2)
7 golden bowls… of God’s wrath (Rev. 15:7)
…. to be continued…
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So Abram went, as the LORD had told him
Abram left his family, home and all that was known to follow a God and the unknown.
There are times when God will pull you away and out of some stuff so that you can grow in Him.
Abram’s willingness couldn’t have been easy or without pain. But he wanted the life and promises only God could give him. When we recognize that God’s ways are far better than our own we begin to want His ways over our own.
Hebrews 11:8-13 reveals that it was by faith that Abraham obeyed and went to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, even though he did not know where he was going. He was looking past the circumstance he could physically see and into an eternal legacy provided by God. Abrahma would not live to see the promises on earth, he only saw and welcomed them from a distance. He understood that his citizenship was in heaven not earth; therefore, he lived to obey and surrender to God, who’s ways and plans greatly surpassed his own.
We may not understand the reason or even see the purpose, but when we are obedient to God and desire His will, we will be blessed and be blessings to others. Surrendering to Him is the first step.
Are you ready? What can you do today, in this moment, to fully surrender?
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and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years olds when he set out from Harran.
Finally, this journey is not meant to be taken alone. Abraham has Lot, Sarah and the LORD. This is a journey of faith, find community and relationships to join you on this road.
There’s no age or moment in life that you have passed the point of being used by God.
Surrounding to God’s will, God’s way, will always cause us to step out of what’s comfortable and cozy, but the blessings of obedience greatly outweigh the pain of surrender.
Related Scripture
Hebrews 11:8-13
Philippians 1:6
Joshua 24:2-3
