Living Room Study

Genesis 12

“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.  I will make you into a great nation; I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”  Genesis 12:1-3

When Abram was 75, God called him. This moment is known in Hebrew as “Lech L’Cha”, which means “Go!” or “Leave!” It is considered to be the official beginning of the Jewish people.

This moment is important to all mankind, because Abram’s faithful response resulted in his fruitless (childlessness) seed taking root and bearing a child (Isaac), whose offspring grew into the nation of Israel. Through Israel, God designed for Messiah to be brought forth. Through Messiah, all who believe in Him by faith (as Abram) receive atonement for their sins. Committing their lives to follow Jesus, believers become eternally saved.

Abram was asked to leave three things: Land, Relatives, Father’s house. These are the main influences, which mold a person’s thoughts and actions. In a spiritual (and sometimes physical) sense, we are all called by God to cut ourselves completely adrift from all associations that could possibly hinder our completion of the mission God calls us to.

But God’s call to “Leave!” comes with blessings attached.

Jesus said, “I assure you, there is no one who has left a house, wife or brothers, parents or children because of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more at this time and eternal life in the ages to come.”  Luke 18: 29-30

Notice that God calls Abram to no certain place: The land that I will show you. Of course, God knew where He was taking Abraham. Abram’s great faithful act was to simply trust the Lord’s voice, contrary to his understanding.

Are you struggling with whether to trust the Lord? I’ll tell you by experience, it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do…but Jesus has prepared a certain place to lead the faithful to. I am not speaking exclusively about Heaven. He has also set aside, work for each of us in this life and a Kingdom purpose. Let’s do as the disciples: Leave everything, and follow Him. (Luke 5)

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins