Servant Leadership Spreads

Servant Leadership Spreads

Genesis 18: ⁶ So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” ⁷ And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. ⁸ So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

 

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With excitement, Abraham ran into the tent to get her help in serving JESUS and the two angels. He was probably elated that GOD had come back, this time with angels. He enlisted the help of a young man to barbeque a young calf he chose. This must have taken hours.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham’s excitement led him to enlist his wife and a young man to cook a meal.
• Abraham gathered the best food he had to give to the LORD and the angels.
• Abraham acted as a waiter, setting the food before the LORD and the angels, standing there waiting on their needs.

 

Instead of telling people to bring him food, Abraham brought the food out and actively participated in the preparation of the meal. He probably did the washing of the feet himself as he promised earlier. Sarah and the young man probably could not help becoming excited after seeing Abraham’s face.

 

GOD had visited Abraham before, but only to deliver short messages. But this time seemed different. HE was willing to visit for hours. Everyone in the household could see who Abraham had conversations with over the years. This may have solidified their faith in GOD versus their faith in Abraham.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD use words like “hurried” and “quickly” and “hastened” when describing the event to Moses?
• Has GOD ever spoken to you and you got so excited that you wanted the help from others?
• Are you willing to spread your excitement about GOD to others today?

Servant Leader’s Attitude

 

Servant Leader’s Attitude

Genesis 18: Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. ² So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, ³ and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. ⁴ Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.”

They said, “Do as you have said.”

 

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Some time after Abraham was circumcised and healed, the LORD appeared to him with two angels. Abraham asked them to stay so he could wash their feet to provide relief. He then wanted them to eat to “refresh your hearts.”

 

My Observations:

• Abraham was a wealthy powerful man who understood GOD’s true power.
• Abraham did not flaunt his power, rather he sprung into action by getting everyone together to serve GOD.
• Abraham did not ask for anything from GOD, rather he wanted to simply serve HIM.

 

The LORD appeared near the terebinth trees. There seems to be something special about these trees because GOD met Abraham there a couple of times. Abraham seemed excited to simply serve. Maybe he wanted to be known as one who is hospitable. He was willing to open his house up to strangers and to share the best food.

 

GOD said HE would stay while Abraham gathered water for HIS feet and food for them to eat. It seems like GOD does not mind being served. It shows the heart of the person who can give a being who has everything a little of what we have.

 

This type of generosity may have stood out to GOD because Abraham did not keep the swag he retrieved from rescuing Sodom. Abraham’s servanthood seemed to come from the heart. He immediately sprung into action looking for ways to make his guests comfortable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about how hot it was?
• Have you checked your conversations with GOD to see if you are only asking for things?
• Are you willing to serve GOD simply to do it just for HIM versus getting something from HIM?

Still Acting with Immediacy

Still Acting with Immediacy

Genesis 17: ²³ So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very same day, as God had said to him. ²⁴ Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. ²⁵ And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. ²⁶ That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael; ²⁷ and all the men of his house, born in the house or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

 

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Twenty-four years earlier, GOD promised Abraham that he would have children, making him a “great nation.” Abraham waited eleven years and listened to his wife Sarah by having a child with her handmaid. It wasn’t until Abraham turned ninety-nine that GOD appeared to him again to confirm that Abraham’s plan was not HIS plan.

 

GOD then instructed Abraham to circumcise himself and every male associated with him. Even Ishmael.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham acted with immediacy to perform circumcision even after waiting twenty-four years.
• Abraham presented Ishmael as his plan to fulfil GOD’s plan.
• Abraham surrendered his plan to GOD by circumcising Ishmael, himself and every male associated with him.

 

“That very same day” means Abraham still had faith in GOD’s plan. When GOD appeared to Abraham at ninety-nine, HE said for the first time “I AM almighty GOD.” “I AM” is significant showing GOD’s sovereignty. Abraham bowed to this strange request of cutting off foreskin, simply for the reason of publicly showing alliance with GOD.

 

Abraham was the beginning of a group of people who believed in GOD together, rather than being born into an inheritance. The nation would provide the lineage of the physical CHRIST, but CHRIST may have been the one who spoke to Abraham in the first place. “I will be their GOD” is what was said to Abraham earlier. FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT spoke as one.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention to Moses how old Abraham and Ismael were when they were circumcised?
• Has your patience with GOD’s power and plan worn thin?
• Do you still act with immediacy when GOD says for you to do or believe in something HE said?

Emotional Rollercoaster

Emotional Rollercoaster

Genesis 17: ¹⁷ Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” ¹⁸ And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!”

¹⁹ Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. ²⁰ And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. ²¹ But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” ²² Then He finished talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

 

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Abraham experienced some strange requests from GOD. Leave your family’s land without knowing where you are going was the first strange request that Abraham obeyed. Rename yourself from Abram to Abraham was another strange request because Abram was known.

 

Cut off your foreskin along with everyone in your household was another strange request as a sign of human promise back to GOD. But now GOD was telling Abraham that he would have another child.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham secretly said to himself “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 
• Abraham tried to steer GOD towards Sarai’s plan.
• GOD told Abraham when the child would be born, then left abruptly.

 

Abraham was probably on an emotional rollercoaster after hearing the promise from GOD. He had believed everything said up to this point, but how in the world would his barren wife have a child not? Abraham knew about his ancestors. He knew that Shem lived six hundred years and had many children well into his years.

 

But people around him were probably dying at an age younger than one hundred. He too, may have felt the effects of getting older and wondered if he would die soon. GOD, knowing Abraham’s persistence, told him “No” in answer to his statement about Ishmael being the possible chosen child. GOD left abruptly, possibly because of Abraham’s inquisitive nature. The answer was final.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include the secret thoughts of Abraham in a conversation revealed to Moses?
• Has GOD told you a promise that seems to be taking a very long time to come to fruition?
• When GOD promises you something bigger than your imagination, how do you react?

Renamed for Purpose

Renamed for Purpose

Genesis 17: ¹⁵ Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but ^[g]Sarah shall be her name. ¹⁶ And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”

 

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Continuing HIS conversation with Abraham, GOD turns the focus to Sarai. HE renamed her Sarah and said HE would “bless her.” Sarai was barren. She may have grown up by the ways of the Chaldeans, a nomadic group of raiders. She believed that people could be property and mistreated Hagar, her Egyptian slave.  She thought of a plan to fulfill GOD’s promise, possibly because of shame for being barren.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai was blessed by GOD from birth.
• Sarai had strong faith as she went through famine, almost being taken and battles without complaining.
• Sarai, like Abraham, wanted GOD to win, but took matters in her own hands.

 

Renaming Sarai to Sarah was significant. GOD specifically had a purpose for her. HE would eventually perform a miracle that would show people HE is in control of the human body and spirit. GOD would bless Sarah, “AND” give Abraham a son.

 

This blessing would touch Sarah on many levels. For ninety years she was barren, then GOD tells Abraham she would be “the mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”  Sarah would not only be a mother, but a mother of many races and people groups. GOD erased Abraham’s and Sarah’s past and gave them purpose for HIM. This required them to be new.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about changing Sarai’s name to Sarah?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD’s purpose for you?
• Will you continue with strong faith in GOD’s purpose for you today?

Sign of the Covenant

Sign of the Covenant

Genesis 17: ⁹ And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. ¹⁰ This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; ¹¹ and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. ¹² He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. ¹³ He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. ¹⁴ And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

 

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Abram’s name was changed to Abraham by GOD. The promise was restated that Abraham would have so many descendants that they could not be numbered. But then GOD gives a strange commandment. “Every male child among you must be circumcised.” GOD then went into detail of what circumcision was and who was supposed to have it done to.

 

My Observations:

• GOD said to Abraham why HE wanted circumcision, namely it would be a sign of the covenant.
• GOD began setting apart a group of people who intentionally followed HIM.
• GOD recognized earth’s commerce and said even those purchased would need to be circumcised.

 

You, your children, your family, your friends and your employees need to be circumcised, were the words of the covenant that would begin setting apart the descendants of Abraham. A physical, permanent, outpatient operation would serve as a mark to other humans that he belonged to GOD as part of the promise. GOD does not go into detail of the root of the sigh.

 

GOD does say, “MY covenant shall be in your flesh.” The same flesh that conceived sin, will now bring forth a promise. The curse from GOD that was placed on Adam, caused every human to be born with a sin nature. GOD had in HIS plan a way to save all humans. Through Abraham, a descendant would be born.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD was so clear in HIS covenant to Abraham?
• Do you have any reminders of GOD’s promise to you?
• Can you take time today to look back at the promises GOD made between you and HIM?

Ready to be Renamed

Ready to be Renamed

Genesis 17: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. ² And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” ³ Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: ⁴ “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. ⁵ No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. ⁶ I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. ⁷ And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. ⁸ Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

 

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From seventy-five to ninety-nine, GOD kept telling Abram about this huge promise HE was going to do. Day one of the promise, Abram left the area where he grew up and immediately began walking, not knowing where he was going. GOD showed up and Abram thought that the promise had been fulfilled. Little did he know that famine, abduction and family dysfunction would be in store for him.

 

On a day that Abram wasn’t looking, GOD appeared to him and renamed him. HE then restated HIS promise to make his name great, and many nations would be his descendants.

 

My Observations:

• Abram was faithful at seventy-five, but probably needed to show long term faithfulness that finally appeared at ninety-nine.
• Abram went through famine, fights and fragmented family  without seeing GOD’s promise come to fruition.
• Abram was the first-person GOD renamed, probably showing Abram that he needed to be a new person.

 

The further away from the Garden of Edan, the shorter the lifespans became. Many people used to live over nine hundred years, but now the age of the elderly was at two hundred. For some, one hundred was very old. Abram may have gotten used to GOD making promises and wondered when the promise would happen.

 

Then the day finally came when GOD was about to act. HE renamed Abram to Abraham, and HE restated the promise of land acquisition. Canaan’s defiance of Noah’s curse would be overthrown in GOD’s time. GOD also announced JESUS through this covenant.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD waited twenty-four years to rename Abram?
• Has GOD ever promised you something and you are still waiting on the promise to come to fruition?
• Will you remain faithful to GOD, no matter how long HE is taking, knowing HE always keeps HIS promises?

Seen

Seen

Genesis 16: ¹³ Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” ¹⁴ Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

 

¹⁵ So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. ¹⁶ Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

 

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Hagar had a conversation with JESUS, the Angel of the LORD. She had probably heard about GOD from Abram, but may have never experienced HIM. JESUS sought out Hagar after she had escaped the persecution of Sarai. HE told her HE would make her have many descendants. When she heard this, she knew it was GOD speaking to her.

 

My Observations:

• Hagar’s situation did not change, only her mindset.
• Hagar had a rare face to face conversation with JESUS without asking, praying, giving, going to church or praising GOD.
• Hagar may have become committed to the LORD so she named the place Lahai Roi, possibly to remind her of what happened.

 

One thing to notice about Hagar’s encounter is that she did not ask for anything. She did not ask for Sarai to be kinder or for her to become rich enough to leave comfortably. She was so excited about seeing GOD and being seen by HIM, that she went back to serve under Sarai.

 

GOD changed her mind so that she could endure. She was part of GOD’s plan, even though she would not be the one who would fulfil the promise GOD made to Abram. Hagar’s encounter with JESUS made her see things differently. GOD saw Hagar.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Hagar seemed excited?
• Have you ever had a memorable encounter with the LORD?
• Do you know GOD sees you and wants HIS best for you today?

Blessed Up Plan

Blessed Up Plan

Genesis 16: ⁷ Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. ⁸ And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

 

She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

 

⁹ The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” ¹⁰ Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” ¹¹ And the Angel of the Lord said to her:

 

“Behold, you are with child,
And you shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the Lord has heard your affliction.
¹² He shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man’s hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”

 

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Hagar fled into the wilderness from Sarai. Abram heard from the LORD that he would have countless descendants. Sarai was barren and made Abram marry her maid Hagar so she would confiscate her child. But she got jealous and began to abuse Hagar.  Having nowhere to go, Hagar sat by a spring.

 

JESUS came to her and asked her questions HE knew the answers to. She did not tell HIM the full story, rather an abbreviated version. HE told her to go back. HE then said HE would make her have countless descendants.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS knew the mess Sarai made and blessed the plan anyway.
• JESUS saw Hagar, who never bowed to HIM before, and came to her because she was part of a larger plan.
• JESUS sent her back to a hostile place, but gave her a new spark of life, knowing she would be the mother of a great multitude of people.

 

What a messed-up plan. Sarai introduced dysfunction that would remain for years. Hagar may have feared for her life. BUT GOD told her HIS plan of protection. She could then, go back and face the harsh treatment. Despite the trouble, Hagar would become the mother of countless people.

 

Challenge

• Why does JESUS tell Moses about HIS conversation with Hagar?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wanted to escape?
• Even if it is difficult, will you continue on the journey with JESUS as your teacher and guide?

It’s Your Fault

It’s Your Fault

Genesis 16: ⁵ Then Sarai said to Abram, My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between you and me.”

 

⁶ So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence.

 

 

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Months after becoming pregnant, Hagar and Sarai did not get along. Sarai’s plan to fulfill GOD’s prophecy fell apart quickly. Now she had a mess on her hands. She stormed into Abram basically saying “It’s your fault!”  Abram, not wanting to be in the middle of the mess, said “you deal with it as you please.” Sarai was so harsh that she drove Hagar away.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai seemed to feel insecure about Abram’s promise from the LORD.
• Sarai may have gotten frustrated with people, knowing deep down that she may be the problem.
• Sarai took out her frustrations on Hagar.

 

Seeing Hagar pregnant every day was a reminder that something is wrong to Sarai. How was this promise going to come to fruition, Sarai must have thought. Jealousy, rage and insecurity may have caused Sarai to behave as she did. She was even frustrated with Abram, who went along with a terrible plan.

 

How in the world could GOD clean up this mess? GOD does not react. HE knew this mess would come and accounted for it. Sarai did not know what GOD could do. Same with you and me. We may get frustrated with our current situation, not knowing what GOD has in store. Sarai was frustrated and now Hagar felt persecuted. GOD was needed.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include the detail of Sarai’s blame of Abram to Moses?
• Have you ever gotten yourself in a mess and wanted to blame other people?
• If it is easy for you to blame other’s for your lack of relationship with GOD, will you ask HIM for more accountability today?

Insecure Plan

Insecure Plan

Genesis 16: Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. ² So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. ³ Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. ⁴ So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes.

 

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Abram seemed to have a close relationship with Sarai, his wife. He told her everything the LORD said to him. She may have seen his face light up as he talked about having so many descendants, humans could not count them. But they tried and tried and could not have children. Sarai may have felt terrible, so she thought up a plan.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai may have acquired Hagar after the LORD caused a drought in the original land, sending them to Egypt.
• Sarai’s Chaldean beliefs may have differed from Abram.
• Sarai came up with a plan based on her insecurities.

 

Hearing the stories about Shem, Abram’s ancestor, may have seemed like a fairytale to Sarai. Possibly raised as a Chaldean, people were also property in Sarai’s eyes. She could simply take the child because Hagar was considered her property. When her plan worked and the child was born, it made her feel worse, knowing she was barren versus Abram being infertile.

 

Sarai’s insecure plan would prove to be very difficult. Later we will see just how problematic this decision was. Sarai’s plan is not much different than yours or mine when we take matters in our own hands. She may have even sprinkled GOD in her plan, thinking it was HIS fault for causing the drought that sent them to Egypt, almost causing her to be taken by the Egyptians. The plan may have been caused by pain. BUT GOD knew about the plan.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention Sarai and Hagar to Moses?
• Have you ever heard a promise from GOD and tried to steer the outcome with your own plan?
• Is your relationship with GOD secure enough to allow HIM to do things HIS way and in HIS time?

Seen People

Seen People

Genesis 15: ¹⁷ And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. ¹⁸ On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:

 

“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— ¹⁹ the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, ²⁰ the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, ²¹ the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

 

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Relating to humans is easy to GOD. Relating to GOD is sometimes difficult for humans. We don’t understand what or who HE really is. Only what HE has revealed, can we catch a glimpse of who HE is. When HE appeared to Abram, this time it was in the form of a smoking oxen. GOD reveals four SPIRITS to one of HIS disciples centuries later, one of which was “like an ox.”

 

GOD possibly passed the burning torch between the sacrificed animals, burning them up in the process. HE then made a covenant, or a promise, with Abram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew about people who were against HIM and had plans for their demise, but in HIS time.
• GOD’s plan for Abram would be fulfilled centuries later.
• GOD’s promises transcend life as we know it.

 

By localizing the vision GOD had for Abram, you and I can catch a glimpse of how HE works. HE may provide a promise to you and me, but part of the promise may get fulfilled centuries later. The weird part about GOD is that HE sees people who despise who HE is or treat HIM irreverently by trying to make HIM into their image.

 

GOD seems to be using extreme restraint, grace and mercy on people who are blatantly doing wrong. That includes you and me. HE gives people plenty of time to turn from their ways and to believe they need the Savior, namely JESUS. GOD’s positive promises include those who confess HIM as LORD. HE also promises to take vengeance on those who do not.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD explains this vision to Moses?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD sees the wrong someone is doing to you or around you?
• Will you have peace, knowing GOD sees those who wronged you and HE will take vengeance on those who harm HIS people?

Future Foretold

Future Foretold

Genesis 15: ⁷ Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.”

 

⁸ And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”

 

⁹ So He said to 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.” ¹⁰ Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. ¹¹ And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

 

¹² Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. ¹³ Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. ¹⁴ And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. ¹⁵ Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. ¹⁶ But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

 

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GOD reiterate HIS promise to Abram, telling him that HE was going to give his ancestors the land. Abram asked a wise question ““Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”

 

My Observations

• GOD told Abram to bring HIM animals that were considered mature.
• GOD told Abram to bring different species of animals, which means they were symbols rather than food or clothing.
• GOD told Abram about the future of his descendants and his future.

 

This was the first time GOD mentioned sacrificing animals. Abram did not question the strange request, rather obeyed immediately, killed the animals, and waited. GOD carefully chose these animals, possibly to show the laws that would follow during the freeing of the people who would become captives. GOD being three in one, may also have meaning here.

 

Cows would eventually be sacrificed for purity. A scapegoat would be released into the wilderness, representing the release of sins. The dove and pigeons would become sacrifices for the poor. All of these sacrifices would point to the ultimate sacrifice, namely JESUS.

 

When nighttime hit, Abram fell into a deep sleep, possibly a supernatural sleep. He saw disturbing images that needed explanation. GOD explained Abram’s descendant’s future. Noah’s curse on Canaan led Canaan to rebel and create a movement against GOD. Egypt would enslave GOD’s people. GOD would release them and require sacrifices for sin. Abram’s future seemed bleak, BUT GOD gave him assurance.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD went into elaborate detail concerning Abram’s future to Moses?
• If you knew about your present situation, years ago, would you praise GOD or be more faithful?
• Can you remain faithful in the present, knowing GOD has a plan to prosper you?

Belief Accounted For

Belief Accounted For

Genesis 15: ⁴ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” ⁵ Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

 

⁶ And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

 

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After hearing GOD’s promise, Abram left the land of his father just like GOD said. He did not know when GOD would show up so he kept moving. GOD then showed up. Abram was excited! But then a famine hit and he had to leave the land GOD showed him. He went to Egypt and almost had his wife taken from him. BUT GOD intervened.

 

Upon return, He had so much stuff, that him and Lot could no longer live together in peace. They separated to Lot’s demise. Abram had to rescue Lot and return the stuff to evil people. Abram said to GOD, after all this, “I still have no children.”

 

My Observations:

• Abram needed to hear from GOD when his patience was running low.
• Abram heard from GOD and immediately believed.
• GOD saw Abram’s belief and “accounted it to him for righteousness.”

 

Since GOD does not react, HE saw Abram’s belief before he was born. HE sees the same in you and me. GOD knows our heart. Unfortunately, we don’t. HE gives us free will to choose HIM and accounts for any belief we do immediately.

 

Abram’s belief needed to be renewed. When he heard from GOD, he may have felt better and was able to move forward in belief in GOD, stronger than before.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this conversation with Abram?
• Have you ever had a moment that you needed your faith renewed?
• When GOD speaks to you through HIS word, do you immediately believe?

Timing Questioned

Timing Questioned

Genesis 15: After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

 

² But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”

 

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After about ten years had passed since hearing the amazing promise GOD made, Abram started to get frustrated. Knowing what was on his mind, the LORD appeared to Abram in a vision, reminding him that the promise was still in effect. Abram expressed his frustration to the LORD by saying he remained childless.

 

My Observations:

• Abram had a solid relationship with the LORD that he could ask questions about the promise GOD made.
• Abram believed right away, but after a decade, wondered what’s the hold up.
• Abram did not blame GOD or question if it was a sin that kept him from the promise.

 

After a decade of waiting on the promise, nothing happened. Abram received the promise when he was seventy-five years old. He may have told his wife, friends and workers that he was going to have a child. He remained faithful, but probably wondered “when?” I can relate to what Abram was going through, can’t you?

 

Abram did as he was told, no matter how strange it seemed. He did not once question if he heard GOD correctly or if GOD was the ultimate liar, needing to hear “but YOU promised.” Instead, Abram stated the fact that GOD made a promise that required children and he had no child up to this point. Abram remained respectful while stating facts.

 

Challenge

• Why does it seem that GOD delayed on HIS promise to Abram?
• Has GOD made a promise to you that has not come to fruition yet?
• Are you willing to ask GOD about the facts of your promise while remaining respectful and hopeful?

Gifts Were Given

Gifts Were Given

Genesis 14: ¹⁸ Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said:

 

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
²⁰ And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

 

And he gave him a tithe of all.

 

²¹ Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”

 

²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— ²⁴ except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”

 

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Upon Abram’s successful return, he was met by the King of Sodom to be thanked for getting all the stuff back. Abram was then met by Melchizedek king of Salem. He was the priest of GOD MOST HIGH. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all that was taken from Sodom, Lot and all the people. He did this in front of the king of Sodom, who then asked for slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Abram chose to give a tenth of the “Plunder” to Melchizedek.
• Abram could have kept all the stuff for himself, but chose to give some of it away and the rest back to their owners.
• Abram then told the king of Sodom that he would not allow the thought of being made rich from a person who practiced evil against the LORD.

 

Gifts were given to Melchizedek; I believe because he followed GOD with all his heart. Melchizedek was a servant leader who GOD recognized as the first priest. He may have led the people through servant leadership and was therefore not invited to fight with the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. Melchizedek did not ask for anything, instead offered a blessing over Abram.

 

Meanwhile, the King of Sodom was worried about stuff and slaves. Abram, through this action, set a precedence for giving that would later become a law to support the Levitical priests. Abel sacrificed an animal to GOD showing belief in GOD’s mercy. Abram was the first to give to a priest, because of the priest’s relationship with GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD call Melchizedek a priest and mention him to Moses?
• Have you ever felt like you do not have enough?
• What is GOD asking you to do with your stuff?

Tiny Wins

Tiny Wins

Genesis 14: ¹³ Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by ^[c]the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. ¹⁴ Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. ¹⁵ He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. ¹⁶ So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.

 

¹⁷ And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.

 

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Weeks after Lot’s capture, someone who had escaped, made it back to Abram. He told Abram everything that happened. Abram gathered a tiny army of three hundred eighteen trained servants, born in his house. Abram may have trained them himself, because he learned the ways of the Chaldeans and picked up ways of the Amorites, where he lived.

 

Abram’s tiny army would probably blend in during the day and sneak into camp at night, killing off the defense, little by little. Soon the rebellious king Chedorlaomer’s army was defeated.

 

My Observations:

• Abram’s army was tiny in comparison to the thousands they face from other armies.
• This encounter is the first of many battles between humans that showed a clear separation between those who followed GOD and those who did not.
• The king of Sodom, still remaining cowardly, met Abram in a valley where Abram’s forces could be seen on all aides.

 

When GOD wiped out humans with the flood because their thoughts were violent and evil, HE saved only a handful of people to propagate the earth. BUT HE knew evil was still among the handful. This evil was from Satan himself. The attitude of developing a replica of the Garden of Eden, showed that humans did not need GOD.

 

Cities, towers and currency ruled instead of bowing down to GOD. Abram and his tiny army may have bowed to GOD and also understood that there were no negotiations with those who would kill first and steal others. GOD allowed humans to take justice into their own hands. Abram retrieved Lot, Sodom’s stuff, the women and the people. He set everyone free from captivity.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Abram’s tiny army was successful in freeing those who were taken into captivity?
• Have you ever felt small, but were faced with something big?
• Can you have faith that GOD can use your small numbers to show HIS greatness?

Caught in the Middle

Caught in the Middle

Genesis 14: ⁸ And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim ⁹ against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. ¹⁰ Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. ¹¹ Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. ¹² They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

 

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Having studied the land, Lot chose to move to an area that had lush greenery. Sodom and Gomorrah “looked” like a great place to live. But Lot did not study the inhabitants. They were fully against GOD and possibly did as they pleased, thinking it was freedom. Their ingenuity led them to possibly build a replica of what they thought, the Garden of Eden looked like.  But neighboring kings were jealous.

 

My Observations:

• Lot may have wanted the best but at a cost of compromising his values.
• Lot had no idea he would lose all of his stuff and be taken as a slave.
• Lot was probably in anguish, not knowing what would become of him.

 

Not knowing the terrain, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled in terror. They may have thought they had an advantage by outnumbering the opponent. But their advantage was turned into a disadvantage because of the unfamiliar tarpits. Their opponents may have known where each tarpit was and could navigate the terrain with ease. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled.

 

All their stuff, including Lot and his stuff, were taken. The replica of the Garden of Eden was left desolate. The marauders took everything and went back to their land. Human ingenuity was used against human ingenuity.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the uneven number of kings against kings to Moses?
• Are you looking at something from a human perspective without consulting GOD?
• Are you willing to take a moment to ask GOD if the plan you are about to do, is HIS versus yours?

Rebelled and Attacked

 Rebelled and Attacked

Genesis 14: And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, ² that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). ³ All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). ⁴ Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

 

⁵ In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, ⁶ and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. ⁷ Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar.

 

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Egypt had a Pharaoh who was revered as a god. But other places instituted kings who were great warriors. The people who followed these leaders did not see value in following GOD. When Canaan rebelled and started many cities, a rebellious attitude lingered amongst those he led. Temporary alliances were formed and broken. People were attacking one another.

 

My Observations:

• Rebelling against GOD led to rebelling against other humans.
• Kings were first mentioned here in a negative way.
• GOD said humans were still evil, yet HE would not wipe them out with a flood.

 

Creating heaven on earth led to jealousy amongst those who did not share in those comforts. Wells watered plants, making them lush and green. Animals had plenty to eat. People had shelter and enjoyed life’s luxuries. But this would only last so long.

 

Lot left Abram, seeking a better life. Instead, he ended up in a warzone. He stayed there for years, but things got bad . Rebellion and attacks became the norm. What looked good on the surface was now a curse. Fear and hatred were now dominant in the area.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this first set of kings?
• Have you ever wanted something better and found yourself in a worse situation?
• Is there a part of you that wants to rebel against GOD so your following can grow?

A Bigger Vision

A Bigger Vision

Genesis 13: ¹⁴ And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; ¹⁵ for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. ¹⁶ And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. ¹⁷ Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”

 

¹⁸ Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord.

 

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Lot was raised by Terah, Abram’s father. He knew how to manage wealth and recognized opportunity when he saw it. Unfortunately, some of the opportunity he saw was from people who despised the LORD. Lot seemed torn between wealth and his heritage of following the LORD. When he left, GOD appeared to Abram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD could have appeared to Abram and Lot, but HE waited.
• Abram thought the first little place GOD showed him was the final place.
• Abram seemed to have so much faith, that he moved without complaining.

 

Possibly seeing that GOD had something bigger than he realized, Abram did not question GOD by asking “Why didn’t you show me this in the first place?” Lot had to leave before the bigger vision was given to Abram. Everywhere Abram looked was given to his descendants. Abram’s name would become so great that no human could ever count his descendants.

 

This meant that the vision was supernatural in nature. “I will” meant that GOD made a promise that would happen. “From the place” where Abram was, where he thought was the end of the vision, GOD showed something far greater. Abram did not have to lift a finger or try harder to have a better relationship with GOD. He just had to have faith.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD waited for Lot to leave before HE showed Abram the bigger vision?
• Are you clinging onto a circle of people who may be keeping you in a smaller vision?
• Are you willing to open your eyes to a bigger vision GOD has for you that includes you in HIS plan?

Best Trap

Best Trap

Genesis 13: ⁸ So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. ⁹ Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”

 

¹⁰ And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. ¹¹ Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. ¹² Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. ¹³ But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.

 

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After being tricked by Satan, Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden. Cain, may have tried to build his own garden, since he and everyone else, was not allowed back in the place that was heaven on earth. BUT GOD rejected Cain’s “sacrifice” of vegetables from his garden. From that moment, Cain and his descendants despised GOD.

 

BUT GOD saw their hearts. Only a few people willingly walked with HIM. HE told Noah to build an ark. HE saved only Noah and his family. After the flood Shem followed the LORD. But Canaan did not. Canaan sought power. Noah cursed Canaan, but Canaan rejected the curse. He founded many cities. Sodom was one of them. He was brilliant. He and his followers felt they could make heaven on earth, despite GOD. Lot chose what Cain and Canaan chose, namely “the bast.”

 

My Observations:

• Humans seem to want the comforts of heaven, while being on earth.
• Lot saw the best places on earth as an opportunity to grow wealthy and live lavishly.
• The places Lot chose were the most evil places on earth.

 

Seeing the best places became a temptation for Lot. He overlooked the people, perhaps thinking he would not be affected by what they were doing. Unfortunately, he would be wrong. The “best” place without GOD is the worst place anyone could be. He may have thought his upbringing could withstand the temptations wealth and power could bring.

 

Sodom had men who were very smart, super productive yet cursed GOD, possibly because of HIS just decision to throw Adam and Eve out of the garden. They no longer believed that GOD created the land they claimed and built a replica of the garden that was “well watered” everywhere. Lot may have been tired of famines and fighting. He wanted the best and did not know he was falling into a trap.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone from GOD as HE explains Lot’s choice to Moses?
• Have you ever wanted the best, overlooking the consequences of getting the best?
• Can you seek GOD and HIS kingdom first as your best instead of seeking human kingdom’s that may exclude HIM?