To begin this week's comments, I must apologize for asking for a "word" to describe the chapter when, in fact, I chose "words"....plural!  Jan, what a wonderful "word" you chose and I look forward to possibly hearing what the rest of you chose as a single word or multiple words that describe the chapter!  Let's get started!

As we begin Chapter 13, the NIV translation begins with the wording, “So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev…”  The words that stand out to me, “up from” proves a redirection has occurred after going “down” to Egypt. The GPS has been recalculated and Abram’s back on track.

Abram returns to Bethel, location of the second altar he built to the Lord, Abram calls out to God once again.  At this point the chapter explains the physical separation of Abram and Lot.  Evidently their herds are large and their perspective employees are arguing about the identity of flocks and equal dispensation of food for the livestock.  Simply put, there wasn’t enough land for all the animals to exist and time had come to find additional feeding grounds.

Abram, not wanting to dispute with his nephew, gave Lot the choice of land and there was quite a bit of land from which to choose.  Upon review, Lot chose a prime location, the whole plain of Jordan.  Now if you look at a map you will see the land surrounding the Jordan is fertile, well-irrigated terrain with lush vegetation.  Two items are apparent at this juncture in the documented story of Abram and Lot. 

First, Lot saw and jumped at the chance to have the best of the lands.  Some commentaries call it greed, I call it youth.  Lot is going to say good-bye to an uncle who has been like a father to him.  In our youth we often become afraid of what the future holds.  Will we be able to provide for ourselves?  Wouldn’t having the choicest of lands with an irrigation system included be the best option for all those I am now to provide for and take care of?  Youth usually desire the easiest possible route.

Secondly, Abram is demonstrating a benevolent side to his character.  A fatherly gesture in wanting to send Lot off equipped with every possible necessity.  If you have been in that parental position or have been responsible for a young person taking off for an independent living arrangement, you understand.  Abram probably learned the hard way in Egypt that God truly meant the gift of a covenant blessing and that regardless of the land Abram was to possess, God was in control.  A powerful lesson to learn, my friends.

So the two men part ways.  Lot headed to the Jordan Valley and Abram to Canaan, the designated goal God had set for Abram from the onset of the journey.  I’d like to point out a couple of items in closing this particular chapter.

First, God’s words of comfort and encouragement to Abram.  After Lot had departed God spoke to Abram, “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west.  All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.  I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.  Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.”  I would have been blown completely out of the water!  Reiterating the statement, “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.”  God uses various wording in scripture to explain to Abram how numerous his offspring would become in fulfillment of the covenant blessing.

Why did God give these words of encouragement at this point to Abram?  Well, the closest Abram was to a son at this point was Lot and Lot just headed out on a life of his own.  How does one have offspring as numerous as the dust of the earth without an apparent heir?  How old is Abram at the time?  Let’s say the biological clock is ticking for both Abram and Sarai and there is no heir in sight.  Believing and not seeing, that’s a tough issue for us humans.

Words of comfort from God Almighty are needed when you send those babies off on their own.  From the moment they are born and laid in your arms you become the sole provider, teacher, protector, nurturer and on and on and on we could go.  Then at age 18 we watch as we pack up their clothes, their needed essentials and hope all the lessons of the Lord, faith, values and morality invested have become part of who they are and will continue to be when the smorgasbord of freedom is presented with no holds barred.  I believe Abram had the same concerns for Lot.

Secondly, the view from Lot’s camp.  He is headed toward Zoar that closely aligns with the people of Sodom.  Although we know the story, this is a must lesson to review as we continue next week with chapter 14.  Scripture read, “Now the people of Sodom were very evil and were always sinning against the Lord.”  Think Abram knew this menacing fact?  Think Abram had spent time with Lot to explain the perils of idol worship?  Please recall Abram’s family was in the business of making idols.  Lot had to know the hazards of a disobedient lifestyle in God’s eyes with Abram as his teacher.

Our children, our lives, our destinations are all in God’s Almighty and All-knowing hands.  I can feel in the pit of my stomach the ache of relinquishing control of my babies into God’s capable care.  Lessons I could not have taught them, God has taught while strengthening their faith and trust in a God that loves them more than I ever could.  I need to continue living for Christ the best way I know how.  Abram did the same thing.  The end of the chapter says Abram moved his tents as God had instructed and built the third altar in Hebron to God’s glory.  Giving over our kids’ futures to God and continuing to do those things God as called us to do is our designated journey.  To God be the Glory! 

Thank you Jesus, for reminding me through this chapter written about Abram and Lot that you know, you see, you understand and you love on a level we can only hope to touch this side of heaven.  Fill us with confidence that turning our lives and loved ones over to you is not only smart, it’s faith.  Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 14 and answer the following questions as you study: 

1.      Why is this battle between kings significant to the story of Abram and Lot?  What is brought to light through the story?

2.    Who is Melchizedek?  See what you can learn and discover about this priest.

3.    If you could summarize a greater lesson being taught through this chapter, what would it be?

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
The Call of Abram, Chapter 12

Acts 7: 2-3 “Stephen answered, ‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me.  Our glorious God appeared to Abraham, our ancestor, in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran.  God said to Abraham, Leave your country and your relatives, and go to the land I will show you.’  So Abraham left the country of Chaldea and went to live in Haran.”

After looking through maps and various readings, Abram left the land of Ur which is located on our Biblical maps in the Mesopotamia/Babylon area between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers after his ORIGINAL call from God.  (Note: the Garden of Eden was possibly located between these two rivers!)  The land of Ur was a wealthy, prosperous area that worshipped pagan gods.  A huge ziggurat (remember the lesson on the Tower of Babel?) existed for the pagan worship practices.

Once God called Abram, there were two possible traveling routes.  One route went across the Arabian Desert and the other along the Euphrates.  As you might recall Abram’s father, Terah, was traveling with him.  As I contemplated this fact I reflected on travel arrangements Gary and I have designed in consideration of older parents.   I would readily plan a trip by the Euphrates, even if it meant a longer journey, than escort my folks through the desert lands. 

I feel we must address Abram’s father, Terah (name means “wild goat” or “wanderer”).  Was Terah a converted believer or not?  All accounts I have been reading depict Terah as an idol maker and worshipper.  That report is factual; however, did Terah’s heart change from idol worshipper to believer in God that enabled him to leave family and head out with his son, Abram? 

The latter part of Chapter 11, verse 31 reads that Terah “took his son Abram…” leading me to believe he was in favor of the travel plans and left of his own accord.  Numerous articles are found on the internet from various religious groups explaining their various philosophies and ideas concerning Terah.  I would like to believe Terah traded his idol worship for the One True God and if he was traveling in the camp with Abram I’m sure the practice of idol worship was unconceivable.

Terah did not complete the trip to Canaan with Abram.  Due to his age or probably tired of travel, Terah needed to rest.  Abram did settle in the area of Haran (some translations spell this word Harran).  Here the family stayed until after the death of Terah.  It was then the Lord spoke to Abram again and reminded him that he needed to continue with God’s previously designated travel plans.  It is in the first verses of Chapter 12 God first reveals the covenant blessing on Abram and his descendants.  Just take a few moments to read this blessing God bestows on Abram’s seed:

1.      I’ll bless you

2.    I’ll bless others through you

3.    I’ll make you a great nation

4.    I’ll make you known/famous

5.    I’ll bless people who bless you

6.    I’ll curse people who curse you

7.    I’ll bless ALL the people on earth through you

I don’t know about you, but that’s a powerful blessing.  So after a period of time that some refer to as “the wasted years in Haran” Abram, at age 75, picked up and carried on.  Remember, Lot was among the group of participants headed to the land of promise.  Lot’s father, Haran (these names surface as places as well as names) had already passed away and Abram took it upon himself as Lot’s uncle to provide for him.

Now for the journey; Abram set out with his wife, Sarai (names have not been changed) and all their servants, animals and everything they personally owned and headed to Canaan.  When they came to Shechem, scripture reads that the Lord appeared to Moses and verbalized, “To your offspring I will give this land.”Abram immediately honored the Lord by building an altar.

From Shechem the family continued until they arrived at Bethel.  If you have maps in the back of your Bible, look up the travels of Abram.  (My NIV has a map entitled, “World of the Patriarchs” and you can follow this journey.)  Here Abram called on the name of the Lord and built another altar.   Difference in the two altars?  Sometimes the Lord comes to us and speaks as He did at Shechem.  However, there are times we need to praise and thank the Lord without verbally hearing from Him as Abram demonstrated at Bethel.

Now for the crux of the lesson; verses 10-20 demonstrate once again man in his human mental capacity.  Our little finite minds cannot comprehend the greatness of our God!  After God explains this beautiful covenant promise, Abram doubts that God can pull it off.  The tempter steps in and there is a famine.  What to do?  Well, there’s food in Egypt, so we’ll head in that direction.  Ironically, when bad decisions are made scripture subtly adds the detail, “Abram went down to Egypt..”  The operative word being “down”.  That has always hinted to me that it wasn’t the best move, but God will get the glory.

So Abram and company go “down” to Egypt and immediately conjure up a plan of deceit.  We have all probably heard the story of passing off his wife, Sarai, as his sister since she was beautiful and Abram feared for his life if Pharaoh decided to add her to his harem and get rid of the husband.  Bad move.  Look at the consequences. 

1.      Abram got off the path God had chosen for him and his family (going “down” to Egypt).

2.     Abram lied about Sarai’s identity (although history traces Sarai as a half-sister to Abram, she is officially Abram’s wife)

3.    Sarai is taken into the Pharaoh’s palace as a concubine

4.    Diseases are inflicted on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s sin

5.    Abram and company are escorted out of the country

Reflect…look back at the list of blessing….”I will curse those that curse you, I will bless all peoples on earth through you.”  Did Abram not realize that his sin would bring consequences on all those surrounding him?  Disease was inflicted upon Pharoah and his household and they were clueless regarding their erroneous actions.  Was disease inflicted quickly before Pharoah had a chance to be with Sarai?  I suspect so, but God had a plan and Abram needed to stick with God’s agenda.

Father, we know in our human condition we aren’t deep thinkers at times.  Please enhance our awareness to sin and eliminate anything from our decision making process that would harm our testimony and prevent glory being given to you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 13 and answer the following questions as you study:

1.      Operative word given in verse 1 of this chapter after all the troubles Abram has seen in Egypt.  What do you suppose that word is?

2.    What is going on between the herdsmen of Abram and those of Lot?  What is the final solution to the problem?

3.    What do you think about the solution?  Was it fair?  How was it determined?

4.    What possible danger awaits Lot?  Do you think Abram is aware of the danger?

 
 
A week of rest 03/15/2010
 

As requested by my co-founder of the BLBS, we are taking a week to rest, reflect and catch up!   I am hoping this is not a disappointment for our participants, but occasionally we need to slow down,.  Resting is an important feature in our spiritual growth and I addressed this issue somewhat in the weekly devotional thought.  Let me hear from you if a moment's opportunity avails itself to share how you are personally doing in this study.  I'd love to chat with each one of you this week, if possible.  Of course, I don't have a roster, so either email at the address tsbtm@comcast.net or write using the comment button at the right hand corner of this blog. 

I look forward to continuing with Abram

 
 
Thanks to everyone who replied in the comment section of the study.

Gary, I was once again reminded of how shocked and pleased we were to hear the vocal evidence at the Grand Canyon that supported the recorded flood in Genesis!

Cindy, good points brought up concerning capital punishment from Chapter 9.  After referring to the commentary I’m using here in Florida, the comment was made, “The institution of capital punishment presupposes (requires beforehand) the establishment of governmental authority.  It would be chaos if anyone and everyone avenged a murder.  Only duly appointed governments may do so.  The NT perpetuates capital punishment when it says concerning the government, ‘…he does not bear the sword in vain’ (Romans 13:4)” So we do know that the concept is supported in both the New and Old Testaments, but I agree the human element flaws the appointed system.

Jan, once again thanks for the words of encouragement.  I’m delighted that everyone is learning and enjoying the find of nuggets along the way.  I like your analysis for “grow in number and fill the earth” and its possible affect concerning the Tower of Babel!  Life was shortening with year span and that point was a good one to be made.  I will be addressing Mr. Nimrod in this week’s response. 

Thanks for all of you for your continued diligence to studying God’s precious Word….let’s see what He has for us this week!

Chapter 10

I would like to address the tribes/peoples that have evolved from the sons of Noah.  But first, let’s review.  Adam had three sons; Cain, Abel and Seth.  Cain killed Abel and therefore the lines continued through Cain and Seth.  Noah is in the line of Seth, of course, since Cain was cursed after killing his brother over an inappropriate offering to God. 

The three sons of Noah were; Shem, Japheth and Ham.  We studied last week that Ham was cursed after going into the tent of Noah and seeing that his father was lying naked, he went and told his older brothers.  Shem and Japheth entered the tent with a covering walking backwards and covered their father.  When Noah was told of these events, he cursed Ham.  The actual wording was, “May there be a curse on Canaan!”  Now, I want to throw out a point that Jan brought up last week.  Jan asked why did the sin fall on Canaan and not Ham?  Upon further investigation here is what I found.  Ham was thought to possess an evil tendency that was more pronounced in his son, Canaan. 

As I mentioned last week, time has elapsed from the exodus of the ark until this particular incident.  Ham could have possibly had children that were older since we aren’t privy to the timeline.  In fact, it is thought that Canaan committed a vulgar act against his grandfather and Noah knew what had transpired and who committed the act.  It is also believed that Noah could have been referring to his grandson when the comment was made in scripture, “When he woke up and learned what his youngest son, Ham, had done to him, he said, ‘may there be a curse on Canaan!’”

Evidently the word used in the Bible for “son” can also mean “grandson” or other descendant.  Canaan is being given the sentence for his own sin and not that of his father according to the references I have been using.  Amazing, isn’t it?   Moving forward, Canaan was now cursed to serve Shem and Japheth.

Now the descendants of these three sons as dealing with various people groups:

Shem:  The Semitic peoples; Jews, Arabs, Assyrians, Armeans, Phoenicians

Japheth: The Japhetic peoples; Medes, Greeks, Cypriots, etc.; the Caucasian people of Europe and northern Asia.  Some scholars believe the Orientals are included in this genealogy.

Ham:  The Hamitic peoples; Ethiopians, Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, Babylonians, possible the African and Oriental peoples, though many scholars view the Orientals as Japhetic.

As discussed earlier, God is going to center on Shem and his descendants during the rest of the Old Testament writings.  As you look over the comment regarding languages in verse 31 of Chapter 10, possibly there is a hint of the fallout of the activities surrounding the Tower of Babel.  Also, verse 32 alludes to families who were spread across the earth after the flood….another reference to the events of Babel.

Now for Mr. Nimrod, whose name means “rebel.”  I’ll give you three guesses which line he is descended.  Yes, fellow students, Ham is the correct answer.  Ham’s son, Cush (not the Canaan line) had a descendant named Nimrod.  Nimrod was a fabulous hunter and was regarded as a mighty warrior.  I would assume he had quite a following and the ability to draw people into his cause.  In verse 10 of Chapter 10, Nimrod had a kingdom (the first individual to establish a kingdom) that covered Babylon, Erech, Akkad and Calneh in the land of Babylonia.  I’m thinking that’s a lot of acreage.  He didn’t stop there.  He added lands in Assyria which included Nineveh (do visions of Jonah come to mind?) and great cities.  It’s quite impressive.  So why stop there?  Nimrod built Babel in Babylonia.  The thought is he was in rebellion against God.

Now as we begin Chapter 11, we are reminded of Jan’s comment that instead of filling the earth as God instructed, men built a city and a tower in Babylonia and flippantly remarked they were going to built a name for themselves instead of being scattered all over the earth.  Once again, in pride and defiance man has decided that God’s instructions can be set aside for human gain.  And that issue continues, my friends.  We can never reach the heavens regardless of how hard we try.  We simply need to receive the free gift of salvation offered by God.

It actually appears the materials used to build the tower implemented substances such as bricks and tar which were executed to withstand “acts of nature.”  Ironically, these elements had not previously been incorporated in this craft.  Hardened substances as brick continually remind me of man’s hardened hearts aligned with his limited finite knowledge about Almighty God.  Another note:  The Tower of Babel might have been similar to a “ziggurat” which was built by the Babylonian people as a place of worship to their chief god named Marduk.  Wow, and these people thought God would allow that place to stand?

In judgment for this defiant act, God visited them in verse 5 as we read, “The Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the people had built.  The Lord said, ‘Now, these people are united, all speaking the same language.  This is only the beginning of what they will do.  They will be able to do anything they want.  Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not be able to understand each other.’”  And that is exactly what happened.  Can you imagine understanding what your good friend is saying to you one minute and in the next instant you cannot understand one word coming out of her mouth?  Well, that’s what these people experienced.  What an awesome God we serve.  Our dependence is to be on Him, not on what we can do as a people together without Him!

So, the people did spread out and fill the earth as the same languages went together to various cities to begin building a life in multiple groups instead of one huge group with probably Nimrod at the head!

Continuing, verses 10-25 focuses on Shem’s descendants to Terah, Abram’s father.  Terah is a very interesting individual as he left his family (only one to do so) and headed out to the land of Canaan.  Remember they were living in Ur of Babylonia and the relatives were worshippers of idols.  We are not given a dream or particular instructions, but Terah must have believed he needed to get his family away from this influences.  Terah had three sons; Abram, Nahor and Haran.  Haran was the father of Lot which many of us remember through the upcoming story of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Haran died before leaving Ur.  Abram and Nahor were both married and Haran’s wife is not mentioned. 

Now, here are some very important facts; first, Abram was called of God BEFORE he left the country of the Ur of the Chaldeans (in Babylonia).  Although it’s not printed here, Acts 7:2-3 recorded this information.

I have always thought that Terah was the influencing factor and perhaps he was ONE of the factors, but Terah willingly followed his son’s lead.  I think I was overly influenced by the expression “Terah “took” his son Abram….”

In verse 31 we are told, “Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot (Haran’s son), and his daughter-in-law Sarai (Abram’s wife) and moved out of Ur of Babylonia.  They had planned to go to the land of Canaan, but when they reached the city of Haran, they settled there.  Terah lived to be 205 years old, and then he died in Haran.”

Secondly, the town of Ur of the Chaldeans was a wealthy, prosperous area.  However, it was a center of pagan idolatry.  God wanted to separate Abram and his family from these influences. 

Lastly, it appears that Terah and Abram became responsible for Lot, Haran’s son.  Nahor evidently decided to stay behind since he is not listed as accompanying the rest of the family on this move.

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT WEEK, March 15th:

We now begin with the Call of Abram.  This is very important information.  We will only do Chapter 12 since we want to carefully understand the covenant that will be made with Abram and the beginning of his journey ordained by God.  Look up the verses in Acts 7:2-3 and then find whatever initial information you can find on Abram.  It will also be a good week for you to review what we’ve studied thus far to serve as a springboard for one to whom reference is given in scripture as the “God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.”

Father, I am so in awe of your magnificence.  God I am so unworthy to lead these faithful followers of Yours in unfolding the understanding of scriptures.  Who am I, Lord that you would choose me?  But I am thankful and I continually pray that it would never be me they see, but only You.  I pray each of these loved ones would have a blessed day and that you would multiply their time that they might spend moments of each day conversing with You.  Open their minds that they would understand and their eyes that they will see the beauty and the power of the One who gave His life that we could live eternally.  In Jesus’ precious name, I pray.  Amen

 

 
 
 
The Covenants made thus far in scripture

Three covenants that have been made to this point in our study.  I think it’s of utmost importance to understand God’s promises throughout our "digging" and the provisions being made by God for His creations.

The Edenic Covenant: Genesis 1:28-30 and 2:16, 17*

This covenant made man, before he sinned, responsible to multiply and populate the earth.  Man was to subdue the earth and was given authority over all animal life.  Being established as the groundskeeper of the garden he was to cultivate it and use the garden to produce food for consumption.  The only exception was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Disobedience to this instruction would bring death.

 

The Adamic Covenant: Genesis 3:14-19*

Once man disobeyed God’s instructions, God first cursed the serpent and predicted the enmity that would occur between the serpent and woman…between Satan and Christ Jesus.  This prediction meant that Satan would bruise the heel of Jesus (injure him), but Satan would be destroyed by Christ.  Secondly, woman would experience pain in childbirth and be under the authority of her husband.  Lastly, the ground was cursed and man would work by the sweat of his brow to remove the thorns and various obstacles when cultivating the fields for production of food.   Man would experience, as a consequence, weariness and eventually return to the dust from which he was made.

 

The Noahic Covenant: Genesis 8:20-9:27*

Following the flood, God promised Noah that He would no longer destroy the entire earth again with flood waters.  The rainbow was given as a visible sign of this promise.  The covenant also gave:

1.        Establishment of human government with the power of capital punishment

2.       Regularity of seasons

3.       Directed man to populate the earth

4.       Reaffirmed man’s dominion over lower creatures

5.       Added meat to man’s diet

6.       Included (due to the events in Chapter 9) the curse of Ham’s son, Canaan to be a servant to his brothers; gave Shem a place of favor (became the line of the Messiah); Japheth would enjoy expansion, but would dwell in the tents of Shem.

 

*Believer’s Commentary by William MacDonald, edited by Art Farstad, page 41.

Now, for a point regarding the latter verses of Chapter 9 beginning with verse 20, let’s refer to scripture.  “Noah became a farmer and planted a vineyard.”  It would take a few years before this could transpire.  I have a next door neighbor who tries each year to get his vines to produce grapes.  I think he’s on year three or four and still not enough grapes have materialized for a glass of juice!  So, I believe several years have evolved since the flood.  Why Noah would then drink so much of his wine he would become drunk I haven’t an answer.  Could it be that he was so excited that he finally had a successful year of wine making that he accidently overdosed on his consumption?  Did he make a strong batch and didn’t stop his consumption until he was flat on his back?  I really don’t have an answer and I’m not sure of all the details as to why he is lying in his tent unclothed or what lead to this situation.  But that’s how it happened. 

Enters his son, Ham, into the tent.  Instead of immediately trying to cover his father’s body, Ham leaves the tent and goes and tells his brothers that Noah is lying naked in his tent.  The brothers enter the tent with a covering, walking backwards so they won’t look on their father’s body and covers him.  Noah awakens, is told the events that unfolded and immediately curses the younger son.

Actually, now is a good time for all of you astute students to ask me, “why did this happen?”  The events of the flood have finally subsided; life is getting back to normal after this family has survived a year of being enclosed in an ark with numerous animals.  Why did Noah get drunk and this harsh action taken when the son walked into his tent and didn’t act appropriately?  My answer…I don’t know.  The only answer I have relates to sinful human nature. 

The circle of life continues when in our humanity we make mistakes and then we suffer the consequences.  How many times do we read in scripture about the sins of the Israelites coming on the heels of a miraculous blessing from God?  Ham is described from verse 18 forward as “Ham, the father of Canaan.”  So we know that Ham’s descendants are the ones living on the land when the Israelites come calling to possess the Promised Land of Canaan.  Shem, debated to be the oldest son of Noah, will be the line from which comes the Messiah.  Verse 27 of Chapter 9 suggests that Japheth would also be blessed with dominion and would share in spiritual blessings via Shem’s descendents, the Israelites.  In summation, God used this act for His glory and these sons will populate the earth with various tribes.  (More on those peoples next week.)

The Chapter ends with the death of Noah who lived to be 950 years old. 

For next week’s assignment, I’d like you to read Chapter 10 and 11.  Chapter 10 gives the breakdown of the genealogies of Noah’s sons.  I will address more fully the nations that you will recognize (in today’s society) that come from each of these sons.  Especially note an individual by the name of Nimrod in verses 8-10 of Chapter 10.  See what you can find out about him.  What connection does he have to the Tower of Babel in Chapter 11?

Chapter 11 is the recording of the Tower of Babel.  Why was it built?  What was it to accomplish?  What was the “heart” intent of the people for building this structure?  What action did God take to disperse man’s goal to erect this skyscraper?

Then meditate on the reasons for our personal actions.  I wrote this week’s devotion on the word “temporal” dealing with the fame, fortune and notoriety issue.  Perhaps that will unfold a different perspective in your analysis.

To conclude for next week read verses 27 through the end of Chapter 11.  This is our springboard for many discussions on Abram whose name becomes Abraham.  The beginning of his story is an awesome one.  Abram’s father, Terah, left behind home and all his relatives (who were worshipping idols, by the way) because he felt the call of God on his life and that of his family.  Although Terah hasn’t the “notoriety” of his son, Terah made the necessary sacrifices of human relationships to follow God’s plan.

I’m assuming that is happening or has happened to many of our BLBS participants.  I know it happened to me.  God’s Word continues to teach us, to grow us and to assure us that God knows the road we are on and eagerly desires to walk alongside us and willingly give us the needed tools for the journey.

Thank you, Jesus, for your overflowing love and provision that is offered at our fingertips through prayer and Your Word.  Father, Your Word is overwhelming in its instruction and boundless in its love as You willingly provide availability to us in our frail human condition 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Lord, there is so much for us to learn and so much for us to understand with our limited finite minds, but You are sufficient, my Lord and my God.  Thank you for visiting with us and anoint your children this day with an open heart and an open mind to receive a nugget of knowledge.  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!