Bible Pathway - Jan. 4, 2011
Read Genesis 10
Highlights:
What a time to be alive! Note industrial lineage from Ham; intellectuals from Japheth; spiritual through Shem, from which came the Savior. Seeking personal fame, the descendants make a 'monumental' error (Gen. 11:4). In contrast, God introduces the Hebrew race beginning with Abram.
More than four hundred years had passed since the last recorded communication from heaven. Because of the sinful tendency of mankind, God spoke to Abram (Abraham), asking him to surrender everything to Him and fully trust His leading.
Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country (in Mesopotamia), and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee. . . . So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him (Gen. 12:1,4). Abram responded to the call of God and gave up his country, home, and friends, and by faith obeyed God, committing himself to an unknown future. He could not have known that the journey would be more than a thousand miles to the promised land. Lot, like so many today, was more concerned over material advantages and eventually pitched his tent toward Sodom (13:12). In contrast, Abraham remained faithful.
Many have started out in the right direction with the people of God, but when confronted with worldly opportunities, they choose self-interests, and eventually find themselves caught up in worldly affairs. Lot never recovered from that disastrous decision when he chose the well-watered plains of Sodom and forsook the godly influence of Abraham (13:10).
Abraham endured many years of severe testing and God found him to be a man who would remain faithful and obey His Word regardless of the circumstances. The call of God demands that we make a choice. Even the closest ties of human loyalty or affection must be cut when they conflict with our submission to Christ and what is written in His Word.
Abraham's life was one of building altars and communicating with God. Every Christian has the privilege to be known of God as one who consistently reads His Word and prays with a desire to understand His will with a willingness to walk in it.
And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed (regarded) unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only (James 2:23-24).
Thought for Today:
He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me (Matt. 10:38).
Christ Revealed:
As the Promised Seed of Abram (Gen. 12:3,7; comp. Matt. 1:1; Acts 3:25-26; Gal. 3:16). Abram was a type of Christ who leads the way to a far better promised land (John 14:2-4,6; Heb. 11:8-10).
Word Studies:
10:5 isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands they became separate nations; isles was a term used by the Hebrews to designate all countries accessible to them by sea, including those of Europe; after his tongue according to their language; 11:3 Go to some; slime probably pitch and tar; 11:4 upon over; make us a name become a great people; glorify ourselves rather than God; lest we be instead of our being; 11:9 confound confuse; 12:5 substance possessions; 12:7 seed descendants, offspring; 12:10 sojourn live temporarily; grievous severe.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. and Mrs. Walter W. Swanson • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Country: Norway (4.45 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Norwegian • Religious freedom • 87.8% Evangelical Lutheran; 3.8% Other Protestant and Catholic; 3.2% None; 5.2% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Jehovah's Witness) • Prayer Suggestion: Examine yourself. Has prosperity dulled your willingness to sacrifice (Hag. 1:4)?
Optional Reading: Matthew 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Genesis 1:1
