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Today’s reading, Genesis 12–15, is rich with foundational truths that weave their way throughout Scripture. Within these chapters, we catch a glimpse of God’s continued plan to fulfill the promise of Satan’s demise from Genesis 3:15,

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

This promise is hinted at when God tells Abram:

“In you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).

Here, we also see what pleases God: obedience born out of faith in His Word. Abram’s response to God’s call is immediate:

“Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (Genesis 12:4).

Later, in Genesis 15:6, we find a major foundational biblical truth:

“[Abram] believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.”

For our own personal connection to foundational truth, read John 3:16. We can also experience the personal connection in other places where Abram is pointed to within the New Covenant, like in Hebrews 11:8–10, Galatians 3:6–9, Romans 4:1–22, and James 2:22–23, emphasizing the integral truth that faith is the key to a relationship with God.

Abram’s Imperfections
As I mentioned, there is SO much here to glean. Scholars often debate whether Abram’s initial actions were entirely good. Did Abram disobey by bringing Lot along, when God seemed to call him alone? And what about his lie to the Egyptians, claiming Sarai was his sister instead of his wife? While Scripture does not explicitly call these actions wrong, we wonder. Lot caused Abram significant difficulties, and lying to the Egyptians created tension for him and Sarai.

Yet, through these situations, we see God’s faithfulness. Even when Abram’s choices introduced complications, God used them to demonstrate His power to redeem human mistakes for His purposes. This reminds me of one of Abram’s descendants who said,

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.” Genesis 50:20.

And there is more in these chapters worth digging deeper into:

  • Melchizedek in Genesis 14: This mysterious priest of God blesses Abram. Who is Melchizedek, and where did he come from? Look at Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 7:1–3 for further insights.

  • God’s Covenant with Abram in Genesis 15: This covenant ceremony is filled with cultural and prophetic significance, including the exactness of God’s promises. Consider Genesis 15:13, where God foretells the timeline of Israel’s enslavement—a prophecy fulfilled in Exodus 12:40.

There’s so much depth in these chapters, far more than can be covered in a single reading. My encouragement to you is this: READ, READ, READ! Taste and see that the Lord is good. Dig into His Word, reflect on His promises, and marvel at His faithfulness.