Devotion:
Read Genesis 25:7-10.
This passage reads almost like an obituary for Abraham. It briefly lets us know that Abraham lived to a ripe old age and died…most of us would settle for 175 years! But like so many obituaries for great people, it is understated. Abraham was the patriarch, the father of the Children of Israel! When God had asked him to pull up roots and go to an unknown place God would show him, Abraham showed tremendous faith and went. When God tested his faith by sending him with a knife, fire, and wood seemingly to sacrifice his young and beloved son Isaac, Abraham had gone. Abraham extended grace, protection, and generous love to his nephew Lot. But Abraham was far from perfect. He selfishly pretended that Sarah was his sister instead of his wife on at least two occasions to save his own life. He became impatient when the son God promised him and Sarah did not come soon enough, and he fathered a son with Sarah’s servant.
Human and imperfect, Abraham never wavered or strayed from his faith in God. Abraham’s lifelong relationship with God sets a wonderful example for us. God calls real humans, imperfect as we are, to a lifelong journey of faith.
Personal Worship Option:
Give thanks today for characters in the Bible who clearly were not perfect but who lived faithfully in relationship with God. Think of persons you have known who served as examples to you of strong faith and perseverance and give thanks for them. Take the opportunity to tell others about them.
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