Daily Devotion, March 1, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 12:1-5.

This week’s scriptures call us to ponder what we are leaving behind and what we will take with us on this journey from our old life into our new life in Christ. Today’s scripture is just five verses, and read too quickly, we may overlook its depth. “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave’…..So Abram left.” 

First, God calls and invites Abram to leave and move forward from all he knows which offers him his current security….your country---- where he knew the language, ways and customs, traditions, the laws at that time, and terrain….your people----his community he knew and loved…..your father’s household----his family of origin and extended family.

Second, God calls and invites Abram to go to a land which God will show him. This requires complete trust, because Abram will have to rely on God every day for direction and security. And Abram will need God’s help to convince his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the people he had “acquired in Haran” to go with him to an unknown land.

This journey was over 900 miles. It is difficult for us to fathom this journey from our 21st century perspective, no GPS, fast-food stops, phones, streetlights by night, or language and custom apps. And how would they find water for themselves or their animals, or find medical help?

Within God’s invitation and call to leave are God’s promises and blessings to Abram and his family. This made all the difference. Abram faithfully trusted. He followed God to where God was leading. This experience made such a difference in Abram’s life that he told the story for generations to hear!

Personal Worship Option:

Abram’s journey becomes a metaphor for our new life in Christ. God calls and invites us to leave behind our old ways and follow Christ’s ways. The Holy Spirit helps and empowers us for this journey and transformation. God is with us. What will be your story which you will tell of God’s blessing and transformation in your life?