I read through Genesis 10-15 today, from Noah's sons on to Abram, before he was called Abraham. In between is the tower of Babel, a story of pride and disobedience. God gave the whole earth to mankind as a blessing, and they refused to take it. They decided instead of glorifying God to make a name for themselves, and instead of spreading throughout the earth they chose to stay in one spot. Instead of scattering themselves, they forced God to scatter them, instead of humbling themselves, they set themselves up to be humbled. As a godly man I need to be humble and obedient, giving God the credit He is due. Humbling myself might be difficult, but it's better than being humbled.
When it comes to God's call to Abram to move, I wonder if his father had the same call, and began the journey, but gave it up at some point. We know he packed up his family and headed for Canaan, but along the way he found somewhere else to settle down. I wonder, if Terah did receive that call, if in being obedient we would have heard more about him. As it goes, his son Abram, who was obedient to God, gets all the attention. Abram received the promises, and the covenant.
In chapter 12, verses 10-20, Abram fears the Egyptians, lies about his wife, and puts the Egyptians and his wife in jeopardy so that he can be safer and more well off. That's not the way a godly man should act. I can trust God to bring me through any situation or circumstance that comes my way. Putting others into harm's way for my own benefit goes against the selfless courage I've been called to live from.
When Lot separated from Abram, he only took into account the lush pastureland, but it came at a cost. Once he had made the choice, he found himself camping near a city filled with wickedness. In the next chapter he's taken captive and Abram has to rescue him because by that point he's now living in the city of Sodom. As a godly man, I can't justify moving toward wickedness, because it's all too easy to go from there to having it surround me and cause me danger.
Abram rescues his nephew, then gives honour to God, and refuses to take anything from the king of Sodom. Wealth gained through wickedness is deceitful, and allowing possessions to tie you to wickedness will only harm you. Trust in God, and He will provide what you need. After this God promises Abram children, land, and a far greater reward than the king of Sodom ever could have.
Chapter 15, verse 6 says that Abram believed God, and that was considered righteousness. If I want to be godly, I need to believe God's promises to me as well.
God, thank you for all that You do, and will do, on my behalf. Teach me Your promises, so that I can stand in belief and live the life You call me to. Amen.
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