Bible Pathway - Jan. 4, 2013
Read Genesis 10
Highlights:
After the flood destroyed all of the human race except Noah's family, God introduces the Hebrew race beginning with Abram (Abraham). Read what the LORD had to say about tower of Babel (11:5-8).
Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee . . . . Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee (Gen. 12:1,13).
Abram had enough faith in God to go wherever God sent him, yet he became afraid of the Egyptians. This fear caused him to tell a half-truth. Sarai was Abram's half sister, but she was also his wife. A half-truth is still a lie none-the-less. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (Ex. 20:16). Even a half-truth can lead us down the path of destruction and/or cause destruction to come upon others. We see it came upon Pharaoh and his household. Abram was treated well when Pharaoh thought Sarai was only Abram's sister. However, Pharaoh and his household suffered serious disease because of Abram's half-truth. When Pharaoh discovered the whole truth he ordered his men to send Abram and his wife Sarai out of Egypt.
We see later how Abram's example of sin is passed down to his son Isaac when Isaac shows a similar fear with the men of Gerar. And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon (Gen. 26:7). Thus, we clearly see how one lie can affect the lives of those around us and those we love.
When you follow God's commandments, have faith that He will care for you and those around you. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe (Prov. 29:25).
Throughout the Bible one finds many examples where fear led to sin: Adam and Eve hid from the Lord in shame after being deceived by the serpent (Satan); Cain lies to God about knowing where his brother Abel is after killing him; in fear of Jesus' captors, Peter denies knowing Christ three times before the cock crows.
In contrast, we are told: The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion (Prov. 28:1). We see many examples where those who put their trust in the Lord overcame fear in the midst of adversity: David and Goliath; Peter addresses the crowd with confidence at Pentecost; Stephen rebukes the Jews and is stoned.
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:59-60).
Thought for Today:
We must be on guard that we wholly follow the Word of God.
Christ Revealed:
As the Promised Seed of Abraham (Gen. 12:3,7; compare Matthew 1:1; Acts 3:25-26; Gal. 3:16). Abraham was a type of Christ who leads the way to a far better promised land (John 14:2-4,6; Heb. 11:8-10). He took on Him the seed (offspring) of Abraham (Heb. 2:16).
Word Studies:
10:25 earth divided = people became separated; 11:3 Go to = Come; 12:7 seed = descendants; 12:10 sojourn = live temporarily; 12:16 had = gave him.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Chris Robison • Country: Maldives (300,000) 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka • Major languages: Divehi and English • Christian witnessing is banned • 99.9% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble (Matt. 8:24-25).
Optional Reading:
Matthew 4
Memory Verse for the Week:
Matthew 4:4
