Genesis. We have finished the story of Job and are back to Abram. "Abram believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness." (Romans 4, Galatians 3, James 2) I'm not sure that we can fully comprehend the significance of Abram's belief. He was surely the only monotheist around. His family, his neighbors, and his friends worshiped many "gods." Abram believed, worshipped and followed only One.
That brings up a great question which can't be answered until heaven. Did Abram know about Job? Abram started out in Haran, which was probably in modern-day Turkey, north of Israel. He traveled down to modern Israel, then to Egypt, then back to Israel, finally settling in Hebron, which is south of Jerusalem. Uz was most likely east and slightly north of Israel, so it was clearly in the neighborhood where Abram traveled.
Had Job lived and died by the time Abram got there? We're not sure, but it's probable. Had Abram heard of Job's reputation? Again not sure, but very possible. Yet Abram never met another worshipper of only the One, Most High God until He met Melchizedek (chapter 14 in today's reading). Imagine how his heart must have leaped. Notice how quick he was to give Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils from the victory. If you read Hebrews 7 in the New Testament, you will be left with the clear impression that Melchizedek was an Old Testament appearance of God in human form. No wonder Abram was in awe!
Before you judge Abram's duplicity by calling Sarai his sister while down in Egypt, consider the challenge of Christian's who carry Scripture into places where it is illegal. Do they tell the truth when they are asked by officials if they have anything to declare? Or do they not? I have known those who have to wrestle with this question on a very personal level. I am in no place to judge.
Sorry for the length today, but this section is chocked full of interesting questions. Do you have any?
I was floored again by the images in Abraham's dream. The smoking pot and fire representing the pillars that would lead the Hebrews through the wilderness, "passing through" the sea (hell). The broken bodies, the blood sacrifice for sin. These symbols (which Abraham had only vague understanding of), add understanding to the faith of thousands of descendants today(stars in the sky), including our regular practice of baptism and communion. Way cool!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Brad. Great word. Thanks.
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