In Genesis 12:1-3 We see the first description of the Covenant that God makes with Abraham, at this stage known as Abram. God tells Abram to complete he journey that his Father has set out on. He sends him to the land he has given him and promises to bless him.
Biblical Theologians therefore talk in terms of the promise and the covenant as being about:
- People – God will make him into a great nation and give him descendants.
- Place – God will give him a land for his descendants to live in.
- Provision and Protection – God will bless Abraham and curse his enemies.
This promise is first made in 12:1-3 but repeated in ch 15 and 17.
Abraham is described as believing and this is credited to him as righteous (Genesis 15:6). In 12:4-9, we see how he believes. He shows his faith by obedience. He goes to the land as commanded. Then he explores the land, scouting out its full extent, criss-crossing. At the key places in the land he stops to express his faith in worship through offering sacrifices.
But will Abraham always manage to exercise this obedient faith?
Faithroots 