Mar 12 – 2 Lent
Genesis 12:1-4a
The Call of Abram

Background: The first 11 chapters of Genesis set the stage for creation and provide a broad-brush picture of the state of humanity; beginning in the Garden of Eden, traversing the Flood, and finally with the Tower of Babel. Chapter 12 begins the Abraham Cycle – the process where the patriarchs of the nation of Israel populate the land and become a mighty nation. Although not specifically a part of the genealogies that precede this story this section will ultimately continue the genealogical story that began in Adam.

Theme: In the first portion of chapter 12 we see God’s directive to Abram. God compels Abram to leave his homeland and populate an as yet unknown land. In God’s direction God makes it clear to Abram that God will not simply journey with Abram but will make Abram thrive when Abram arrives at his destination.

Questions to Ponder:
* Please read Genesis 12:1-4a.
* Briefly describe Abram and his kin – to whom is Abram related and/or bound by affection as the story opens? What was Abram’s prior relationship with God?
* Speculate on the status of Abram and Sarai; what social class do you think they occupy? Why do you think that?
* In verse 1, what promises are made by God to Abram?
* What does God promise Abram if Abram does what God tells him – to “leave his homeland and go where God leads him?”
* What is most impressive about the 5 promises given by God to Abram in verses 2 and 3?
* Why might God call Abram to go from his home to a new land to make him thrive?
* God promises that he will make a great nation of Abram. How would God’s promise change Abram’s status?
* What do you think it means that Abram will be blessed?
* In verse 3, given the phrases “…those who bless you…” and “…the one who curses you…”, what do you think Abram’s reception will be at his destination?
* Who is Lot and why might Abram take Lot with him on his journey?
* How might “all the families of the earth” be blessed through Abram? Especially considering our human propensity to mistrust outsiders.
* What do you think it means to Abram when God tells him to go from Haran to a new land?
* What possibilities do you see in God’s promises to Abram?
* How might this passage support the tensions and relationships that Israel has with its neighbors in the future accounts in Hebrew Scripture?
* What do you think the message of hope is in this passage for the Israelites? For the early Christians? For us?