Genesis 12-14

Since we ran a little short on time last week, we'll begin this week's lesson with a brief discussion of the Tower of Babel. We'll then quickly proceed to the text explored in chapter 4 of our study guide (Woodrow Kroll's Genesis: a God of Purpose, A People of Promise). Chapter 4 of that book covers Genesis chapters 12-14.

Chapters 12-50 of Genesis encompass what are known as the "Patriarchs" of the Old Testament. Abram (later renamed "Abraham" by God) is the first of the Patriarchs, and this week we study the beginning of his story. This week's lesson demonstrates a couple of precious aspects of God's word:

• God's word doesn't pull any punches. When heroes of the Bible foul things up, when they sin, the Bible tells about it. Unlike other ancient religious texts, God's Word shows human beings (even the heroes of our faith) as they are: warts and all.

• God's word - being supernatural in origin - never ceases to amaze with its ability to interpret itself. Who would have thought that an obscure, brief appearance by a priest named Melchizedek would be just the picture God would use to later explain the priesthood of His Son Jesus Christ? 

To see this week's lesson notes, click here. God bless you.