Devotional Preaching Sermon on Genesis 12:1-6
Theme: God's Calling and Our Response
Introduction:
Genesis 12:1-6 is a pivotal passage in the Bible that marks the beginning of God's covenant with Abraham and the establishment of the nation of Israel. It is a passage that speaks to us about God's calling and our response to it.
I. God's Call to Abraham (v. 1-3):
"Now the LORD said to Abram, 'Go forth from your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"
- God called Abram out of his comfort zone, away from everything familiar.
- God promised to bless him, make him a great nation, and use him to bless others.
- God's call was specific and personal, tailored to Abram's circumstances.
II. Abraham's Response to God's Call (v. 4-6):
"So Abram departed as the LORD had commanded him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land."
- Abraham obeyed God's call, even though he didn't know exactly where he was going.
- He took his family, his possessions, and his servants with him, showing that he trusted God to provide for them.
- Abraham journeyed to the land of Canaan, a place where he had never been before.
III. Our Response to God's Calling:
The story of Abram's calling teaches us important lessons about our response to God's calling:
- Acknowledge God's authority: God is the one who calls us, and we must submit to His authority.
- Trust God's promises: God has promised to bless us when we follow His call.
- Step out of our comfort zone: God's call often requires us to leave behind what is familiar.
- Obey promptly: We should not delay in responding to God's call.
- Take our loved ones with us: God wants us to share His call with those we care about.
Conclusion:
Genesis 12:1-6 is a reminder that God is still calling people today. He calls us to follow Him, to trust in His promises, and to make a difference in the world. May we, like Abraham, respond with faith and obedience, and may God use us for His glory.