God's Choice: A Glimpse into the Story of Abram'

In the book of Genesis, readers are presented with a peculiar narrative: God's 'choice' of Abram. This choice seems counterintuitive, especially when considering the events that have unfolded prior to this point in the story. The people had sought to make a name for themselves, only to be punished by God (11:4). In contrast, God chooses Abram and promises to make his name great (12:2), redirecting the focus from human accomplishment to God's gift.

The story of Genesis 12:1-3 offers insight into God's motivations. It appears that God decided to establish a relationship with one individual in order to deal with sin, rather than punishing all of humanity as He had done previously. This choice is significant because it marks a shift from punishment to redemption, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships over collective condemnation.

This narrative departure can be seen in contrast to previous stories in Genesis. In each of these tales, God deals with the fear and shame of the protagonists, whether it's Cain's fear of being killed (4:14) or Adam and Eve's shame due to their nakedness (3:7). However, at the end of the Tower of Babel, there is no concluding act of mercy. This omission serves as a reminder that God's people had failed to learn from their mistakes, instead repeating the same sinful patterns despite being given second chances.

As we consider this backdrop, it becomes clear why punishment or cursing was ineffective in countering the spread of sin. In Genesis 3-11, humanity responded to their opportunities by falling back into the same patterns of disobedience. This reality led God to seek alternative means of dealing with sin, ultimately choosing Abram as a vessel for redemption.

In this sermon on Genesis 12:1-9 audio, we are invited to reflect on God's choice and its implications for our own lives. How might we respond to God's gift of salvation, rather than relying on human accomplishment? As we explore the story of Abram, may we discover new ways to experience God's mercy and redemption in our own lives.

Sermon Genesis 12:1-9 Audio

(Sermon audio not included)

Sermon genesis 121 9 audio