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Abraham's Profile
We all know that there are
consequences to any action we take. What we do can set into motion a series of
events that may continue long after we're gone. Unfortunately, when we are
making a decision most of us think only of the immediate consequences. These are
often misleading because they are short-lived.
Abraham had a choice to make. His decision was between
setting out with his family and belongings for parts unknown or staying right
where he was. He had to decide between the security of what he already had and
the uncertainty of traveling under God's direction. All he had to go on was
God's promise to guide and bless him. Abraham could hardly have been expected to
visualize how much of the future was resting on his decision of whether to go or
stay, but his obedience affected the history of the world. His decision to
follow God set into motion the development of the nation that God would
eventually use as his own when he visited earth himself. When Jesus Christ came
to earth, God's promise was fulfilled; through Abraham the entire world was
blessed.
You probably don't know the long-term effects of most
decisions you make. But shouldn't the fact that there will be long-term results
cause you to think carefully and seek God's guidance as you make choices and
take actions today?
Abraham's Strengths and Accomplishments
1. His faith pleased God
2. Became the founder of the Jewish nation
3. Was respected by others and was courageous in defending his family at any
cost
4. Was not only a caring father to his own family, but practiced hospitality to
others
5. Was a successful and wealthy rancher
6. Usually avoided conflicts, but when they were unavoidable, he allowed his
opponent to set the rules for settling the dispute
Abraham's Weakness and Mistake
1. Under direct pressure, he distorted the truth
Lessons From Abraham's Life
1. God desires dependence, trust, and faith in
him - not faith in our ability to please him
2. God's plan from the beginning has been to make himself known to all people
Abraham's Vital Statistics
1. Where: Born in Ur of the Chaldeans; spent most
of his life in the land of Canaan
2. Occupation: Wealthy livestock owner
3. Relatives: Brothers: Nahor and Haran. Father: Terah. Wife: Sarah. Nephew:
Lot. Sons: Ishmael and Isaac
4. Contemporaries: Abimelech, Melchizedek
Key Verse
"Abram believed the LORD,
and he credited it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).
Abraham's story is told in Genesis 11-25. He is
also mentioned in Exodus 2:24; Acts 7:2-8; Romans 4; Galatians 3; Hebrews 2, 6,
7, 11.
Taken from The Life Application Study Bile -
NIV - Zondervan
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