Malcolm Cox

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 21

Today we move further into chapter 15

“It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.”” (Genesis 15:17–21 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? God cursing himself. I had better explain that!

The smoking oven and flaming torch remind us of the pillar of fire which accompanied Israel in the desert. Here the presence of God is moving between the slaughtered animals. The events recorded are taking elements from common covenant rituals of the time.

When a covenant was made it was said to be "cut". The blood of an animal or animals was shed by cutting them. People making the covenant committed themselves to keeping the agreement at the expense of shedding their own blood. Sometimes as the covenant was spoken the person speaking held a knife to the throat symbolically saying to the other person, "If I break this covenant you have the right to cut to my throat."

Devotional thought for today

We will see a further development of covenant in chapter 17. In that situation Abraham has something to do (circumcision). Here, he simply arranges the materials, and God is the actor. He is the one moving between the animal carcasses and, in a sense, calling a curse upon himself if he does not carry out his promises to Abraham.

What does this remind us of? Surely Jesus on the cross. One who allowed himself to be cursed so that we could be blessed.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE” —” (Galatians 3:13 NAS95)

Prayer point for today

Ask God to fill you with gratitude at the cost he was prepared to pay so that we could be set free.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Despite the many challenges, beauty is on display in these troubled times. One such visible manifestation of beauty is the way that groups have come together to help one another.

As most of you know, my wife is a GP. She and her colleagues have been vaccinating people as fast as possible. This last Wednesday six doctors vaccinated all day. They helped around 1000 people. But it wasn't simply the doctors.

Some of the administrative staff came in on their day off (as did my wife). In addition, unpaid volunteers made all the difference. Most of those volunteers were outside in the cold and rain marshalling people, helping with parking, assisting the infirm, answering questions and more. They were out there for hours at a time, not complaining, remaining cheerful, sensing they were doing something of great significance for the community and for each individual who came their way.

I enjoyed leading the City Bible discussion this week. Thanks very much for the invitation everyone. It was good to catch up with some old friends, and see some people who normally wouldn't be able to make it, but because of the online nature of things these days, were able to be there. Let's make the most of all the resources available to us. Who could you catch up with or what could you watch and listen to that might otherwise normally not be possible?

One of the children in the Watford church drew this poignant picture during our service last Sunday. Scarlett has quite a talent for reflective thinking and putting it on paper.

The Earth is pictured wearing a mask and crying over the events of last year. The moon can be seen to be similarly sad, reflecting the Earth's mood. Is there a way for you to express your feelings about what's going on? Could you write a poem, a song, draw a picture? There is something about making our experience tangible in an art form which helps us to process what's going on in our world and in our heart.

The next teaching class for the Thames Valley church in the "Adventures in faith with Abraham" series features the link between Ian Dowie, the Crystal Palace football club and Abraham. Intrigued? Look for the link below to the third class in the series.

I hope you find this week's resources helpful.

God bless, Malcolm

 

If you'd like to pray for me I'd be very grateful. Here are some of my plans:

Until the next time, 

God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 20

Today we move further into chapter 15

“Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. “But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. “As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. “Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.”” (Genesis 15:12–16 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? God graciously giving Abram what he needs.

The Word Biblical Commentary put it like this,

"“The deep sleep,” “fear” and “darkness” all suggest awe-inspiring divine activity (cf. Gen 2:21; Isa 29:10; Exod 10:21, 22; 14:20; 15:16; 23:27; Deut 4:11; Josh 2:9) and are closely associated with the exodus and conquest, appropriately introducing the prophecy in the next verses"

Perhaps Abram falling asleep prefigures his death. Then, after his death, the Lord will walk amongst his descendants (Israel) taking them from slavery to the promised land. God is enacting a promise to Abraham to assure him that he will take care of his descendants and fulfil his promises to Abraham and them.

Devotional thought for today

Abram will not experience all the events God reveals to him. Some of those situations will be very unpleasant. Not all the information might be welcome. Yet, although the journey will be bumpy, the end will be glorious and filled with peace.

How do we find peace? By trusting in God's shalom. Verse 15 is the first appearance of this word in scripture. How significant that it is connected with Abram.

The peace offered by God it's not one we can conjure up for ourselves. Nor is it dependent on our circumstances. Remember, Abraham saw almost none of the promises come to fruition in his lifetime. Yet, he was able to die in peace because he knew his God was trustworthy.

The reason we can live a life of peace is because we know our God is trustworthy.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11)

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you trust him without reservation and grant you his peace

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Introduction

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.... By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, “IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED.” He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.” (Hebrews 11:8–19 NAS95)

Abraham's Highs and Lows

Not all challenges are our sins, but also disappointments regarding hopes and unanswered prayers

Forgets God’s promise of Gen 12:2-3 re blessing and cursing others

Conclusion

“Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people” (Genesis 25:8 NAS95)

Shalom File

How can we die with shalom?

How we can develop bouncebackable faith and die in the shalom of God?

We have the Spirit - the Spirit of Abraham and the Spirit of bouncebackability

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 19

Today we move further into chapter 15

“And He said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it.” He said, “O Lord GOD, how may I know that I will possess it?” So He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, and laid each half opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds. The birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.” (Genesis 15:7–11 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? God helping our struggles to believe him.

In the previous verse we see that Abraham's willingness to trust God is accredited to him as righteousness. Yet, oh so humanly, Abram still has questions. The issue is not so much will it happen, as how.

We will look at the implications of the covenant tomorrow, but for now we will reflect on a couple of things.

Why are these animals asked for? It might be a little speculative, but it is possible that God is prefiguring the sacrifices that will be expected later – Leviticus 19:2-3. Perhaps they represent the three generations who will be oppressed in Egypt (v16).

Abram chasing away the birds of prey might symbolise him protecting his relationship with God, or, also perhaps, preserving the purity of his relationship with Yahweh by keeping the pagan influences at a distance (Ezekiel 17:23; see also Ezek 31:6, Dan 4:12, Ps 104:12 where the birds represent the Gentile nations).

Devotional thought for today

Surely God does not need to feel any under any obligation to answer this question. However, he accommodates Abram. Abram is asking for a sign. God does not see this as a lack of faith. It turns into an opportunity to affirm the covenant.

The way to greater faith is through our doubts. The path to greater confidence in our salvation is through our fears. Whilst it is true that Jesus rebuked people for a lack of faith, and for giving in to fear, he did not give up on those who doubted and were afraid.

Later, when his followers looked back on those experiences, they were able to see God with them in their challenges.

When Thomas met Jesus he said, “Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:28 NIV11). His doubts and fears were put to rest by the presence of Jesus.

Any doubts and fears you may have at the moment will not be resolved by a change of circumstances, or intellectual gymnastics. They will be made useful by taking them into the presence of Jesus where he can give you his affirmation.

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you take your doubts and fears into his presence.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 18

Today we move on to chapter 15

““After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:1–6 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? That there is no 'rightness' with God without wholehearted trust. But, when we make a decision to trust our heavenly father despite the challenges surrounding us, and the lack of tangibility to his promises, it delights the heart of God.

In this section of scripture Abraham is fearful, has questions and doubts. Yet God does not hold this against him since, once reassured, Abraham decides to confirm his allegiance to God, described here as faith. Such faith is "reckoned" as a righteousness. In other words, he does not earn it or qualify for it, but God recognises his trust and decides to grant him 'rightness' with himself.

Devotional thought for today

According to the Word Biblical Commentary,

"The verbal form Nmahw (waw + perfect) “he believed” probably indicates repeated or continuing action. Faith was Abram’s normal response to the LORD’s words."

This is not a one-time decision, but a further decision in line with his habitual way of responding to God. The more we trust God, the more we trust God. Deciding to go God's way becomes a habit over time. In a sense, faith is about character as much as it might be about actions.

We will never display perfect faith in this life, But we can grow to have a faithful character by decisively choosing God's way again and again.

Reflect on times when you made faith-filled decisions that were difficult but for which you are grateful now as you look back. Do you have a decision of face to make now?

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you develop a habitual faith-filled life.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 17

Today we move further into chapter 14

“The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”” (Genesis 14:21–24 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Integrity inspired by security. Abram is generous because he knows God has his back.

Abram allowed Lot the pick of the land, and takes the same approach here. The king of Sodom is rude and ungrateful, but Abram does not take it personally. He allows him to go away with more than he deserves. As their rescuer, Abram presumably had a right to both the people and the property that he had recovered.

The contrast with Melchizedek is stark. The king of Salem offers, while the king of Sodom demands.

Devotional thought for today

Abram demonstrates what it means to be content with whatever the Lord supplies. He trusts that God will look after him. He does not have to take from others, nor demand for himself. We gain great peace of spirit when we give up our 'right' to demand what we deserve.

John the Baptiser was asked what a Kingdom perspective would be. He replied,

““Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”” (Luke 3:14 NIV11)

Paul let it be known that being content is something we can learn,

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11–12 NIV11)

And the writer to the Hebrews tells us the grounds of our contentment:

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV11)

You and I might never be perfectly content whilst in this life, we are human after all, but we can grow in contentment. Do you feel content? Would your friends characterise you as a person who is, generally speaking, content?

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you trust him for the strength to be content.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Introduction

"My job is to talk; your job is to listen. If you finish first, please let me know." Harry Herschfield

Parsons, Rob. The Heart of Communication: How to really connect with an audience . John Murray Press. Kindle Edition.

- How long should a talk be? My word, there is so much conviction around this topic!

- I have friends who believe anything longer than 20 minutes is a waste of time. And I have others who believe that most lessons cannot convey appropriate depth without lasting much longer.

- Let's see what Rob Parsons has to say about this

---

Effectiveness

"How long should a sermon or presentation be? The right answer is: as long as it takes to communicate the material effectively."

- Much has been written about attention spans, and how short they are these days. In the arena of public speaking it has been claimed that people cannot listen for more than 10 minutes. I gather that the research oft quoted on this statistic is suspect in its rigour.

- In any case, differences in culture, context and giftedness preclude setting down hard and fast rules.

---

1. Length and depth

- Length and depth or not same thing. One does not depend on the other. The parables of Jesus are remarkably short.

- Rob warns against wearing our ability to speak at length as a "badge of honour". Our audience don't care what we think of our abilities, they only care about what they can receive as valuable from us.

- Ask your friends what they think of your ability to speak short and long. Ask your congregation what, on average, they find to be the most useful length of lesson.

- Some people can hold our attention for a very long time, and others cannot. The key point here is to know yourself and your audience.

---

2. Unforeseen circumstances

- Occasionally your talk might be squeezed by circumstances outside your control.

- These situations are not an opportunity to say, "Well, I've prepared for 10 hours, you're going to get it all". Instead, they are an opportunity to give the kernel of your talk and trust the Holy Spirit.

- Paraphrasing an illustration I heard many years ago, the story is told of a preacher in a rural parish. His congregation were prevented from attending the church service by heavy snow. In fact, only the preacher and one farmer made it to the building. Despite the circumstances, the preacher felt obliged to give that one member the full benefit of his 40 minute oration. Afterwards he chatted to the farmer and asked him what he thought. The farmer said, "I have 30 head of cattle. If only one turns up at feeding time I don't force that one cow to consume the feed for all 30."

- Make sure that you can explain your whole sermon in one paragraph. Two benefits accrue from this. Firstly, if push comes to shove, you could give your audience the short version. Second, you enter every speaking situation with greater confidence that you know what your main point is!

---

3.  Know your material

- An habitual tendency of mine is to be overly repetitive. There certainly is a place for repetition of themes to help drive them home, but, I am as capable of waffling as the next man.

- What is the cure? Perhaps what that famous preacher Spurgeon said to his students:

"There is such a thing as having too much to say, and saying it until hearers are sent home loathing rather than longing . . . If you ask me how you may shorten your sermons, I should say study them better. Spend more time in the study that you may need less in the pulpit."

- Do you know your material? Really know it?

---

Conclusion

- Jesus spoke short and long, as did Paul,

“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7 NAS95)

- My advice would be this: if you habitually speak short, try speaking longer. If you tend to be long, try speaking shorter. Let's develop the full gamut of competencies to make sure that we are better equipped for whatever circumstances we may find ourselves in. Again, as always, the issue is what our congregations need, not what we feel works for us.

Questions: "What is your tendency? Short or long? And why? What are the barriers to speaking shorter or longer?"

---

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You’ve come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called “Adventures in faith with Abraham”. It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 16

Today we move further into chapter 14

“Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all.” (Genesis 14:17–20 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Spiritually minded people notice fellow spiritually minded people. They are aware of those with whom God is walking and through whom he is working.

We don’t know much about Melchizedek. His name might mean, “My king is righteous”. The key point is that he is a non-Jew noticing that God is with Abraham. He observes that God is with the one he has chosen. As such, he prefigures Abimelech (21:22), Rahab (Josh 2:11), Ruth (1:16) or Naaman (2 Kgs 5:15), the Magi (Matt 2:1–12), centurions (Matt 8:5–13; Mark 15:39; Acts 10), or the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:26–30).

Devotional thought for today

A question we often ask as Christians is how we can show that we have a relationship with God without being showy about it? How do I let my light shine without turning the spotlight on myself?

A key text in this regard is what Peter writes:

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV11)

I suspect he is remembering what Jesus told them on the mountainside:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV11)

Paul expressed something similar when he wrote to the Romans:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 NIV11)

If we live a life of integrity with the Lord, courageous in righting wrongs whilst generous in spirit, the world will notice. That is how Abraham lived in Genesis 13 and 14.

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you live with compassion and courage, letting your good deeds speak for you.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let’s allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 15

Today we move further into chapter 14

“And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar — four kings against five. Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom. Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.” (Genesis 14:8–16 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Compassion inspiring courageous action for the undeserving.

Abram is not responsible for his nephew. Lot is an adult. He has made his choices freely. He has moved from nearSodom (13:12) to in Sodom (14:12). No one can blame Abram for this. Anyone could forgive him for allowing Lot to reap the consequences of his choices.

But Abram is made of different stuff.

Devotional thought for today

Do you find it hard to have compassion for the undeserving? Even more pertinently, do you find it hard to take action, and make sacrifices on behalf of those who are undeserving and in trouble?

Abraham risked the lives of his fighting men. He risked the loss of their work in his fields and businesses. He risked the wrath of a victorious army and an alliance of conquering kings being visited upon himself.

And all for the sake of an ungrateful, foolish nephew.

How like Jesus! This is who Paul is thinking about when he tells us,

“in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3–4 NIV11)

In our natural state, “we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (Eph 2:3), But we have been "shown mercy" (1 Tim 1:16). Why?

“so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16 NIV11)

If this is how we have been treated, let us be inspired to treat others likewise.

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you treat the undeserving with compassion and courage.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm