Genesis 12: a short reflection

I am currently back in the Book of Genesis.

Yesterday afternoon, I paused at Genesis 12 - the well-known chapter on Abram's calling, his departure from Haran and later, because of the famine, his Egyptian venture.

I was and am struck by God's constant grace and lovingkindness to Abram.

Abram's faith in "going" wasn't as wholehearted as we often want to think. For example, his response to the calling was to go, yes (v.4) - but why did he bring his nephew, Lot, along with him when God had asked him to go from his kindred and his father's house to the promised land? (v.1) A seemingly generous and hospitable act to the orphaned Lot (who later brought him much trouble). However, I am wondering if that act was rather due to Abram having difficulty in cutting himself off from his father's house - a source of significance, security and stability. In a way, he was unable to leave and cleave. He had such a way of acquiring animals and servants too (v.16)!

While Abram (Abraham) was learning to depend on God, rather than on his own understanding of the circumstances he met with - God still blessed, protected and affirmed him.

In other words, God had allowed Abram the space and soil for his faith to grow - from that mustard seed into the great big mustard tree which Bible-readers aim to emulate today. And yet, while Abram's faith was still tiny, it was still 'mountain-moving' because God is a mountain-moving God. GOD'S promise to Abram was being brought into fulfillment (and not being called back due to Abram's inadequacy) because it ultimately depended on God and not Abram.

I am encouraged today not to lose heart despite my small faith and my depressing apt to rebel at times. (I often feel like a "terrible Christian".) God does not give up on us, especially if we do not give up pursuing Him. There is still hope. In Christ alone, my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song... so the hymn goes.

I am also reminded to be patient and kind to those who struggle with unbelief.

(This is random and unrelated, but every time I intend to type "Abram", I accidentally type ABRSM instead.)