*Key themes: Obedience, Trust, Vision
The desert wind whipped at Abraham’s beard, stinging his eyes, but he barely noticed. He was staring at the horizon, a vast, empty expanse that mirrored the uncertainty in his heart. God had called him – a simple shepherd – to leave his home, his family, everything he knew, and journey to a land unseen. It was a preposterous command, yet, something in Abraham resonated with the divine voice. This was the first glimpse of his extraordinary obedience. It wasn’t blind compliance, but a deep, unsettling trust that whispered of a purpose larger than himself.
Abraham wasn’t a king or a warrior. He was a man of flocks, a family man. Yet, he led his growing tribe with a quiet strength. He didn’t command; he guided. When disagreements arose, as they inevitably did amongst so many souls in close quarters, he listened. He weighed concerns, not with an iron fist, but with a measured wisdom. He sought consensus, understanding that the strength of his people lay in their unity, not his singular authority. This was his servant leadership, a trait rarely seen in the powerful men of his time.
There were moments of doubt, of course. The promise of a son, a lineage that would become a great nation, seemed impossible. His wife, Sarah, was barren. Yet, Abraham clung to the promise, nurturing it in the arid landscape of his heart. This wasn’t mere wishful thinking; it was vision. He saw beyond the present hardship, beyond the limitations of his circumstances, to a future painted with the vibrant colors of God’s promise. He instilled this vision in his people, giving them hope when hope seemed a foolish thing.
Abraham’s uniqueness wasn’t in his perfection; he stumbled, he made mistakes. But his life was a testament to the power of faith. He showed that true leadership wasn’t about wielding power, but about surrendering to a higher purpose. It was about listening to the whispers of the divine, trusting in the unseen, and leading others, not through force, but through the quiet strength of obedience, wisdom, and unwavering vision. He was a patriarch, a father not just of a people, but of a way of being, a legacy that echoed through generations.
Week 1: Abraham – A Journey of Obedience, Trust, and Vision
This week we will:
- Identify Abraham as a key figure in the Old Testament.
- Understand the significance of Abraham’s covenant with God.
- Learn how Abraham demonstrated obedience, trust, and vision in his relationship with God.
- Strive to apply the themes of obedience, trust, and vision to our own lives.
Introduction
- Who is Abraham? What do we really know about him?
- We know he is a, if not the, most significant figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, considered a patriarch and a key figure in the Old Testament.
- Looking at some important lessons we can learn from his life.
Abraham’s Call -Obedience
Read Genesis 12:1-9
- What did God ask Abraham to do?
- How might Abraham have felt about leaving his home and family?
- What does this tell us about Abraham’s obedience?
Exploring Obedience
A few examples of the obedience of Abraham: leaving Haran, offering Isaac
- What was God’s command?
- How did Abraham respond?
- What does this teach us about obedience to God?
- How can we show obedience to God in our own lives today?
- Is obedience always easy? What are some challenges to being obedient?
Think of all the examples of obedience we follow in daily life (e.g., following rules, respecting authority, being honest).
Trust & Vision
Read Genesis 15:1-6.
- What did God promise Abraham?
- Why was it difficult for Abraham to believe this promise?
- How did Abraham demonstrate his trust in God?
- What is the concept of faith and its importance in Abraham’s relationship with God.
Abraham’s Vision
Read Genesis 17:1-8.
- What was the covenant God made with Abraham?
- What was the significance of the name change from Abram to Abraham?
- What was the vision God gave Abraham for his descendants?
- What is the concept of a covenant and its implications.
- How did God’s promises provided a vision for Abraham’s future.
Connecting Themes
- Obedience, trust, and vision are interconnected in Abraham’s life.
- How did his obedience demonstrate his trust?
- How did his trust enable him to embrace God’s vision?
- How can we develop greater trust in God?
- How can we discern God’s vision for our own lives?
- How can we live a life of obedience?
Reflection
- Reflect on your own life and identify areas where you can grow in obedience, trust, and vision.
- Journal “Where do I need to trust God more?” “What vision do I have for my life?”
Lead by Faith 