April 28, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 12: Abram’s Calling and First Steps of Faith

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Bible Text – Genesis 12 (KJV)

1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.”
2 “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.”
3 “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Shechem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

7 And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, “Unto thy seed will I give this land”: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.
8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.
9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, “Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, ‘This is his wife’: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.”

14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.
16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
17 And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife.

18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?
19 Why saidst thou, ‘She is my sister’? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.”
20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

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Explanation & Context

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Introduction

Genesis 12 marks a new chapter in human history: God calls Abram and promises him a great future. Abram’s response—his departure and his faith—shapes the story of God’s people to this day. Yet human weaknesses emerge, teaching us that God remains faithful even when we fail.

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Commentary

1. God’s Call and Blessing (vv. 1–3)

• God summons Abram to leave his country, kin, and father’s house.

• He promises him descendants, a great name, and blessing for all nations through him.

• Abram’s obedience becomes the archetype of faith for all believers.

2. Abram’s Obedience and First Steps of Faith (vv. 4–9)

• At age 75, Abram sets out without knowing his destination.

• He reaches Canaan; God reaffirms the land promise.

• Abram’s first response is worship—he builds altars.

3. Flight to Egypt and Human Weakness (vv. 10–20)

• A famine drives Abram to leave Canaan—an act of human precaution.

• In fear, he passes off his wife Sarai as his sister.

• God intervenes, protects Sarai, and brings Abram safely back.

• God’s plan endures despite Abram’s mistakes.

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Summary

Genesis 12 begins Abram’s faith journey—he later becomes Abraham. He obeys God’s call even into uncertainty. This chapter shows God at work in Abram’s life despite human weakness and fear. God’s promises stand firm because they rest on His character, not on Abram’s perfection.

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Application for Today

What does Genesis 12 teach us?

• God’s call often involves stepping into the unknown.

• Obedience is rewarded by God, even when our path is imperfect.

• God safeguards His promises and His people, even when they stumble.

• Trusting in God’s faithfulness is more vital than our own perfection.

“And I will bless thee… and thou shalt be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

Today, God still calls people to follow Him in faith—and through their lives to become blessings to others.

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April 27 – May 3, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 2

The Creation

Read online here

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Introduction

Chapter 2 unfolds the wonder of Creation in all its beauty:
The earth was formed in perfect harmony, and humanity is God’s crowning work—created in the image of the Creator.
This chapter not only describes the origin of the earth and of Adam and Eve, but also emphasizes the special blessing of the Sabbath and God’s institution of marriage.

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Commentary

1. The Beauty of the Created World

• The earth came from God’s hand without swamps, deserts, or jagged mountains.

• Every plant, animal, and landscape reflected God’s love and wisdom in harmonious unity.

2. Humanity as the Crown of Creation

• Adam and Eve were made in God’s image, endowed with high intelligence, free will, and noble character.

• There was no process of evolution—humanity sprang directly from God’s creative act.

• Humans were appointed stewards of creation, embodying God’s glory in both form and function.

3. The Institution of Marriage

• Eve was given to Adam as an equal helper—not subordinate, but a partner of equal worth.

• Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred, lifelong union.

4. The Garden of Eden

• Eden was a specially prepared dwelling place—a glorious natural sanctuary.

• At its center stood the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

5. The Institution of the Sabbath

• After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it.

• The Sabbath was given to humanity as an eternal memorial of Creation.

• This day of rest was meant for reflecting on God’s work and renewing our relationship with Him.

6. Humanity as a Moral Being

• God tested Adam and Eve’s loyalty with the command regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

• Obedience was to be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion.

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Summary

Chapter 2 reveals how perfect and beautiful God’s original creation was:
Adam and Eve lived in a world without death, pain, or suffering, surrounded by divine abundance.
The Sabbath and marriage were instituted as special gifts for humanity.
God sought a voluntary, loving relationship with His creatures, founded on trust, obedience, and shared delight in His work.

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Application for Today

What can we learn from Chapter 2 for our lives?

• Stewardship of Creation: The world around us testifies to God’s love—we are called to preserve it.

• Our Identity in God: We are not accidents; we are intentionally created and deeply loved by our Maker.

• Value of Work and Community: Labor, marriage, and Sabbath rest are divine gifts intended for our well-being.

• Freedom through Obedience: True life and joy are found in willingly following God’s good commands.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Today God invites us to marvel at His works, honor His wisdom, and find true fulfillment in communion with Him.