Genesis 11:27-32 The right attitude towards life’s challenges is the key to a blessed life

Genesis 11:27-32 

Now these are the records of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran; and Haran became the father of Lot. 28 Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldeans. 29 Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and Iscah. 30 Sarai was barren; she had no child. 31 Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there. 32 The days of Terah were two hundred and five years; and Terah died in Haran.

Background

Abram, while wading through the waters of adversity is called by God and given the divine promises. Here, we see a man whose family is entangled by the cords of tribulations, being transformed into a quintessential figure of blessedness. What makes Abram blessed is not the divine word, but his impeccable attitude towards life’s challenges. This section is divided into three parts:

a. Abram’s family and background (11:27-32)
b. The divine word (12:1-3)
c. Abram’s response (12:4-9)

Today’s text reveals Terah’s family background and origin as they emerge from the untimely death of a family member and the barrenness of Sarai. The family’s initial migration towards Canaan stems purely from a family decision that could be prompted by Haran’s death. Not until when Terah turns 145 years does Abram at the divine word left Haran for Canaan (see Genesis 12:4). Today’s devotion focuses on God’s purpose for suffering and man’s attitude towards it. God subjects His elects to common temptations and tribulations in order to prepare them for a glorious future. Therefore, believers must harbour the right attitude in the face of dire circumstances. For the right attitude towards suffering is the key to a blessed life.

Observation

Now these are the records of the generations of Terah.

Terah has three sons Abram, Nahor and Haran (see figure below). And Haran dies prematurely in their home land leaving behind three children Milcah, Iscah and Lot.

Nahor subsequently married Milcah and Abram adopts Lot although nothing more is said about Iscah. Abram married Sarai who is his half sister (she has Terah as father but from a different mother). Marrying within the family is permitted as Leviticus introduces laws against incest only at a later time (see Leviticus 18:18). The family is not in the best of shape given Sarai’s barrenness and the lost of Haran leaving behind three orphans. In the patriarchal days, children are considered heritage of utmost importance without which there is no one to perpetuate the family name. Hence, barren women in patriarchal times are seen as crippled with much bitterness for she possesses no alternative calling or career to motherhood. Terah subsequently leads the migration from Ur towards Haran. The exact reason for his migration is not known.

The text reads Terah’s death at the age of 205, two years before Sarah’s (Sarai) death (see Genesis 23:1). Notwithstanding Abram’s departure and pilgrimage towards the Promised Land, this assumes Terah to be alive throughout most of Abraham’s life. Nevertheless, Terah who is steep in idolatry has his life concluded here as he will not be playing a role in Abram’s call.

Truth

Believers must in the midst of dire circumstances catch the divine word and give thanks for future victories.

Tribulations hold a special purpose in preparing God’s people to receive the Abram kind of blessing. Abram’s blessing differs from earthly blessings in that it brings eternal life and glory for the faithful. Existential suffering, uncannily generates within man questions that cannot be answered apart from God. It stirs within man a holy injustice and discontent which only God can satisfy. When all is comfortable and well, few seek God for a deeper and more holistic approach to life. The circumstances surrounding Terah’s family prior to Abram’s call are bleak and hopeless. However, Abram’s openness and unfettered response towards the divine word to go forth are in part due to his attitude towards suffering (see Genesis 12:4, “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him.”) The waters of adversity has unmistakably played a purposeful role in enabling faith within Abram to respond to the divine word in obedience.

Many people, in the face of challenges degenerates into a pattern of blaming God and everyone around them. Resentment and bitterness have blocked their ears to the divine word that is able to prosper them. For such, the trials of life has failed to prepare them for a glorious future but on the contrary breed contempt towards God and resentment towards society. If Abram has been bitter he will not have caught and obeyed the divine word as going forth will inevitably incur greater challenges and suffering. What is the intended outcome of tribulations? What does this preparation entail? Suffering refines man’s heart in producing within him the attributes of Christ which are vital for ministry work and abundant living:

• Thankfulness
• Empathy
• The joy of giving (as opposed to getting)
• Faith and perseverance due to God’s promises
• A holy ambition of leaving a legacy

Without the divine attributes of empathy towards those who are suffering, material blessings and prosperity degenerates him into a animalistic existence devoid of the most elementary instincts of God. Suffering certainly increases man’s ability to empathise with the plight of another. Suffering also refocuses our attention towards what we currently possess and to be thankful. Suffering causes us to derive joy and fulfilment through the act of giving. Suffering takes our eyes off ourselves and this earthly city while looking to the heavenly city. In essence, when we endeavour to engage dire circumstances with Abram’s attitude, God prepares and predestines us for eternal blessedness and glory.

Application

Are you currently wading through the waters of financial troubles, sickness and problems relating to your career or family? Jesus is speaking to you as God has spoken to Abram concerning the attitude towards these challenges. Turn from the mode of despair towards giving of thanks and faith in God’s promises. God does not hesitate to bless you. But He is waiting for you to change your attitude towards suffering. Our suffering is not without reason, for it regenerates our heart to receive the blessing of eternal life through faith. Therefore, let us listen to the divine word daily and respond in obedience. Praise God continually while actively doing our part in working out our salvation and breakthrough.

Dear Lord, I give thanks for your faithful presence and sovereign control in my life. I ask you to increase my faith in the face of protracted challenges. Create within me an empathy towards those who are suffering physically and emotionally. I desire to play a part in their restoration and salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.