Abraham Followed God (Genesis 11-13)
Dear families,
In today’s passage, we read how Abram began his journey of following God. He showed marvelous faith by believing the promises God made to him, and he walked in obedience to the command of God. God proved Himself faithful and used Abram to display the glories of His promises, which would one day be fulfilled through the sacrifice and resurrection of the only truly righteous One, Jesus Christ.
How did God use Abram’s story to demonstrate His faithfulness? How is Abram’s call to follow God similar to our own stories today?
We learn from Joshua 24:2 that Abram was not raised by a family that worshiped God, but by idol worshipers. He did not know the Word of God until the day he heard it spoken to him as an old man: “Go from your land... to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 12:1-2). In the very next verse, Abram promptly obeyed and began his journey, just as the Lord had told him. God called him to leave the comforts of his familiar life in pursuit of God and His glory. Abram did not follow God perfectly, and still he was called a friend of God (James 2:23).
God drew near to Abram, calling him out of darkness and into His light. Today, the same God calls us to believe this same promise of rescue that was brought to completion through His Son, Jesus, who left the comforts of heaven and came into the world to save sinners. Jesus is the better Abram who trusted and obeyed the Father, “becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). The steps Abram took were out of faith—faith that God would keep him safe, provide for him, and keep His promises. Abram believed God was worthy of forsaking all else. When your kids hear this Bible story, may they take steps toward trusting the same God who is worthy of our love, trust, and faithful devotion.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.
Preschool: Abram obeyed God.
Kids: Abram obeyed God’s call.
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: God blessed Abram and the whole world by sending Jesus to rescue sinners.
Younger Preschool: God promised to bless Abram and the whole world through someone in Abram’s family. God kept this promise when He sent Jesus into the world to rescue sinners.
Older Preschool: Abram believed God’s words and obeyed Him. God promised to bless Abram and the whole world through someone in Abram’s family. God kept this promise when He sent Jesus, who came into the world to rescue sinners.
Kids: bram believed God’s words and obeyed God's call to leave his land and his family. God promised to bless Abram and the whole world through one of Abram’s descendants. God kept this promise when He sent Jesus, who left heaven and came into the world to rescue sinners.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: Who keeps His promises? God keeps His promises.
Older Preschool: Does God keep His promises? Yes, God always keeps His promises.
Kids: T Does God keep His promises? Yes, God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: God is good, and His love is forever. Psalm 100:5
Younger Preschool: The LORD is good, and His love lasts forever. Psalm 100:5
Older Preschool: For the LORD is good, and his faithful love endures forever. Psalm 100:5
Kids: For the LORD is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations. Psalm 100:5
** Next week: God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12; 15; 17)