Genesis 15 Series

Genesis 15

Sunday Morning Bible Study

February 11, 2007

Introduction

Genesis 14 was the story of the raid of the Eastern Kings. Coming from the area of ancient Babylon, these kings came sweeping into the land of Canaan, conquering everything in their sight. When they left to go home, they carried off loot and lots of people, including Abram’s nephew Lot. When Abram heard about Lot’s capture, he put together his own commando squad and went off to rescue Lot. Abram was victorious and brought back all the people, including the inhabitants of Sodom. When Abram returned, he was greeted by two kings. Melchizedek was the king of Salem and a priest of God – he blessed Abram, gave him bread and wine, and Abram in return gave a tenth of his spoil to Melchizedek. Bera (whose name means “son of evil”) was the king of Sodom. He offered to let Abram take all the spoil as long as Abram gave him all the people. Abram refused to take anything belonging to Sodom because he didn’t want it said that he had become rich because of Sodom.

:1-6 God’s Reward

:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

Lesson

True treasure

We get our heads turned by all sorts of things that glitter and shine.

When you watch TV …

It might be a diamond ring or a box of chocolates for your sweetheart.

It might be the latest video game or movie to find escape with.

It might be a new pill that will change your life by helping your body lose weight, grow hair, or just make you feel better.

Illustration

The Treasure, adapted from a story by Alice Gray as printed in "More Stories for the Heart"

There’s a story I like about a little girl who fell in love with a string of plastic pearls. She had saved up all her money to buy these plastic treasures. After she bought them, she wore those pearls everywhere. She wore them to Sunday School, to kindergarten, even to bed. She only took them off when she took a bath or when she went swimming.

This little girl had a daddy who loved her very much. He tucked her into bed every night and read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, “Do you love me?” “Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you.” “Then give me your pearls.” “Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess—the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She’s my favorite.” “That’s okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night.” And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About once a week her daddy would ask her the same thing, “Do you love me?” and “Would you give me your pearls”. Every time she would offer to give him something else. Finally one night the little girl was sitting on her bed with tears running down her cheeks. With a little quiver, she finally said, “Here, Daddy. It’s for you.” With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny’s kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.

We get so attached to the things of the world. We are so reluctant to give them up.

Abram had learned to say “no” to the King of Sodom. He traded in the old pearls.

What he got in return was far greater.

The truth is, what every person ultimately needs and desires is not something from the Lord, but simply more of the Lord.

:2 But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"

:3 Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!"

Abram is just like us. God says we need more of Him, but Abram wants to know what else he’s going to get. Will he ever get that promised son?

:4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."

:5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be."