Genesis 12 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Genesis. First, (v.1) we are reminded that God has called Abram to leave his country, his people and his father's household and go to the land He would show Abram. Can we stop there a second? Sometimes we read things in the Bible and just coast right past them, forgetting that the individuals mentioned in the Biblical accounts were actual human beings, with the same attachments to home and family that we have. How would you respond if God asked you to leave country, people and relatives behind?
Also, God never told Abram beforehand just where it was that they were going. Leave everything behind and go 'who-knows-where'! Hebrews 11 in the New Testament is a chapter which outlines many examples of people who were fine examples of faith. Not surprisingly, Abraham figures prominently in this chapter. (See verses 8-19, which make up more than a quarter of the chapter!).
Remember, too, that Abram was not just some wandering herdsman. He had come from Ur, which was an impressive city for its time. (Look up "Ur" in your favorite search engine for some really interesting facts about this city. Look for information about how Ur was the city associated with the moon 'god', about the burial customs there, about the jewelry and pottery found in excavations, about its literature and history. Plenty of maps and pictures seem to be available, too.)
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