at a glance
author: Moses.
date: During the 1400s BC, while the Israelites were traveling in the desert.
setting: The events take place in Mesopotamia, Canaan and Egypt, parts of the region known today as the Middle East.
verses to remember: I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you (12:2–3).
theme to consider: From the beginning, God has desired a relationship with his creation—you!
unchanging truth
How do you feel about changes in your life? Maybe you’re the adventurous type who gets excited about facing new challenges and meeting new people. Or do you like life to remain the same?
Certainly some changes, such as serious illness or a death in the family, are extremely traumatic and life-altering. But most of the changes in your life evolve over time and are so subtle you hardly notice what’s happening.
The book of Genesis is overflowing with changes and relationships. God created a perfect world. Then sin entered and everything changed. A flood wiped out all life except those on the ark—more change. Broken family relationships led to murder and slavery. Mended relationships brought forgiveness and reconciliation. But through it all, God never changed, and he never will. God’s faithfulness, his love and his forgiveness for his children are constants throughout this book. At the very heart of Genesis is God’s unwavering desire for a loving relationship with his people, as seen in the promise given to Abraham. Ultimately, “all peoples on earth” would have an opportunity for an intimate relationship with God—through the coming of Jesus, our Savior.
Changes are sure to come into your life. Are you ready to face them with joy and confidence? You can, because God’s love for you never changes!
1. God loves his people. You can trust him to keep all his promises (9:12–16).
2. You’ll face many temptations to disobey God and “do what everyone else is doing.” Pray that God will help you resist these temptations (39:6–10).
3. It’s difficult to see God’s plan when bad things happen to you. But be assured that God know what’s going on and is in control (50:19–20).