Genesis 12-17

I know that I am way behind.   Sorry about that.  I hope to post several times over the next few days to get us caught up.  These chapters introduce us to Father Abraham.  What an amazing man and prophet.  I would encourage you to read the first couple of chapters of the Book of Abraham to supplement your study.  I was first impressed with his amazing faith and fearlessness as a young man.  We aren't sure how old he was, when his father offered him as a sacrifice to heathen gods.  But he was bold and fearless in his missionary efforts at even that young age.  He sets an amazing example of obedience and faith throughout his life.  He wanted more than anything the blessings promised to his patriarchal fathers.  He was granted that desire by receiving the high priesthood from Melchizedek and entered a covenant with the Lord known today as the Abrahamic covenant.  Prior to Abraham the priesthood and authority to perform saving ordinances was passed from father to son.  Abraham's father was not worthy of the priesthood.  He sought these blessings from Melchizedek.  A new gospel dispensation began with Abraham, in which all could receive the blessings of the gospel in a similar way.  In this respect he is known as the "father" of the faithful.  All who embrace the gospel become his seed, regardless of blood lines. 

There are several parts to the Abrahamic covenant.  A covenant is a promise or commitment that we make with the Lord.  The Lord sets the terms and we agree to the terms that are set.  Covenants bind us to the Lord and allow us to call upon His power.  In Abraham's case, the Lord makes a promise of chosen lands that will be given to his posterity.  There is a promise of posterity (that he will be the father of many nations, kings will come through his line, his posterity will be as numerous as the sands of the sea).  There is a promise of salvation and eternal life.  All of the blessings of the gospel--the saving ordinances of baptism and the temple will be granted to his posterity and brought from them (by them, through them) to all of the families of all nations.  Abraham promised to walk uprightly and perfectly before the Lord.  He promised to minister to all the nations.  Through his seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed.  As members of the church, this covenant is extremely important to us.  We are Abraham's seed--his posterity... we are greatly blessed!  And where much is given much is required.  The responsibilities of missionary work and temple work are on our shoulders.  It seems a daunting task.  But, in the Doctrine and Covenants, we are told:

  30 ^aAbraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins—from whose ^bloins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph—which were to continue so long as they were in the world; and as touching Abraham and his seed, out of the world they should continue; both in the world and out of the world should they continue as innumerable as the ^cstars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them.

  31 This promise is yours also, because ye are of ^aAbraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham; and by this law is the continuation of the works of my Father, wherein he glorifieth himself.

  32 Go ye, therefore, and do the ^aworks of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved.

  33 But if ye enter not into my law ye cannot receive the promise of my Father, which he made unto Abraham.

So how do we approach this daunting task?  We "do the works of Abraham"!  We have faith.  We obey with exactness.  We live the gospel and participate in the saving ordinances of the temple.  We walk uprightly with the Lord.  We strive for perfection (line upon line).  We teach our children.  And we share the gospel with all the world.

That still seems a bit overwhelming for me.  I loved Sister Beck's comment..."be brilliant in the basics!"  Now that's something I can sink my teeth into.  I can be brilliant in family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening.  I can attend my meetings and serve others.

Line upon line.