Genesis 11:27–13:18
February 9, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
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.
** Next week: God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 15; 17:1-9)
This Week's Main Ideas
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This Week's Main Ideas •
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Abram obeyed God’s call.
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BABIES-TODDLERS
God blessed Abram and the whole world by sending Jesus to rescue sinners.
PRESCHOOL-K
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.
1ST-5TH GRADE
Abram 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.
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Q: Does God keep His promises?
A: Yes, God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
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PRESCHOOL-K
The LORD is good, and His love lasts forever. Psalm 100:5
1ST-5TH GRADE
The Lord is good. His faithful love continues forever. It will last for all time to come. Psalm 100:5
Family Discipleship Activities
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Family Discipleship Activities •
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Read all or parts of Genesis 11:27–13:18 from the Bible
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If someone asked, “Who is your favorite athlete?”, you would likely choose a superstar on your favorite team or a player who always makes unbelievable plays. It would be odd to say your favorite player is someone who sits on the bench and never plays. Why would you choose someone like that?
When God chose Abram and promised to make his family as many as the stars in the sky, it seemed like an odd choice. Abram was a very old man who didn’t even have children.
How would it be possible for Abram to be the father of a great nation?
Why would God choose someone like that?
Abram did not seem like the best choice to carry out God’s plan, but God’s plan did not depend on Abram’s ability. This plan was up to God, and it could not fail because He is faithful and true. He will always do what He says He will do.
God chose Abram because He is the God who makes all things possible! God showed His faithfulness and power by giving Abram and Sarai a son when they were almost 100 years old!
Through that son, God built the nation of Israel, His chosen people. From this nation, just as God promised, Jesus was born. God is faithful. He will always keep His promises. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God kept His promise to bless the world through Abraham, and He will keep His promise to save all who believe in Jesus!
Abram 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.
Pray: God, all things are possible with You! You are faithful and we can trust You to always keep Your promises. Help us to trust You more and to know all the ways You have blessed the world through Jesus. Amen.
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PRESCHOOL-K
The LORD is good, and His love lasts forever. Psalm 100:5
1ST-5TH GRADE
The Lord is good. His faithful love continues forever. It will last for all time to come. Psalm 100:5
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Mornings
Praise God for His promise to be with you wherever You go. How does knowing God is with you help throughout your day?
Evenings
Ask God to help you trust His plan for your life—even when things seem impossible. How does God’s goodness and power bring me peace when the future is unclear?
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For Fun
On a clear night, challenge kids to count as many stars as they can. When they give up counting, talk about God’s promise to give Abraham as many descendants as the stars in the sky. God’s promise was to make Abraham’s family a blessing to the whole world. Remind kids that this promise was ultimately fulfilled when Jesus—born into the family line of Abraham—came to offer forgiveness and salvation to anyone who believes in Him.
To Serve
Volunteer with a local organization that supports foster and adoptive families. Collect donations, provide meals, or offer to babysit. After serving, read Galatians 3:29 as a family. Remind kids that anyone who believes in Jesus Is adopted as a son or daughter of God and is included in all the promises God has made!