But even Moses revealed that the dead are raised in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live before him.
Jesus in Luke 20:37-38
The Jews often refer to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac (his son), and Jacob (his grandson), the heirs of the promises God gave Abraham. They were the Patriarchs of the faith and the ancestors of Jesus, the Messiah or Promised One. He is one with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, the great triune God. We have the privilege of understanding much more about God than Abraham, Issac, and Jacob did because God revealed himself over time. Now we enjoy God’s full revelation of himself through Jesus Christ.
“After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world. The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Hebrews 1:1-4).
In this final week of our study we’ll look at the end of Abraham’s life and take time to remember what God revealed about himself through their long-term relationship. We also take time to praise him for what he has shown each of us these past eight weeks.
Part One
As Abraham’s life drew to a close, he took care to do what was on his heart for his son so that nothing would be left undone.
Read Genesis 24:1-10; 34-51; 63-67.
*** Read the entire story in Genesis 24, thinking about this servant and what he seems to have learned from Abraham over so many years. Record your thoughts.
Respond to the story as you consider these questions:
- What do Abraham’s actions and words reveal about God’s character?
- If you have experienced first-hand the constant persevering faith of an older Christian friend or family member, what do you learn from him or her?
- What is God saying to you from this story?
Part Two
In this part we read about Abraham’s death. He certainly wasn’t a perfect man, but his life story proves that God is faithful to his promises no matter what. Abraham’s story reveals that relationship with God is not built on works but on faith. He serves as the spiritual father of all who receive God’s gracious gift through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament contains only whispers about resurrection and eternal life, but the New Testament makes it clear.
Read Genesis 25:1-11 and Psalm 90.
*** Read Luke 20:37-38; John 11:17-26; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 42-58, considering the promise of resurrection. Record your thoughts and/or feelings.
Respond to the story:
- Abraham left a great legacy of faith. Whose legacy has influenced you and how?
- How do your beliefs about who God is affect how you approach death?
- How does Psalm 90 speak to you?
Part Three
Our time with Abraham is over, but I pray that our faith as we walk with God will grow stronger and stronger. As you review what you have written week by week, ask God to point out places where you should slow down to read and reflect.
Review your journal entries from this study, stopping as you feel drawn to a week’s or day’s study.
Consider the entire study as you answer these questions:
- What has God shown or reminded you about his character and person through the life of Abraham?
- What aspect of God’s character has been most needed in your life to help you to walk by faith over these last few weeks?
- If you had to give God a name expressing who he has been to you through your own experiences with him as you completed this study, what would it be and why?
May God give each of us grace to live out a faith that grows stronger over time, so that we, too, can persevere to the end as Abraham did. May we be true daughters of Abraham by trusting in the Great Almighty.
English (US) · 