Today's Reference Points

Scripture – Genesis 12:6-9: Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) As the writer of this history records some of Abram’s early explorations of Canaan, he uses contemporary points of reference. For example, the place called “Bethel” would not have that name until Abram’s grandson, Jacob, would give it years later. Yet the writer wants his readers to be able to picture where Abram traveled. So his reference points are places they would recognize.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As we tell God’s story today, what are our contemporary reference points? The story of Christ’s redemptive work is our defining truth as Christ followers. How can we help people today understand that story? How can we provide them with a frame of reference that will help them discover who Jesus is? I will work with those questions today – personally and with our Church Board.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, open my eyes and ears to the world around me. At the same time, help me see and hear your word. Show me how to connect the two. Give me language to tell your story in this day and age. Show me how to talk with people – how to give them a frame of reference that makes some sense so they can discover you and your life-changing truth.