Lech Lecha

Genesis 12:1-17:27

Isaiah 40:27-41:16

Romans 4:1-25

This D’var discusses what we need to do to be a friend to G-d. The Torah shows us we must rely upon G-d. Nothing is impossible if we put our trust and faith in the Living G-d. Just as Abraham was blessed, we, too, are blessed and can be called “friends of G-d.”

Below are some thoughts related to this week’s Torah portion. I hope that you will use these Scriptures as a study. Look up these references. Reflect upon them. Ask G-d to show you how you can be His friend.

Psalm 20:7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses; but we will trust in the name of the Lord, our G-d

What is in this portion?

· Abraham and his descendants

· Two thousand years from creation-the Era of Desolation

· Adam had fallen

· Abel was murdered

· Idolatry was introduced

· Ten generations were washed away by the deluge

· Ten generations from Noah had failed

· With Abraham, the Era of Desolation ends

· The Era of Torah begins

Genesis 12:1-28:18

· Patriarchal Age Begins With Abraham

· Abraham established in Canaan (12:1-14:24)

· Transition from Haran to Shechem, Bethel and the South Country (12:1-9)

· Sojourn in Egypt (12:10-20)

· Separation of Abraham and Lot (13:1-13)

· The Land is Promised (13:14-18)

· Lot rescued (14:1-16)

· Abraham blessed by Melchizedek (14:17-24)

· Abraham awaits the promised son (15:1-22; 24)

· The son promised (15:1-21)

· The birth of Ishmael (16:1-16)

· The promise renewed AND

· The covenant and its sign (17:1-27)

End of Torah Portion

Psalm 20:7-Some trust in chariots, but Abraham trusts the G-d of Heaven and Earth:

· Gen 15:6

· Romans 4:2,3,9

· Gal 3:6

· James 2:21,23

· Luke 3:8

· John 8:39

Compare his nephew, Lot:

· Abraham was a peacemaker (Gen 13:8)

· Sent Lot out so there would not be strife

· Lot lifted up his eyes and saw the plain of Yarden

· Chose the riches of Sodom/Gomorrah

Abraham, also known in Hebrew as Ha Ivri; One who crossed over. He crossed over from being an idol worshiper to serving the living G-d

A friend to G-d:

· Gen 15:6-trust

· Isaiah 41:8

· James 2:23

· 2 Chronicles 29:7

Choose the Kingdom of G-d (Matt 6:33)

Living sacrifice (Rom 12:1)

Choosing G-d above family (Mark 10:29)

Rich young man chooses riches of this life over the Kingdom of G-d (Mark 10:18-23)

Difficult to enter the Kingdom (Luke 18:24)

Fear of the Lord is riches, honor, life (Proverbs 22:4)

Be a friend of G-d and choose to fear Him

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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