The Fulcrum - Genesis 12:1-4 is the fulcrum of the book linking the first eleven chapters with what follows; it combines “all the families of the earth” with the individual, Abraham. Theologically, it is key in understanding the Pentateuch.

• Structure - Imperative: “Go” / Promise: “I will” / Response: “So Abram went.”
  
• Bless Me, Father - Blessing is the key theme in the Abraham stories; blessing, (berekah) are used eighty-eight times in Genesis. It shapes the life of this family and its impact will be felt by enemies, friends, family, and strangers.
  
• A Second Creation Narrative? -- Brueggemann: “Genesis is clear about two things. First, the God who forms the world is the same God who creates Israel. It is the same God who calls creation and who calls the community of faith. This same God works his powerful, creative purpose and intervenes in surprising, redemptive ways.”

How many times have you moved in your lifetime? How far away from your home of origin are you now?

• What’s the biggest hassle you face in up and moving? (planning stage? Boxing stage? Loading up? How about the arrivalwithboxesscatteredeverywhereand-itdawnsonyouthatyoudon’thavetheenergytounpack stage?
  
• Describe a time when you made some significant personal sacrifice in response to someone else. In response to God. Who can you recall from history who made a great personal sacrifice?

God’s Second Call-The one who calls worlds into being now makes a second call. Specific. Up close and personal: Abraham and Sarah.

• Creation has gone awry-God wishes to create an “alternative community” to embody in human history the power of blessing. The hope: that in this new family all humanity can be brought to the unity intended by the one who calls.
  
• Theological Claim of the Text - Abraham stands as the prototype for all disciples who forsake everything and follow. The remainder of the drama of Abraham and Sarah is to probe that embrace, to find out if it can be honored, and to assess the cost of such a decision.