In Genesis 12:5 we happen upon Abram who was considered one of the first hosts as well as a first pilgrim.

“He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions (substance) they had gained and all the people (souls) they had gotten (gathered).”

The context of Genesis 12 is that Abram is being invited to move from Ur.  He is invited to be moved by God.  Ur was a pagan nation.  As an inhabitant, Abram grew up around idols and those who worshipped them.  Yet, somehow he discovered God there.  Experienced Him enough to be moved from empty practices to an eternal pursuit. This is the marvel of being moved. The Talmud (written oral tradition) teaches that at age 3, Abram began seeking the true God.  He wondered through creation and marveled at its beauty and harmony.  He couldn’t believe it was created by an angry god who demanded sacrifice to be appeased.  He could only believe the true God was one of the truest love. Abram  committed himself to God and was filled with Him.  He found such love he could no longer live in the pagan culture of Ur but had to move to a place where he was free to worship this God he loved without resistance. The Midrash (ancient commentary connected to the text) tells how Abram would invite people into his home to share a meal, show them love and draw them closer to God.  Conversion would come and he would show them how to live in God’s presence always.

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Cessor Journals | February 21, 2020