Old Testament Wealth: Abraham

Steins;Gate is an anime that presents a striking example of how not to inherit wealth. Faris Nyannyan, known by her customers, hails from one of the richest families in Akihabara. When her father misses her birthday due to a business trip, she impulsively wishes he would drop dead. Recognizing his mistake, the father decides to fly back and mend their relationship. Unfortunately, in a tragic twist, the plane crashes, and he dies. As a result, Faris inherits the family fortune and boldly channels her wealth into launching her own maid cafe.

Father Abraham had many sons (as the song goes) but also much wealth (Genesis 13:2). God promised him a new land, a new family, and a new blessing (Genesis 12). Not only was Abraham expected to increase the family line, but his family would be very well off for many generations. God was establishing his first nation and Abraham was the lucky winner.

We can learn a lot about Abraham’s blessing. He didn’t earn the wealth or make himself worthy of it. Instead, God tapped him on the shoulder and explained his new situation. God could have chosen anyone. Abraham had to trust God and move to an unknown location to inherit it fully. God did not make Abraham wealthy because he needed the cash. God specifically told Abraham he was uprooting his whole life and building a legacy on him.

When God gives you resources, he is prepping you for something extraordinary. Wealth is not the only way to prepare someone for an adventure (Jesus stayed poor his whole life), but it shows that God will change someone’s life to set them on a new track. Wealth from God is always the start of something heroic and adventurous.

What is God asking you to do with your gifts?

EXPLORE THE VERSE: (Genesis 12:2-4)

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2 “I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.[a]
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”[b]

4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.

1. Circle all the words, phrases, and ideas that stood out to you.
2. What is God’ purpose in this text?
3. What is our purpose in this text?
4. What part of this scripture do you want to reflect on or bring into your faith?