Living by Faith and Walking in Righteousness
Morning: Genesis 12-14
Evening: Matthew 5:1-26
When God called Abram to leave everything he knew and step into the unknown (Genesis 12), Abram obeyed with faith, trusting in God’s promises. Similarly, in Matthew 5, Jesus calls us to live counterculturally—to be humble, merciful, and peacemakers. This journey of faith and righteousness is not always comfortable, but it leads to God’s blessings. Abram’s trust in God’s promises mirrors the faith Jesus calls us to embody in the Beatitudes. Walking by faith means surrendering to God’s plan and aligning our lives with His righteousness.
Key Insights
- Faith Requires Action: Abram’s journey teaches us that faith isn’t passive; it moves us to trust God’s promises and step forward, even when the destination is unclear.
- God’s Blessings Are for Others, Too: God’s promise to bless Abram extended to making him a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2-3). Our lives of faith should ripple outward to bless those around us.
- Righteousness Transforms Relationships: Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 emphasizes that living righteously affects how we treat others, calling us to reconcile and pursue peace.
- Obedience Brings God’s Presence: As Abram built altars to God (Genesis 12:7-8), he continually sought His presence. Similarly, cultivating a life of prayer and worship keeps us aligned with God’s will.
Connection to Other Scripture
Hebrews 11:8-10 reflects on Abram’s faith, highlighting that he obeyed without knowing where he was going because he was looking forward to a heavenly city. This parallels Jesus’ call in Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Both passages remind us to focus on God’s eternal purposes rather than temporary circumstances.
Questions to Reflect On
- What is God calling you to step out in faith for today?
- How can you align your relationships with Jesus’ teaching on reconciliation and peace?
- In what ways can you be a blessing to others, as Abram was called to be?
- Are there “altars” of worship and surrender you need to build in your life to refocus on God’s presence?
- How do you hunger and thirst for righteousness in your daily life?
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Abram, who walked in faith and trusted Your promises. Help me to step forward boldly, even when I don’t know what lies ahead, trusting that You are guiding me. Teach me to live a life that reflects Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes—pursuing peace, righteousness, and mercy. May my life be a blessing to those around me, drawing them closer to You. Build my faith and keep my heart centered on Your eternal purposes. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.