1. Abram and Sarai take a little trip. What do you already know?

2. two ways of looking at this ‘trip’ Like any event, multiple perspectives Biblically/theologically/spiritually Anthropologicaly/historically – Not exclusive of each other – Both - and

3. Anthropologically/historically Migrant herdsmen/farmers Following food, land, space A ‘real’ person? A ‘symbolic’ person? A ‘collected’ person? Circa 2000 BCE No ‘proof’ though (Jewish Encyclopedia)

5. Biblically, theologically, spiritually Genesis 11 – 25 Name change “Father of Multitudes” Father of God’s people Progenitor, patriarch One who trusted… – lands, offspring  circumcision, faithfulness – What is this called???

6. COVENANT But there seems to be ‘tricks’ barrenness, famine, dealings w/ neighbors Does what it takes to ‘survive’ Back to trust/faithfulness in each of the stories Faithfulness is awarded youngest sibling, birthright, sacrifice

7. Abraham and Sarah – Ishmael, Isaac Isaac and Rebecca – Esau, Jacob Jacob and 4 wives – 12 sons, youngest is Joseph (coat)

8. To Egypt Famine  to Egypt Historical record Still very fertile (multiplying – growing population) Enslaved (hist. record)…building projects *** Slaughter (hist. record) Moses (hist. record)

9. What does this means to us? “Father Abraham” (and “Mother Sarah”) – For Jesus and for us “Life” (existential) – Promise,yet… barrenness, famine/drought, unbelievable sacrifice, enslavement… “Spiritual”: TRUST…will we be saved? – For Jesus and for us, too (life, ministry, passion)