Abram's Lie

Published Oct 20, 2024, 9:00 AM

# 11 - Abram's Lie - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein Abram's faith is tested as fear drives him to deception in a foreign land. Discover the consequences of his choices and the unwavering faithfulness of God in the midst of human frailty.

Episode 11 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Genesis.

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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Leviticus 19:11, “You shall not steal. You shall not lie. You shall not deceive one another.”

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Show Notes:

(02:00) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(03:29) Abram's Lie - Cinematic Retelling

(29:31) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

Previously on the chosen people.

Don't you sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a nation all of your own, to make a name for yourself, rather than relying on the name of another.

Lots questions done. Abram had a dysfunctional relationship with greatness and legacy, having no child of his own or any hope for one on the horizon, he knew whatever he gained would be dispersed among his servants and relatives. Nothing would live on beyond him. Abram didn't aim for greatness. Instead, he remained reliable, steady, and predictable.

Apron Who's there?

Abram could feel the presence of the voice, but couldn't capture its source.

Abram, you are to go out from your land, leave your father's house and your relatives behind, and go to the land.

I will show you images of a few cure Abram could barely understand. Flickered in and out of focus in his mind's eye faster than he could discern, But the intent was clear. He was to have a legacy, but the one locked pindfall.

You'd have to trust me, sirah I I have weighed the cost, But more importantly, I know in my heart who must follow the words of this God.

Abram, look at me? Are we to upend our entire way of life on the words of a random God.

Abram didn't know why this God chose him. He wasn't a substantial or charismatic man. He wasn't even the greatest in his household. How would he accomplish all it had foretold? Even still, with this God's voice reverberating in his mind, he felt a confidence flicker in his heart. He could become great.

God formed the heavens and the earth with words of truth. Creation is an act of truth telling, and therefore lying is an act of decreation, essentially working against God's will. Shallow may friends from here in the Holy Land. I'm ya l e Stein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories filled with timeless lessons of faith and love and the meaning of life. Through israel story, we find this truth that we are all chosen for something great. Let's begin. Imagine yourself in a land gripped by famine. The dust swirls, the sun beats down the earth lays parched and barren. Your only choice is to remain thirsty and starving in this desolate land, or venture into a den of wicked men. In our story today, Abram is faced with this very choice. In this story inspired by Genesis twelve, Abraham, a man of promised greatness, now stands on the brink of desperation. Will he trust in the unseen? Or will Abram, like so many of us, grasp at the tangible, the immediate, the here.

And the now. Abram and Lot were exhausted after overseeing the grueling Sir John south through the notoriously treacherous desert called the Negev. A devastating famine had swept through the land. It compelled their band of expatriates to carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, until they were eventually forced to enter the Lions and Vipers territory on the long barrel and desert road to Egypt. The Egyptians and Canaanites reaped the benefits of long established prosperous trade routes, so seeking help and refuge in Egypt was the only option for Abram and Lot's people relieved, but wary of their new neighbors. They were finally settling their tents and livestock in the unoccupied lands outside of the city of An, the gateway city to the mighty Egyptian nation.

Abram, Abram, what did I tell you? No, don't look over, but listen carefully. That's the fifth time I've got them staring today.

That's all right?

Yes?

Oh no, now.

They're whispering between themselves.

Abram chanced to look over to the Egyptian officials patrolling their camp, a condition of the temporary occupation of their lands. Sure enough, the men's eyes lingered on his wife again and again, taking their fill. An uneasy pit formed in Abram's stomach, and he struggled to master the fury and fear rising within him.

I should tell her to go inside and stay out of sight. Oh no, that won't do any good. They've already seen her.

Do you think they know she's my wife?

Have you or any of the servants spoken to them me?

No, way, I haven't said a word. What do you think, Abram? What do you think they do as they if they wanted her?

I fear, what would happen to me or you or any of our household, or workers, for that matter, if they were to decide to take her from me by force, I'm no good to any of you. Dead, I can't carry out this calling if I'm dead. Perhaps perhaps there's a way to save myself.

Abram fell silent for a long while. The stress of responsibility in the fear of failure squeezed his chest. A thousand different future scenarios raced through his mind. He thought about all the potential dangers and avenues of destruction. He thought out loud beside his nephew spirally, this.

Is a brutal land. If they want Sir I, they're not going to ask. They'll take her and kill me. Then what everyone here will scatter? My father's wealth will be gone, and the legacy I was called to carry will disappear.

Let's say they ask about her, What will you say?

What will you do? If I tell them she's my wife, they'll kill me. But if I tell them she's my sister, they'll probably spare me.

You realize this ruse would mean that you could lose your wife.

Yes, but perhaps it would also allow me the benefit of time. It's time to find a way out. Only just reached safety and can't risk upsetting or offending our hosts.

Yeah, not to mention, we'd probably benefit from any potential suitors Sarah might have not.

I'm sorry, Uncle, I'm sorry.

But you have to admit gaining the Egyptian's favor and filling our coffers wouldn't exactly hurt.

I mean, look at us, Abram. Look at the state of her clothes. Look at how the numbers of our herds have dwindled. We're practically skeletons. This famine has taken its toll on all of us. I admit we could use the resources, Apram, Abram, I get it. This is a tough spot to be in.

Believe me.

I know.

Frankly, I think if we're gonna be in this precarious situation, why not benefit from it.

I'm sorry it has to be you, but I'm certain no what's.

Given my wife a second glance. With the way she frets and fusses overs day and night, no one would mistake.

Her for an unnarried woman.

Believe you me, Eh, be that as it may. I don't envy the conversation you're about to have with your wife.

Later that day, Abram, steeled himself as he drew back the entrance of their tent. Sarai was seated inside and mending one of his tunics. Though far past her prime, SARAHI was undeniably beautiful, every bit as regal and striking as befitted their noble bloodline. Though Abram had known her since they were children, and they had been married for well over half their lives, there were still moments when her beauty took his breath away. Abram was lost in his thoughts, again pausing at the tense entrance. He was vibrating in place, nearly shaking with paranoia and self doubt. His love for Sarah ran deep, but the uncertainty of the future plagued his mind. He was lost in an imaginary world, unable to escape his stillness at the entryway. Drew her gaze, and he smiled tenderly pleased. She smiled warmly back.

What is it, Apram, Sir? I, I must ask you something. It's very important that we are aligned in this matter.

I am your wife, you are my husband and lord. You know I will support you.

Yes, you are steady as the Northern star, My dear, I couldn't have asked for a better wife. In fact, this is the matter I must speak to you about.

You're making me nervous with that tone.

What is it You've drawn the attention of Pharaoh's officials, and because of that we should be prepared to tell them. You're my sister, not my wife. This is for your protection as as well as my own. If you've drawn the eye of a prominent Egyptian as your brother, my life would be spared.

So you'd lie.

It's not an outright lie. We do share a father, Abram.

You would tell a half truth and deny me the protection of my husband. Lie to spare yourself and ship me off to an Egyptian war lord.

Abram winced, his resolution wavered at her directness. In its wake came guilt, and he was ashamed to admit it. Instead of listening to his wife's hurt, Abram became defensive. The cost of the mission was too great to feel remorse for his plan. Now the guilt lingered, but he shoved it down and again summoned his resolve.

Sir, I don't think you fully grasped the danger we are in that I am in. I've seen more of the world than you, I know what these foreign men.

Would do to a man with the wife they desire, And so you would oversee the bidding for my hand except the favors of my suitors. This is something you could abide by.

Sir I. This gives me no pleasure, but in this way we would preserve our future family and secure our future. Who would lead our people if not me? You know this, God has compelled us to leave our home. We've already strayed too far from the land I was promised. I must prevent any other missteps. This pretense could spare my life and buy me the time to write the course.

And you are to achieve what was promised us alone.

It is my way to bear my responsibility to trust in my destiny. I'm not asking you to have this same faith I have, but I am asking that you trust me. Your preservation is also my responsibility, and this is the only way I see both of us surviving should the inevitable come to pass. We don't have time to flee, and this ruse will buy me the time I need to plan away out. I will not fail you.

You would abandon me here. You don't understand you're right about that, Abram I don't understand, but I also don't have the benefit of denying your will. So here I am a bride for sale to the highest bidder.

And as it had before, that settled the matter. What Abram and Lott had feared and predicted did indeed come to pass. Soon after Sarah's disheartening conversation with her husband, Pharaoh's officials called. To Serai's surprise, Pharaoh himself had taken an interest in her. He had recently built an estate in the city of n to more firmly take a foothold at his nation's border in light of the influx of migrants pouring in in response to the famine in the land. Widely known as a man who appreciated art and beautiful things, beautiful women included, he paid close attention to the reports of the more attractive women who arrived in their caravan from Canaan. What had taken place in the week since was a flurry of attention and favors, all to Abram's benefit and to the delight of Lot and his wife, who benefited by association. Meeting no resistance from Abram, Serai had been taken to Pharaoh's household and added to his hareem of women. At first, Sarahi could not stomach the adjustment, but she was surprised to find how quickly she warmed to the Pharaoh's affections. Pharaoh was pleased with her and began to court her outright, Abram, her brother, receiving gift after gift as their flocks and coffers grew. Sarrai hated herself for it and regretted how she had behaved in her vanity had been preferred by fairer. It all felt like a great betrayal of everything she had known her entire life, but she had to admit that she had not felt cherished in a long time. Abram had become distant and preoccupied of late, taking on his responsibilities as burdens, never asking for help, and blindly trusting in a god she had yet to see or hear herself. She had long held back her doubts about this promise to Abram, about having a family. They had tried for years to produce an air and failed. Baron was her badge. This would lightly did her the pharaoh, as he had plenty of women to carry his children. Instead, he seemed determined to make her a wife regardless a prize he could flaunt in the faces of her dear indebted as they were to him, as they were forced to inhabit his land, she knew the courting period was closing, perhaps even that evening, since Pharaoh had asked Sarria's family to dine with them. Sarai was unsure whether or not Abram had devised a way to get her out of this impending commitment to Pharaoh, but her anxiety grew each day. There was a finality to this predicament that left a pit in Sarai's stomach. And if she was made to go through with this marriage to Pharaoh, would Abram be forced to abandon the promise he had uprooted their lives for. And if she did, even the slim hope of ever having a child would be impossible. Sarahi dared not hope for a miracle as grand as that, But perhaps she could ask this God for rescue from her impending marriage to Pharaoh. Perhaps she could muster a bit of faith in Abram's God if he rescued her from these circumstances. Abram was seen in the seat of honor at Pharaoh's table. Pharaoh was lounging at the head of the great table. Meats, cheeses and fruit laced the table. Abram Lot and his wife sat as guests, partaking in the king's decadence. Pharaoh was an imposing man with thick arms in a deep voice. His clean shaven face revealed his broad jaw and muscular neck. Abram trembled in his presence. He was a man of power, not just physically but militarily. Abram's entire company could be wiped out instantly if he met the eye of Pharaoh. For that reason, he trod lightly. Sarai's dignity may be the price he had to pay for his safety. Sarai tried to catch his eye or read his face for any sign of reassurance, but Abram fixed his eyes anywhere but his wife. Sarai's heart began to sink, and she desperately reached out in a silent prayer to his God, hoping beyond hope the deliverance would come.

Sarai, my beauty, you seem distracted this evening. Are You're not delighted to hear that your brother Abrahm and I have finally agreed on your dowry. You are to be one of my brides at last.

Oh, I am my lord, thank you. Your generosity is overwhelming. You have already shown me such kindness that I could hardly hope for anything more. You honor me, and you honor my family as well, especially my faithful brother.

Quite right, his honor has proven true, and I have made him a wealthy man because of it. Your family will live in luxury and above your stations, sure to be the envy of the other refugees in my country.

We drink to you and your hospitality, Oh illustrious one.

We are in your debt and your loyal servants, Your Highness.

SARAHI watched Abram as they all lifted their cups to honor the pharaoh, but he said nothing.

How soon until we can begin preparations, my lord?

Huh so eager, my beauty. We can begin making arrangements tomorrow.

Oh Sarah, you must let me help you, as you know I've had so much experience in these matters.

The conversation prattled on and washed over Sarai without her contribution, as she continued to watch Abram's disengagement from across the table. It wasn't until a pretty serving girl appeared at his elbow to take a plate away that he re engaged with the world around him.

Thank you. What is your name?

My name is Hagar.

Is there anything else I can get you? Master?

No, thank you, I don't need anything.

Hagar, Abraham, as my servant peaked your interest. Consider her a part of my daddy, a gift for bringing me such a lovely wife.

Your generosity knows no bounds.

Zerri, And though she knew her husband did not intend to wound her with these words, she fumed that the only kindness her husband seemingly had to spare was for some stranger and not his own wife. She managed to sit quietly for the rest of the feast, speaking only when a response was warranted. Later, alone in her quarters for the night, she wept in the silence that everyone had abandoned her deliverance she thought was not coming. She looked out her window, staring up at the stars. She was anxious and afraid, But in that moment of sorrow, an other worldly stillness settled around her. She couldn't quite understand it, but the presence of God was with her at that moment. It had a weight to it, and she could sworn she felt some comforting arms wrap around her. That night, under a canopy of stars and uncertainty, SARAHI, despite her tears, felt comforted. Abram had failed her, but the God of Abram wouldn't. That night, working in the margins of Pharaoh's dreams, God was at work. He would come to defend her. Wake up, Abram opened his eyes to see two spears inches away from his throat. Pharaoh's men had entered his tent, poised to strike if he struggled or screamed.

What's happening? Why have you come here? Silence?

Pharaoh has summoned you follow us, or feel the tips of ours spears.

Abram wrapped himself up and followed the men to the palace. Once again, his mind raced with imaginary scenarios. Had Sarai given up? Had she conspired against him? Was Larah going to kill him? Or go back on his word? Abram shuffled on his feet nervously in the receiving hall of Pharaoh's palace, And what was stranger still was that the palace, usually humming with activity from servants, merchants, guests, and officials, was eerily quiet. Abram heard rumors that a sudden sickness was rampant in Pharaoh's household. It wasn't unusual for a disease to sweep through a city, but if the rumors were to be believed, the sickness seemed only to effect those inside the palace grounds. The accounts also claimed that they were miraculously healed when people left the premises. It was almost as if an angry god had cursed Pharaoh and his household. In a rare, fleeting moment of concern for his wife, Abram wondered if Sarah had also fallen ill. Perhaps that was why Pharaoh had summoned him to tell him news of his wife's death, as if in response to his thoughts. Pharaoh's stormed into the receiving hall, and Abram dropped to his knees in reverence for the ruler and his soon to be.

Brother in law sam Abraa.

Abram stood but waited for Pharaoh to speak first. He could not help but notice the paleness of his skin and the glassiness of his eyes. He wondered if the Pharaoh was afflicted by this mysterious illness as well.

What have you done to me?

Your highness? Forgive me, but I do not understand your meaning.

When Abram looked up at the Pharaoh, he quickly averted his eyes again. It was hard to tell, and he didn't want to be caught staring too long, but the skin visible at his collar and sleeves looked raw and red from scratching, perhaps from boils. He was a ghastly sight daunts you.

This disease upon my household, upon my very person, has come over us too quickly to be something the natural world. Which of your beck country gods have you called the pant to curse me?

Your highness? I would never.

No, no, you'd deny your involvement in this matter.

Forgive me, Pharaoh. I do not know how this came to be, or if anyone has been involved, but you must believe me I had no part in it.

M No, I don't believe someone as lowly as you could call harm upon me.

Pharaoh paused and fixed Abram with an unflinching and inscrutable stare. Abram remembered that the Egyptians considered their pharaohs to be gods themselves when they ascended to their thrones. He also remembered that the Egyptians were deeply superstitious, though given what had happened, Abram could not say he could take issue with that way of thinking.

You could not do this to me, but perhaps that is something I have done to anger the gods.

Surely you have done nothing wrong, your highness. You have treated both your subjects and even strangers like myself with great kindness.

We have to agree on this matter. I am Pharaoh, I am the image of Rah. I am the morning and evening Star, acting as an arm of the gods themselves. I have consulted my priests, and we cannot find any reason that justifies this lad unless, of course, I have caught the eye of another god, a foreign god. Abraham, have you been completely truthful with.

Me, your highness? What are you accusing me of.

There's been a bit of gossip that has reached my ears. I admit I didn't want to believe it initially, because you enthusiastically encouraged my actions. Surely, an honest man such as yourself would not accept gift after gift if he did not desire the courtship to come to fruition.

Abram's heart caught in his chest. Adrenaline pulsed through his body, as every fear he had in come into this place, became realized.

Abram, who is said I to you.

Your Highness, I beg forgiveness, Sir, I is my wife, just as your spies have surely told you the gossip. It's true. I was afraid of what would happen to me if a man desired my wife. I never guessed she would be chosen by the most powerful man in the world. I didn't know how to escape my deception, which had gone on for too long. Forgive me and take pity on a man who fears not for his own life, but for the lives of many that he is responsible for. Please spare my life, Please spessialize as well. She was only doing what I asked of her.

Oh you dear, beg me for mercy. You received treasures from my trove based on a lie, and you dare ask for more. You don't deserve my mercy. You deserve to hang with the crows to slowly pecketer eyes. Nevertheless, if your God is powerful enough to wipe out my household, I have no choice but to spare high and said I too, I believe that she is as innocent as I am in this matter.

Thank you, Lord Pharaoh.

Thank you Ford, thank me as if we are friends, for getting a quarrel.

I want you and your God far.

Away from me and my lane. Take your wife and take the flocks and giefs I have given you. That's auld assuage your God and lift the plagues from my household.

Abram sighed in relief and sagged to the floor. His heart still beat wildly in his chest, but he thanked Pharaoh profusely. Even as his attendants brought forth a perplexed Sarah and ushered them out. Abram was relieved to observe that she didn't appear to be sick. Abram could only assume she was the sole exception to the curse that had wreaked havoc on Pharaoh's household. Abram wasn't sure how to apologize, so he didn't.

You're right, yes.

Abram and Sarah hurried from the palace to make arrangements to leave immediately for fear that the Pharaoh might change his mind. As they fled, Sarah kept her eyes on the ground ahead of her that the same awe he felt was written all over her face. The god who had caught them out of haroon and led them to Canaan was at work. Even the words Pharaoh uttered was seemingly placed in his mouth by Abram's God, as if to remind Abram of the call that had been bestowed upon him.

Abram, you are to go out from your land.

Abram felt rebuked by Pharaoh's words, by God God's words, and knew that, despite his assuredness that he was doing what he thought was right, he never should have left the land he had been promised. His mistakes had almost cost him and Sarah their integrity and their lives. Abram pondered on all that had happened and resolved never again to leave the land his God had promised. Surely, his God has proven himself to be a mighty rescuer and trustworthy beyond his comprehension.

This story about Abram, the father of the Chosen People is all about what happens when fear takes hold. As imperfect humans, when we let our fear overcome us, we tend to do whatever we can, whether it's wrong or right, to protect our own skin at any cost. Now, Abram was a man of faith, no doubt about it. He left everything familiar behind to follow God's call to an un known land, but even people of faith falter. That is the point made by the Great Jewish age Nachmanides. He explains that Abram committed two sins here. First, Abram left the Holy Land during the famine, not trusting in God to provide for him and his family. But after Abram committed that person, he committed another by what he did to Sarai, his wife, as her loving husband called by God to protect his beloved wife. Abram never should have placed Sarai in such a dangerous and precarious situation, bringing her to a foreign, unknown land and leaving her to the mercy of its ruler. Abraham's sins show that even the great people of the Bible simply weren't perfect. Even the patriarchs and the matriarchs ered. And I think it's a very deep lesson for us today that we could never hope to emulate someone who is perfect. But as we look closer at Abrahamson's we can find inspiration from the great qualities that we find in the imperfect people of the Bible. Now, Abraham and Sarai's journey took them to the land of the Pharaohs, a place of power and opulence, but also of danger. When they arrived in Egypt, Abram feared for his life. He knew Sarai's beauty could attract unwanted attention, and it did. So what did Abram do?

He lied?

He took maybe the easy road. He instructed Sarah to say that she was his sister, not his wife. But why did he do it?

Well?

In ancient Egypt, the custom was for the pharaoh to take a beautiful woman for himself. Abram was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him in order to take Sarah, who the Bible tells us was very beautiful. Abram feared for his life, and so he lied out of fear. But Abram's fear plays SARAHI in a dangerous situation. Pharaoh took her into his palace. She was no longer under Abram's protection. She was at the mercy of a foreign king. Imagine the terror that Sarai must have felt, the vulnerability, the loneliness. She was taken from her husband and placed in the harem of a powerful ruler, with no clue what would happen to her.

Now.

Abram's lie was actually a half truth, since Sarai was his half sister, but it was still a betrayal of trust and would have a destructive ripple effect for Pharaoh and for the marriage of Abram and Sarai, all because Abram didn't trust in God. But we see clearly that God intervened. He inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and on his household because of Sarahi. Pharaoh realized what had happened, and he confronted Abram about his lie. Pharaoh went to Abram and said, what have you done to me? Why didn't you tell me that she was your wife? And in this moment, Abram's lie was exposed, and with it, once again, his fear and his lack of faith were revealed. But even in Abram's failure, God's faithfulness shone through Sarai was returned to Abram untouched, and they were both just sent away safe and unharmed. Abram's story reminds us that our actions have consequences. Our fears can lead us to make poor decisions, decisions that can hurt those who we love most. But it also shows us that God is faithful even when we are not. He protects, he intervenes, and he restores because always in the end, his purposes prevail. Isn't it curious how our lives often reflect the stories that we hold dear. The biblical tale of Abram and Sarai venturing into the unknown at God's command echoes profoundly within me.

You see.

When my husband and I embarked on our own journey of alien moving to Israel shortly after we were married, we left behind a world of familiarity. We left family and friends, We left the language that I spoke, and moved to a new country where I knew no one and didn't speak the language. We left the beloved American culture in which we'd both grown up. But while America was the only home that either of us knew, we both felt God's call to make our home in the Holy Land and the land of Israel, which was promised to our ancestors, the land where every Jew belongs, and to our amazement, despite the new language and culture and climate, right away, immediately I felt a profound sense of belonging in a way. I felt more at home, more myself in Israel than I ever did before in America. In the last episode, we talked about God's call to Abraham, where it says lech lecha me Artzechra go from your country to the land that I will show you. But you see those first two words lech lechra, they translate as go to yourself. Only then it continues le artzegra to the country I will show you. The Jewish sages taught that this phrase lech lech go to yourself, reveals a very deep truth that when we leave behind what comfortable for the sake of following God, we don't lose ourselves, but rather we find our true selves, just as the Bible says, go to ourselves. Following God often demands that we step out of comfort zones. It might require changes or risks. It requires us to go to the unfamiliar, and too often when we're faced with unfamiliar we slip into bad habits and destructive coping mechanisms. When things get uncomfortable, we desperately grasp for comfort, even when the comfortable choice can often be the poor choice. This was true for Abram when he was faced with uncertainty. He fell into fear, and he stepped aside instead of stepping forward. How often do we do that? Think of it this way. God created the heavens and earth by speaking life and light into existence with a word of truth all of creation was formed. Do you remember early in Genesis it says vay Yomer Hussian vi he Or vi he Or, and God spoke, let there be light, and there was light. Well, if words of truth bring forth creation, then lies bring forth decreation. Lies bring about the destruction of creation. And we see this in how Abram's lies brought destruction into Pharaoh's household and chaos into his own marriage. Isn't it ironic? Don't you think that Abraham lied to avoid a catastrophe, but his lies actually or the cause of catastrophe. When we lie, even when we think we're saving ourselves, we're really just creating chaos. But even when we aren't truthful, even when we make decisions out of fear, and even when we fail, we have to know that our loving God intervenes with grace. God loves us always. But God's call is clear, walk in truth to speak more on God's grace despite our human imperfections. Is my dear friend, Bishop Paulineer.

Well, here we are in the second half of chapter twelve. Really, the only thing I want to add to it that moves me is that yet again Abraham built.

An altar to the Lord.

What troubles me is in verse eleven, he left that place and went down to Egypt because of a famine, and that was a moment that haunted him the rest of his life. I would say to us, be so very careful in the famine moments of little, lack and loss. It's then that we can be deceived and make some of the worst decisions of our lives. When I look at Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, only Isaac, he was the only patriarch to never leave the land. Discern the word, will and way of God for your life, and never depart from it.

Maybe you're fearful. Maybe you find yourself seeking self preservation, looking out for number one, letting it down those who count on you, just to save your own skin. It's a common temptation, one that's as old as humanity itself, and one that we see in the story of Abram. But just like Abram, God has called you to something better.

Look at Abram.

He wasn't perfect, He failed, He lied about Sarai, he put his wife in great danger just to protect himself. But here's the thing. God didn't give up on Abram, and God won't give up on you. Despite Abram's failures, God kept working on him and threw him. God's plan for Abram stood firm, just as God's promise stood firm. As God's promises always stand firm. They did for Abram, they do for all of us, and they do for His Chosen People. So let me conclude with the blessing for you. This blessing is very special to me. It's the priestly blessing from number six. Yev hashm yah her hashimpve y sa Hashem Salon. May the Lord bless and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. Cello, my friends, from here in the Holy Land.

You can listen to the Chosen People with Isle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey dot Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, Kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yaile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review,

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