Genesis 12:1-17:27

Lech L’cha marks the beginning of a significant journey for Abram, later known as Abraham. This portion invites us into the world of a man called to leave his familiar surroundings and venture into the unknown on God’s promise alone.

The core of Lech L’cha lies in Abram’s call to leave his homeland. God’s command to “Go forth from your country, from your kindred and from your father’s house” (Genesis 12:1) is groundbreaking. It’s a summons to trust and obedience, urging Abram to step out in faith without knowing the destination. This moment highlights the profound trust he placed in God, setting the stage for his future as a patriarch of the Jewish people.

At the heart of this Torah portion are the promises God makes to Abram. These include the gift of land, a multitude of descendants, and the blessing that he will become a great nation. “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great,” God declares in Genesis 12:2. These promises are not just about personal gain for Abram; they carry the weight of a divine plan for humanity. The land represents a future home for his offspring, and the promise of descendants ensures the continuation of a chosen lineage.

Throughout his journey, Abram faces numerous challenges and tests of faith. From famine in the land to the complexity of family dynamics, he continually relies on God’s guidance. Each step of his journey further solidifies his relationship with God, teaching us the importance of unwavering faith during uncertain times. His life depicts a tapestry of trust, challenges, and divine encounters.

A significant aspect of Lech L’cha is the covenant between God and Abram. This divine promise includes not only personal blessings but also a commitment that transcends generations. The covenant involves specific, relevant signs, such as the renaming of Abram to Abraham and the rite of circumcision. These acts symbolize God’s unwavering commitment and the special relationship He establishes with Abraham’s descendants. This covenant becomes a foundational pillar in the narrative of the ancient faith, and by extension, in the faith journey of believers today.

Messianic Insights: Finding Messiah Yeshua in Lech L’cha

Lech L’cha isn’t just a story about Abram’s journey; it’s rich with prophetic significance that points to Messiah Yeshua. Abram’s call and the promises made to him have layers of meaning that reveal God’s redemptive plan for the world through Yeshua.

One of the profound insights comes from the covenant God makes with Abram. The promise of descendants and land isn’t just about his immediate family but foreshadows the coming of a greater descendant – Yeshua. The opening of the Gospel of Matthew identifies Yeshua in this manner. This connects the dots between the Torah, the prophets, and the New Testament, showing a continuous thread of God’s plan for salvation.

The story of Abram being called to leave his homeland and go to an unknown land mirrors Yeshua’s journey. Yeshua left His heavenly home to fulfill God’s plan on Earth, bringing blessings to all nations. This parallel shows the depth of God’s plan for redemption and underscores the obedience and faith required to walk in His ways.

By trusting, Avraham obeyed, after being called to go out to a place which God would give him as a possession; indeed, he went out without knowing where he was going.
(Hebrews 11:8 CJB)

When God promises Abram that he would be a blessing to all families of the earth, it’s not only about his physical descendants. This promise finds its fullest expression in Yeshua, whose life and sacrifice opened the doors of salvation to all humanity. There’s a direct connection between Abram’s journey of faith and the global mission of Yeshua.

The faith that Abram exhibited is a prototype of the faith that followers of Yeshua are called to have. It involves stepping into God’s promises, often without knowing all the details, much like Abram did. Recognizing this connection helps us appreciate the continuity of faith from the Torah through to the New Testament. God’s promises and faithfulness are unwavering throughout the Scriptures.

Living the Message: Life Applications for Followers of Yeshua

Living the message of Lech L’cha means translating the lessons from Abram’s journey into our everyday lives. God’s call to Abram to leave everything familiar and step into the unknown is a powerful image that resonates with many of us. Obedience and faith are crucial components of this message. Acting on God’s prompts, even when the path isn’t clear, can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment.

Trusting in God’s promises is another vital aspect. Abram held onto God’s promises despite not seeing immediate results. This teaches the importance of patience and unwavering faith, especially when the road gets tough. God’s timing is perfect, and sometimes, we are called to wait and trust.

Covenantal relationships are also highlighted in Lech L’cha. For followers of Yeshua, this can translate to building strong, supportive communities and being accountable to one another. Such relationships help us stay grounded and focused on our spiritual journeys. They remind us that we are part of a larger family of believers who share a common mission.

Another key point is being a blessing to others. Abram was blessed so that he could be a blessing, and this principle applies to us today. Finding ways to bless others – be it through acts of kindness, sharing resources, or providing support – is a tangible way to live out our faith. It aligns us with God’s broader plan of spreading His love and compassion.

Faith in action is perhaps the most practical takeaway. It involves daily steps that reflect our trust in God and commitment to His ways. This can include starting the day with prayer, engaging in regular study of the Scriptures, and seeking opportunities to serve others. Through these actions, we continuously align ourselves with God’s will and purpose. Each day becomes an opportunity to walk in faith, just as Abram did.

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Dale Solberg is a guest writer at Messianic Torah Portion offering a commentary and devotional thoughts from a Messianic Perspective on each week’s Torah reading. His views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of The Messianic Light. You can reach Dale at dale@messianictorahportion.com.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright © 1998 and 2016 by David H. Stern. Used by permission. All copyrights reserved worldwide.

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