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Day 2: Unfinished Business

Genesis 11-12 relates the story of Abram's travels to get to Canaan. The journey seems to have occurred in two stages. First, Terah, Abram’s father, took Abram, his wife Sarai, and his nephew Lot, from their home in Ur. They were to go to Canaan, but they stopped in Haran when they were only partway there.

It’s not clear from the biblical account whether God communicated with Terah and told him to take his family to Canaan or not, but it’s entirely possible. It is clear that Canaan was the planned destination. “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1).

Some translations of this verse imply that later, Abram remembered God’s previous instructions from years before. “The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you’” (Acts 7:2-3). This seems to imply that God sent the family from Ur to go to Canaan.

The place where they stopped partway was named Haran, probably after Abram’s brother, who had died back in Ur. They apparently stayed there for quite a while, and Terah, Abram's father, died while they were there.

Whether God spoke to Abram again, or Abram just remembered God’s previous
instructions, Abram was aware that they had not arrived at God’s intended destination, so he took Sarai and Lot and all his livestock and set out for Canaan—again. This time he arrived in Canaan, where God intended to bless Abram and make him into a great nation.

His obedience had great repercussions. Through Abraham, every person on earth would be blessed. Have you ever sensed that God wanted you to do something that you just haven't done yet? Maybe a family member distracted you from finishing something God wanted you to do. In Abram’s case, it seems to have been Terah’s decision to stay in Haran. Once he died, Abram was free to continue to Canaan.

We all mourn the death of a loved one. We never forget them. Sometimes, once the dust has settled, though, it is then possible that we can follow God’s leading in a way we could not before. This is just one example. Our lives are in seasons. As we grow, and just like Abram, we may discover that we have unfinished business. The good news is that God has a plan for us in every season.

God spoke to Abram, and He continues to speak to His people today. Great blessings await you as you walk with God.

Reflection

Can you, like Abram, remember something that God has willed for your life—something you need to get back to doing?

Where does God want you to go? This may not be a physical change. You may not be moving, per se, but God has places of ministry for all of us. Where does God want to use you? What does He want you to do? [If you don’t know, that’s okay. Seek the Lord. If you need help figuring this out (and that’s not unusual), go to your pastor or mentor and seek God over it together.