Abraham -

This is the beginning of the story of God and his chosen people and the meaning of covenant (agreement between two parities). Three major religions claim Abraham as their founding father-Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

God called on him to lead them to a land that would be for God’s chosen people. At this time, people believed in many gods. Abraham followed God’s instructions

Faith-Trusting commitment of one person to another, particularly of a person to God. Faith is central to the concept of religion. Trust that living the way God teaches will lead to true happiness. Abraham showed extraordinary faith and that patience is part of faith. Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 when they had a son, Isaac, as promised by God. This was after they had been on the road for 25 years trying to fulfill the plan of God.

However, for a man of faith, Abraham proves to be a wimpy husband. He sends his own wife Sarah to the Pharaoh to protect his identity. Abraham is not perfect and behaves poorly a number of times but he is willing to ask for forgiveness and try again, so God is willing to forgive him and give him another chance.

This story follows the pattern of Biblical stories in that first comes faith, then comes reward.

God’s covenant with Abraham says that he will have many descendents and God will provide them with their own land if they serve God.

Chosen people have a special responsibility in their relationship with God vs. pagans who worship many gods and idols.

Abraham is a great example of the fact that many biblical heroes were not always heroic or even nice guys. (He gave his wife to another twice, slept with his maid to get an heir and then kicked them out twice, laughed at God when God told him that he would have a son).

The heroes of the Bible are singled out by God for special treatment and often extreme testing (the sacrifice of Isaac). God calls upon imperfect people to fulfill his plan.