Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions."-Genesis 15:13-14 (NKJV)
Yesterday we studied the prophecy God gave to Abraham concerning his descendants. They would become a mighty nation, and this was perfectly fulfilled through the formation of the nation of Israel. That was the prophetic word God gave in Genesis 12. Then, in Genesis 15, the Lord added more details to this declaration.
In addition to becoming a mighty nation, Abraham's descendants would also "be strangers in a land that is not theirs" and afflicted for "four hundred years." But eventually they would come out of this period of persecution "with great possessions." If you know your Bible history, you know that these conditions were perfectly met. The children of Israel became enslaved in Egypt for approximately four hundred years (Exodus 12:40), and they left with the Egyptian nation's wealth in their possession (Exodus 12:36). Historians generally date the giving of this prophecy at 2000 B.C. and the fulfillment at 1450 B.C., which means God perfectly forecasted the birth and deliverance of Israel 550 years in advance!
Some contend that biblical prophecies are so general and vague that "they could eventually be fulfilled by anyone or anything." General and vague, really? Is four hundred a general number, or specific? Is the plundering of great possessions vague or specific? Any thinking person must admit that biblical prophecy is incredibly detailed. And with each detail, it becomes increasingly impossible for man to deny the supernatural status of these prophecies.
Be thankful that God is detail oriented and that He carries this characteristic over to His prophecies, for the detail in prophecy makes it all the more amazing and astounding!
Discuss with your group how you see God being a God of details. Share an experience you had this week where you were reminded that God cares about details.
Dig into Genesis 15:1–14. What details does God disclose in these verses? What’s the significance of the specifics Abraham was given? What do you sense God is specifically asking you to do? What is your next step of obedience?
Decide as a group to demonstrate real faith. What step of faith could you take that would mean complete dependence on our faithful Father? Challenge the group to put their faith into action by serving together in an outreach activity. Is your group ready for a short-term mission trip?
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