The Story of Abraham

If you have never had the opportunity to read or hear about the account of the Patriarch Abraham’s (Genesis 12-25) life then I would encourage you to do so. His life story teaches to very important concepts about God and our life with God.

First, we are called to complete the task started by those who have come before us. In Genesis 11:31 we read that Abraham’s father began the process of moving his entire family from Ur to Canaan. Unfortunately for them they never made it. However, God, in Genesis 12:1-3, tells Abraham to leave his father’s house go to the land of Canaan. Abraham completed the journey his father had started. What are some journeys that you know others have started but have not completed? How can you completed those for them?

Second, ones faith will be tested. God promised Abraham that He would make "him into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2 NIV). Furthermore, God specifically told Abraham that it would be through his son Isaac that this nation would be born (See Genesis 21:12). Before this promised had come to fruition God told Abraham to take his son to Mountains of Moriah and offering him as burnt offering. In essence, God was telling Abraham to go and kill your son. Despite this contradiction Abraham did what God was told. In the end God stops Abraham from killing Isaac and provides a lamb for the burnt offering. God was testing Abraham’s faith. In the end God fulfilled His promise to Abraham.

God will always fulfill His promises His way. His way is not always our way and we may not always understand His ways but we must trust in the fact that God is the creator and ruler of this world and He knows what He is doing. So how do we know what promises (future) God has for us? First, we must be a right relationship with Him. This starts with accepting His son as our savior and Lord. To this one must recognize your sin, ask God’s forgiveness for those sins and then allow Him to be the Lord of your life. Once, this right relationship is established the Bible teaches us that when we call out to God He will answer and teach us what we need to know (Jeremiah 33:3). Are in a right relationship with God? If not, why not? If yes, then are you faithfully headed towards the future God wants for you? If not, why not?