Genesis 12, 13
Do you remember the children's song Father Abraham? "Father Abraham had many sons and many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them and so are you.So let's just praise the Lord." Here is where it all begins.
God calls Abraham to leave his country (Ur), his people and his father's household, to go to the land that God will show to him (Genesis 12: 1-3). This is a radical call. Even for the 21st century, it is hard to imagine leaving everything we've ever known, all that sustains us, everything that gives us our identity and move to an unknown country. And yet, Abraham leaves everything in obedience to God.
What's God up to? Let's look at the first verses. God has just scattered the people of Babel across the earth. Now God focuses in on Abraham. He spells out in the first verses of chapter 12 just what amazing things he plans to do for Abraham. God promises (1) to make Abraham a great nation, (2) to bless him, (3) to make his name great, (4) to make him a blessing, (5) to bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him, and (6) ultimately to bless all peoples on earth through him. The peoples of the earth had sought to make a name for themselves in Babel, but God rejected their selfish ambition to do things their way. Now God promises a blessing greater than Babel ever imagined to one man because that man is willing to obey God. Everything the people of Babel sought for themselves, God will give freely to Abraham and his descendants. It's a radical to obedience, but one that comes with great blessing.
It's important to realize that this story is not just about Abraham. It's about God and humanity. It's about God restoring God's world. Genesis' promises are the response to the consequences of humanity's insistence on following their own path instead of the one God has set out before them. This is the blueprint for the entirety of the Bible. As one theologian says it, "Adam was given the garden of Eden: Abraham is promised the land of Canaan. God told Adam to be fruitful and multiply: Abraham is promised descendants as numerous as the stars. God walked with Adam in Eden: Abraham was told to walk before God. In this way Abraham is seen as the answer to all the problems set out in Genesis 1-11. Through Abraham's willingness to obey God, all the families of the earth will be blessed.
And yet, we learn that although Abraham is willing to answer a radical call. He isn't perfect....
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