Brothers and sisters, today we reflect on the beginning of a journey that has shaped the history of redemption. In Genesis 12:1–9, we meet Abram—later known as Abraham—called by God to leave his land, his people, and his family for a promise not yet seen. And in Deuteronomy 4:5–9, we hear God's words to Abraham's descendants, a nation now formed, reminding them of who they are and how they must live in the light of that same call.
The Call of Abraham: Genesis 12:1–9
“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Gen. 12:1)
Why did God call Abram? Not because Abram was mighty, powerful, or already righteous. The Bible doesn't record anything particularly special about Abram before this moment—what makes him significant is that God chose him and Abram responded in faith.
God called Abram to:
-
Separate him from the idolatry of his homeland (Ur and Haran were steeped in idol worship).
-
Create through him a new people, a covenant community centered not on land or bloodlines but on faith and obedience.
-
Bless all nations through him (Gen. 12:3). This wasn’t a private blessing—it was a mission.
Abram was chosen not just to be blessed, but to be a blessing. That’s always been God’s plan: to choose one in order to reach many. This wasn’t favoritism; it was a call to responsibility.
A Nation of Witnesses: Deuteronomy 4:5–9
Fast forward several generations, and Abraham’s descendants stand on the edge of the Promised Land. The promise is being fulfilled. Now, Moses speaks:
“Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations…” (Deut. 4:6)
Here, the Lord reminds them why they were called:
-
To live by His statutes so that other nations would see His greatness.
-
To bear witness to a God who is near, who speaks, who is just.
-
To remember and teach these truths to their children.
In other words, the children of Abraham were to be a light to the nations, just as their forefather was to be a blessing to the nations. They had a missional identity.
What Does This Mean for Us?
We too are called out—called from darkness into God’s marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Like Abram, we are not chosen because we are worthy, but because God is gracious. And like Israel, we are called to live in such a way that others might see the wisdom, justice, and beauty of the Lord.
But here’s the challenge: Are we living lives that provoke questions? Are we blessing others with our presence? Are we remembering and passing on the works of God to the next generation?
God called Abram to go, and through his obedience, the world was changed. God called Israel to obey, and through their faithfulness, the world would know God. Today, God calls us—not to comfort, but to calling; not just to receive, but to give; not only to believe, but to bless.
May we, like Abraham, walk forward in faith.
May we, like Israel, live lives that point others to the living God.
And may we never forget that we are blessed to be a blessing. Amen.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 4 - The Nations Part I
No comments:
Post a Comment