Day 19 – Genesis 12: 1-3

Genesis tells the story of God’s mission to steer humans, with whom He had shared His world into being the sort of people He wanted them to be. But having the gift of free will, humankind attempted to do things in their own way, not God’s.

Today’s reading centres on a new approach God made to try to reach those He cared for. He chose a 75 year old man, married to an infertile wife and made seven mind-blowing promises to him; they are listed in verses 2 and 3 of our reading. In the course of time, all these promises were fulfilled and recorded through the pages of the Old and New Testaments as well as the Koran. The fulfilment of the promises all revolved on Abram doing what God asked of him. So what did God ask? That Abram abandon his roots, his land, his clan and his immediate family and travel off into the blue with no final destination given. Unlike the futile builders of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4, whose boast was to “make a name for ourselves”, God’s promise to Abram was that his name would become great because of the blessings he would release. As we read in yesterday’s reading (John 8:33), the Jews, although misguided about the freedom Jesus was offering, did honour Abram’s great name.

So, where do we fit into this scenario, for God still has the same mission to fulfil as He did when He called Abram? God continues to call men and women like us today to follow Abram’s example; perhaps to put our roots to one side and set off in new directions? We may not “make a name for ourselves” nor go down in history, but we may well bring great blessings to others.

Loving Lord, may my faith journey be guided by Abram’s example, so I can be part of Your mission to bring blessings to others – despite what it may cost me. Amen

by Robin Brooks
Newcastle West Circuit
Supernumerary Presbyter