Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you;” (Genesis 12:1 NAS95)
Out of the blue, caught by surprise, the Creator God starts speaking to Abram. No Bible, no forewarning, just stories of God speaking passed down through the generations that may have prepared Abram to hear. Abram probably didn’t think God would start a conversation with him. God had just scattered the peoples and confused the languages. Yet in the aftermath of that judgment (maybe it was a really a call to pay attention), God spoke to Abram in his own new language, from out of nowhere — or so it seems. In any case God caught Abram’s attention, and the message he received filled him with both amazement and astonishment.
God repeated His heart to Abram. In short, He said, “I will bless you and bless all people through you.” God just reiterated what He has always desired to do. Maybe Abram remembered the creation story where God expressed His desire to bless all mankind. Yet God remains the same and seeks to relate His message to and through Abram: “I desire to bless all.” The presence of God, the One who attends everywhere to Abram and all, starts a conversation, a journey, and a relationship. Jesus not only comes from the linage of Abram and fulfills the promise, but also the blessing to all nations. Since creation God has desired to give us Himself. God maintains His desire to bless. Jesus now provides the pathway for the conversation to continue and for us to experience the blessing of God in His presence with us.
For Reflection:
“How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You to dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.” (Psalms 65:4 NAS95)
- How does God initiate and grab your attention to engage with Him?
- Over the years of conversation with God how have you experienced His goodness in your life?
