Called to bless
Sunday, Sept. 20
Genesis 11:26 – 13:16 Read it here Listen to it here

If Adam and Eve showed us that even direct conversation with God doesn’t ensure faithfulness, and Noah showed us that simply getting rid of the bad guys isn’t effective, how is God ever going to get the people he created to follow him?
Today, we meet Abraham. (Actually Abram; his name will be changed to Abraham later, but it’s the same person).
The call of Abram represents God’s call to humanity; Abram and his people, later known as Israel, are being chosen, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”
In the coming days we’ll read several stories about Abram, including God’s covenant with him.
As Christians, it’s important to keep in mind that the call of Abram leads directly, though not quickly, to Jesus Christ; the promise to Abram is a promise not only to his biological descenants, but to his spiritual descendants: the followers of Jesus.
This is made explicit in Romans 4:16, “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.”
The chosen people are chosen not for their own benefit, but they are chosen to be a blessing to all. As such, they serve as a witness and example of God’s goodness and faithfulness even through the worst of times. They also lead to the coming of Jesus himself, who will be the ultimate blessing to all people.
As we come to the end of chapter 12 we have one of the difficult passages where we see Abraham passing off his wife, Sarai (Sarah), as his sister to protect himself. This is additional evidence that his righteousness comes not from being righteous in actions, but in being pure in faith—a lesson we should all draw hope from.

Sunday meditation

Proverbs 2:6-11
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Prayer focus
Lord, wrap me in your wisdom and to guide me along the path you want me to follow.

-Rev. Mark Fleming