DON'T FORGET ABRAHAM - PART 2

WEDNESDAY 26 APRIL 2023

It matters a lot what we think of Abraham, because of the way God approved and honoured him. His character pleased God in so many ways, especially his swift manner of obedience. He also sustained the attribute of full trust in the Lord and patient forbearance, and such qualities should influence us to devote ourselves to God.

Reference: Galatians 3:6 The Voice (Voice) You remember Abraham. Scripture tells us, "Abraham believed God and trusted in His promises, so God counted it to his favor as righteousness."

In the Scriptures, much attention was given to Abraham's belief and trust in the Lord. So we must never forget Abraham, our faithful ancestor and great patriarch. In a call to trust God, Isaiah 51:2 reads, "Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him" (KJV). In other words, Abraham was only one man when God called him. But when He blessed him, he became a great nation. This is one prevailing impression always lingering on my mind, whenever I remember Abraham. I'm equally captivated by his profound sense of complete adherence to benevolent purpose of God, even when it didn't make any sense. Out of seeming unknown, he made a firm decision to follow God blindly (see Genesis 12:1 NLT).

Abraham was so distinctive, and as a result of the conformity of his belief system to God's will for him, he was declared righteous by God on the basis of his faith alone, which was downright acceptable to God, and this happened long before the law was ever given or delivered by Moses. In other words, it was wholly by faith and had nothing to do with the law. Even when the law was later introduced, it did not set aside the covenant God made and established with Abraham, meaning that it didn't do away with the promise. Zero wonder Galatians 3:18 says, "For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in His grace gave it to Abraham through a promise" (NIV). But on this, I will touch lightly in a few words today because the mosaic law did not serve any valuable purpose, in relation to the promises God made to Abraham, since it wasn't in existence at the very time Abrahamic covenant was brought to bear.

Galatians 3:29 (MSG) says, "Also, since you are Christ's family, then you are Abraham's famous "descendant," heirs according to the covenant promises." Beloved, you can't be in Christ and not identify with Abraham, the father of faith. In fact, anyone who has faith in Christ and has received Him as Lord, is highly favoured in line with the blessings of Abraham, which means that they are heirs according to the promise.

And here's a good lesson to learn from Abraham: It matters little what anyone thinks of us, if God delights in us and approves our walk with Him or what we do for Him, according to His will. Like Abraham, to please God should be our biggest aim, and that is where our greatest reward lies. Stay tuned for part 3. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Genesis 35:11; Galatians 3:16; Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:26-29.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the blessings of Abraham which belong to me as a result of my inextricable union with Christ. I'm set apart for your service and I walk in obedience to your Word, with all my living energy and commitment directed consciously to your service. I'm grateful for granting me a mind ruled by the Holy Ghost for the fulfilment of my glorious destiny, leading towards full satisfaction in Christ, in Jesus' Name, Amen!