THE NAME OF THE RIGHTEOUS

There are several names and Biblical figures who served, feared and honoured the Lord wholeheartedly and until this day, the thought of their historic influence throughout the ages is still making tremendous impact and commanding divine blessings. Let's look at the life and glory of Abraham's name.

Reference: Proverbs 10:7 New International Version (NIV) "The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot."

This is a Solomonic proverb. The name of the righteous is used in blessings and their names are remembered, even after they're gone. This is because such people leave behind, an unforgettable legacy. However the righteous in this context, are not famous people alive or dead, instead, they are or were usually men of noteworthy character and faith.

Today, we have many righteous men and women who are very much alive and their names are making waves in regard to all manner of blessings. Sometimes, where there is a need, and their names are mentioned, a door of blessings and opportunities abounds. Likewise, there are many righteous people who made great names for themselves, and even though they are no longer alive, their names are still very much active, commanding blessings.

Abraham is one of the three Biblical patriarchs. When God called him, He said to him, "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2 ESV). Eventually, God fulfilled His promises to Abraham and made his name great. Today, all over the world, his name is used in blessings. There are many songs written in his name to signify the "blessings of Abraham". And one of the main reasons God's promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed is because he was a righteous man.

Galatians 3:29 (NLT) reads, "And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you." When I think of this verse, the question that comes to mind is: Why did Paul have to mention Abraham in the passage? Paul could have just said, "And now that you belong to Christ, you are Christ's heirs and Christ's possession or inheritance belong to you". No! this is not the case. Our opening Scripture says, "The name or memory of the righteous is a blessing." Therefore anyone in Christ is a true offspring of Abraham. You can't bypass the name Abraham, if you want the blessings in Christ. But you can always walk in the blessings as the seed of Abraham - the name of a righteous man.

The sense in which Abraham was to be a source of blessing to many is through His name. That means, the name, Abraham is a special prerequisite for providing all the inheritance of salvation that is offered through Christ to all the families of the earth. The name was and is so important that God Himself had to change it from Abram to Abraham before He could bestow the blessing on Him (Genesis 17:5 NIV). Also Genesis 22:18 (KJV) noted, "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." Christ our Lord is that seed (Galatians 3:16 NIV). Beloved, Abraham's name is held in high esteem since the patriarchal age to this day (i.e from his generation to another). His name is not just great, it is so famous that in every age and in every nation, his legacy and blessings are great treasures, especially among those who have obtained precious faith in Christ Jesus.

As a righteous man, Abraham is not just a blessing to all nations, he is called "blessing" itself. Today, the Golden News is that all the blessings of Abraham have been made available by Christ to the Church. In another way, Abraham's name is used in all blessings made a reality in Christ for all Christians throughout the world. Thus, the name, "Abraham" is the gateway to deep knowledge, insight and understanding of God's blessings in the Scriptures, and we can fully maximise the benefits, as the very children of Abraham. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 112:6; Proverbs 22:1; Acts 3:25; Romans 4:13; Galatians 3:8.

Exuberant Declaration: I am the seed of Abraham, in the order of the divine blessing and purpose of salvation. As the righteous, the blessings of the Lord are on my head and I've received increased grace to walk in them. As the present is the womb of the future, so is my name the symbol of manifold, unending blessings to my world. Hallelujah!