The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Genesis 12:1-3 

Two questions for you today. 

First question—How did Abraham get to be the beginning and the head of the Jewish people? It wasn’t by a vote of democracy. He wasn’t self-appointed. And it wasn’t even because of his gifts or skill or godly character. 

Remember, Abraham laughed at God’s promise (Genesis 17:17), and he lied about his wife. Twice (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-5). He probably shouldn’t have even brought Lot with him (Genesis 12:4), because God told him to leave his land and his relatives behind. Abraham’s lack of faith caused him to bear Ishmael without waiting for God to fulfill his promise through his wife Sarah (Genesis 16). 

And yet, here is the amazing part. God knew from the very beginning how this would play out, and he still chose Abraham. It was purely God’s grace. And no matter how much Abraham disobeyed, failed, or stumbled, God was faithful and forgiving, and he did exactly what he promised he would do. 

Second question—How did you get to be where you are today?

Same answer. 

Yes, of course, none of us are as important as Abraham in terms of redemptive history. And God has not spoken a specific promise to any of us that he will miraculously make us into a great nation or bless the whole world through us. But God’s way of working with people is the same. 

In the story of Abraham we see the reality of walking with God as humans. And like Abraham, your failures do not halt God’s faithfulness, love, and forgiveness. 

This is grace. God gave it to Abraham. And God offers it to anyone who is humble enough to trust the true seed of Abraham—Jesus Christ. (see Savior—Version 1.0)