Why God Blessed Abraham
The story of Abraham, initially known as Abram, is a significant narrative in the scriptures, offering profound insight into the benevolent relationship between God and His people. It’s a narrative that highlights the importance of faith and obedience, a saga that inspires believers in Jesus Christ around the world.
See also: The Wonders of God: Supernatural Acts Beyond Reasoning
Abraham’s journey from Harran to Canaan, on God’s divine calling, is a testament to the immense faith he placed in the promises of the Almighty. This story doesn’t just introduce us to Abraham, the man; it gives us a glimpse into the journey of Abraham, the believer, who was steadfast in his faith, even when the circumstances were against him.
Why God blessed Abraham wasn’t because he was without flaws or never wavered. On the contrary, he made mistakes and faced numerous challenges. But what set Abraham apart was his unwavering faith in God and his commitment to obey God’s commands. His story is a testimony to the fact that when we trust God and follow His directions, He showers us with blessings beyond measure.
Why God Blessed Abraham
Unwavering Trust
One of the primary reasons God blessed Abraham was his unwavering faith. Abraham demonstrated his trust in God by leaving his homeland to journey into an unknown future solely based on God’s promise (Genesis 12:1-4). His faith was counted as righteousness, paving the way for God’s blessings to manifest in his life.
Obedience to God’s Commandments
Abraham’s obedience to God was another essential component of his blessings. Abraham was committed to obeying God’s instructions, even when they seemed unreasonable or impossible from a human perspective. This obedience was evidence of his faith and led to God’s immense blessings on his life.
The Covenant Between God and Abraham
Promise of a Great Nation
God promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation. This was a bold promise considering Abraham and his wife Sarah were beyond child-bearing age. Yet, the fulfillment of this promise in the birth of Isaac, and later the formation of the Israelite nation, underscored the faithfulness of God to His promises.
Blessings Beyond Measure
Abraham was not only blessed with descendants, but God also made him exceedingly prosperous. The promise extended beyond just material wealth; God committed to making Abraham a blessing to others, suggesting that his influence would extend far beyond his immediate family and descendants.
The Legacy of Abraham
Abraham’s blessings have profound implications for Christians today. As spiritual descendants of Abraham, the blessings promised to Abraham extend to us. They strive to emulate Abraham’s faith and obedience, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.
The 7 Blessings of Abraham
Blessing 1: The Promise of a Great Nation
The first blessing God gave to Abraham was the promise to make him the father of a great nation. In Genesis 12:2, God said, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you.” This wasn’t just about Abraham’s personal success; it was about God’s plan for a people chosen for His purpose.
Blessing 2: The Blessing of Personal Prosperity
God didn’t stop at promising Abraham a great nation; He also blessed him with personal prosperity. “I will bless you,” God told Abraham (Genesis 12:2). This prosperity was not only material but also spiritual, a wealth that would endure beyond the confines of this world.
Blessing 3: A Great Name
God promised Abraham a great name, an assurance that his legacy would endure for generations. “I will make your name great,” (Genesis 12:2). This blessing signalled that Abraham’s faith and obedience would be remembered, inspiring others to trust and follow God.
Blessing 4: Blessings on Those Who Bless Abraham
God pledged to bless those who blessed Abraham (Genesis 12:3). This was a remarkable assurance, one that ensured divine protection and favor to those who aligned themselves with Abraham and, by extension, with God’s purposes.
Blessing 5: Divine Protection
God not only promised to bless those who blessed Abraham, but He also committed to curse those who cursed him (Genesis 12:3). This blessing was a strong statement of God’s protective stance over Abraham and his descendants.
Blessing 6: Blessings for All Peoples on Earth
God’s blessings on Abraham were not meant to be contained; they were designed to flow out to “all peoples on earth” (Genesis 12:3). This demonstrates God’s heart for all humanity and His desire to see all people come to know and experience His blessings.
Blessing 7: The Promised Land
God made a distinct promise to Abraham: “I will give this land to your offspring” (Genesis 12:7). This blessing was more than just a promise of real estate; it was a promise of a home, a place where his descendants could grow and thrive.
Final Thoughts
Abraham’s story is a potent testament to the transformative power of faith and obedience. The blessings he received were not arbitrary but were a direct result of his trust in God and obedience to His commands. As believers today, we are invited to walk in the footsteps of Abraham, clinging to faith, displaying obedience, and confidently awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises.
FAQs About the Wonders of God
What is the significance of God's promise to Abraham?
God's promise to Abraham is significant because it set the stage for the formation of Israel and ultimately, the birth of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the promise that all nations would be blessed through him.
Why is Abraham called the father of faith?
Abraham is called the father of faith because he believed God's promises, even when circumstances seemed impossible. His faith was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).
How did Abraham demonstrate his faith in God?
Abraham demonstrated his faith by leaving his homeland at God's command and later by being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, believing that God could even raise the dead (Hebrews 11:19).
Can Christians today receive the blessings of Abraham?
Yes, Galatians 3:14 explains that through Jesus Christ, the blessing given to Abraham can come upon the Gentiles, so that we may receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
What can we learn from the life of Abraham?
The life of Abraham teaches us about steadfast faith, unwavering obedience, and the certainty of God's promises.