January 17

January 17

Abraham and God's Call -- Abraham's faith to follow God & the promise of the gospel.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Genesis 12:1-9

Reading 2: Hebrews 11:8-10

Reading 3: Galatians 3:7-14

Today we begin to study the story of Abraham - the Father of faith. God's promise to Abraham is stirring and challenging. The challenge is one-sided: Abraham has to do as God says, and all the consequences are on God's side of the deal! But God's purpose is clear - that through Abraham, all the peoples of the world will be blessed. That refers to every people group, every tribe.

And with this calling comes a responsibility - to be faithful - which creates a choice for everyone else. God says He will bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who treat him with contempt. As we exercise faith in Jesus, we are included in Abraham, inheriting the promises.

Those promises are not for an easy life here on earth (as we have seen in the past few days in Job)! Instead, the writer to the Hebrews tells us that Abraham's example underlines that this is not our home. We are citizens of another Kingdom!

That citizenship we share with Abraham. It is a gift that comes by faith, not works. We cannot earn that Kingdom as a reward for religious good behavior; the gift of eternal life comes by the kind of faith that says "yes" to God and is willing to leave the status quo to go where God directs.

Where has He taken you on your journey of faith? And how have you seen His promises fulfilled along the way? Why not jot some memories in your journal today after you have read the passages?

Have a great day!

Mark.