Genesis 12 -15

Why Abram?

Why did God choose Abram?  His ancestry was no more remarkable than any other men of that day.  He did not follow the Lord's instructions to the letter.  In 12:1 the Lord tells Abram to "leave you native country, your relatives, and your father's family..." yet verse 2 states, "So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him." (emphasis mine) - a clear disregard for the Lord's instructions.  Even after they were forced out of Egypt in 12:17 (because Abram had Sarai lie!!!) he still took Lot with him (13:1). This proved to be a hindrance (13:5-7).

This portion of scripture demonstrates to me the sovereignty of God.  He does what He pleases, when He pleases, to whom He pleases.  Abram was not better than any other person. He did not walk with God like Enoch, nor was he perfect in his generations like Noah.  We see in 15:6 what the Lord already knew, "And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith."  Faith.  The gift from God to believe God.  Is not that the only thing we can do? Simply manifest faith in God?

We make mistakes.  God leads us in one direction and we go another. We lie. We ask others to lie, to cover our mistakes.  We don't leave everything behind or give up all our worldly ways.  Yet the Lord still loves us, guides us, and protects us when we manifest faith in Him.

I particulary like the beginning of this portion.  The promises God makes to Abram are robust and long reaching.  In 12:1 - 3 the following is promised to Abram:

1. I will show you a land
2. I will make you a great nation
3. I will bless you
4. You will be a blessing to others
5. You will have a great name
6. Those who bless you will be blessed
7. Those who curse you will be cursed
8. In you will all families of the Earth be blessed

History has proven all of these promises have come true.  Israel is a nation occupied by Abraham's people.  Their per capita output is remarkable and they hold political clout disproportionate to their geographical size and population.  They (Jews) have won a disproportionate number of Nobel prizes. In my opinion, the only thing holding back judgement on America and other countries is because they support Israel.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.