The Call of Abraham- Restoration (Genesis 12)
Our journey in Genesis has shown us that God is at work to bring chaos into order. Each story we looked at showed us the chaos but also the hint of hope within each saga. Now from all the tribes of the world God has called this man to be the means by which restoration can happen. Abraham and Sarah (Abram and Sarai) will go and follow God. Abraham will be the father of many nations (hence new name) and one of those is the Hebrew people. It is from those people that we will follow the journey throughout the OT to the NT and the birth of Christ. From Abraham-Moses-Joshua-Judges-Saul-David-Solomon-and on and on until out of the house of David we find the birth of Christ who brings the real restoration to the chaos that threatens all of creation.
What a message of hope! And Abraham will not only be blessed but be a blessing to others. If we could only understand that God can and will use us if we ‘let go’ of ‘our stuff’ and ‘take on’ the ’stuff of God.’ And so Abraham does. Later in his story God shows him the stars and that his children will be numerous as the stars. One Jewish writer said not only will his children be numerous like the stars but like stars will shine their light in dark places. God is shining light into the dark places of this world to bring hope. And we are a part of the way this happens. We are the means that God can bring hope to the world. If we follow Abraham’s example we can bring light to darkness and hope to the world. We are blessed and can become a means of blessing for others.
Our world is full of violence, sorrow, and misery. Our economy is the pits. We have such division and hatred and so much hurt. We need to accept this call upon our lives and be who we are called to be.
Blessings,
Derik
I know it is possible for God to bring restoration to the life of anyone who seeks Him…is it possible for God to restore the ministerial vocation of one who once denied Him and trampled under foot the blood of Christ. I know this process will take time. I know that there is much more action on my part to realize full restoration. I no longer have the desire or patience to work in the automotive business. I love Frank and Sam. I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me. But this does not satisfy my soul. It provides no sense of purpose. I am feeling frustrated, stagnate and out of place, out of touch. My greatest desire is to bring about positive, life-changing impact on the lives of those who cross my path. I am tired, I need rest…not sleep or relaxation…I need rest, to be at peace with who I am and what I am called to do. I need time to heal and recover. It is the debt I have created that prevents me from stepping out into the realm of the unknown and following the prompting in my heart. Can I be restored to use the gift that God has given in the area of vocational ministry. Will I ever be allowed to return to the platform to proclaim the Good News of hope and healing?