A Blessing for All Nations
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Key Verse: “I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” Selected Scripture: |
OUR LESSON RELATES TO the events surrounding the call of Abram [high father] by the Heavenly Father. God would soon rename him Abraham [father of the multitude], and he would be shown the magnitude of the undertaking that he had been called to complete. This would also involve the special point of the lesson concerning the calling of Abraham’s seed, both natural and spiritual, and the divine promises made to them. These, as we realize, would constitute them as the center of hope to the world of mankind. Already, they as a people had been used by the Father, but the Scriptures indicate that their influence and usefulness toward their fellowman had only just begun. These blessings will certainly reach their fulfillment during the Millennial Age.
We know from the Scriptures that Abraham’s early life was spent at “Ur of the Chaldees.” (Gen. 11: 27-31) He was born two years after the death of Noah, and Noah’s father Lamech was born nearly sixty years before Adam’s death. (chap. 5:25-32; 9:28,29) We can see by this that the history of tradition that involved these servants of God had few links up to Abraham’s time, even though the period was nearly 2000 years long. God however, used Moses as a recorder of the events found in the book of Genesis. The important events in the lives of individuals, as well as their chronologies, were recorded for our benefit, to protect the chain of history. This is to help us understand that Abraham was directly in this line, as one of the best branches of Noah’s descendents. It should also serve to show to us that encouragement will come to every true servant of the Lord who humbly relies upon his promises while striving to faithfully walk in the way. “If God be for us, who can be against us?”—Rom. 8:31
As we continue in the account, it leads us to what has come to be known as the Abrahamic Covenant, “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 12:3) For Abraham and his descendents, it should be evident that this covenant brought with it a great change. They now would be distinctly the heirs of promise. Abram would follow the leadings of the Lord, and depart with his family to the land of Canaan. (vss. 1,4-6) In the years ahead, he would have guidance and help from our Father in all matters of life.
The realization that God is with us, and that he is constantly looking for ways to help us in all of life’s experiences should be a constant source of encouragement to us. (Heb. 13:5,6) Each one should carefully watch for the leadings of divine providence and realize that only as he is cooperating with God can he accomplish anything of value. We should thank him for being a faithful Father to us, and follow these words, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:6) Our Father assures us that we will have his help and guidance to assist us through any experience that may come our way. “I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee.”—Isa. 42:6