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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 12, 2008 The Lord Chooses Abram |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday. February 12, 2008 by Gary Shaffer
"The Lord said to Abram:
Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land
that I will show you. I will bless you and make your descendants into a great
nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others. I will bless anyone
who blesses you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you.
Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you."
Genesis 12:1-3 Contemporary English Version
In the New Testament, Abraham (Abram) is frequently noted as an example of trusting in the in the promises of God. In Genesis, Chapter 12 we are introduced to God's commands and promises to Abram. As we read the verses quoted above and the story that follows, we get a very clear understanding of Abram's complete trust in God - even when the Lord's requests seem extreme and later even life threatening to his beloved son Isaac, Abram trusts God. When confronted by this story of one person, Abram, who not only trusts God but also acts on that trust, it is easy to distance myself from that behavior by believing that Abram's relationship with God is so unique and so different from mine that there is no way that I can be expected to have that same level of trust. It is at first easy to distance myself from that level of trust and say that it is not possible. Again and again Abram hears the call of God. Again and again he trusts God and acts in accordance with that call. Again and again I hear the call of God. Unfortunately, again and again I find myself ignoring or distancing myself from that call. Abram is told that, "Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you" and acts accordingly. I am afraid that by not trusting God as I should, few people have a chance to be blessed because of me.
Again and again I hear the call of God: "...you are like salt for everyone on earth...you are like light for the whole world...make your light shine so that others will see the good that you do...but I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you...when you give to the poor...when you pray...when you go without eating...do not store up treasures on earth...your heart will always be where your treasure is...treat others as you want them to treat you...this is what the Law and the Prophets are all about...". And again and again I fail to act in a way that will truly bring the Lord's blessings to others.
Abram's trust in God is extraordinary. However, we must never let that overshadow a very simple truth. That truth being: When we trust God and act accordingly other people are blessed as a result. what a wonderful truth to keep in mind as we work to walk on the path where the Lord leads us.
Dear God, give us the wisdom to discern your call in our lives and the courage to answer. Give us the strength to trust in you and forgive us when we fail. Help us to understand that when we act in faith to follow your call, others are blessed. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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