Genesis 12:1-3 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
God called Abram from his idolatry and into communion with Himself. God revealed himself, and from that point Abram began building altars and calling upon the name of the Lord.
God called Abram to receive an eternally blessed future. Someday, he would enjoy the land of promise. Someday, he would be part of one fantastic kingdom. Someday, his name and family line would be famous. Someday, he would participate in blessing all the nations. He would be victorious, and those who were found opposing his clan, they were destined to be cursed.
Abram never received this in his own life. No person or nation has received this promise in its entirety yet. How fantastic it will be in the New Heavens and New Earth when all Abram’s elect, redeemed, converted, and multiethnic children will forever enjoy the Kingdom of Christ in its final installment.
God called Abram experience many struggles and difficulties. However, until the time when God would ultimately fulfill his promise, Abram would encounter many struggles. Following the leading of his Lord, Abram and his covenant family would experience:
- Leaving his homeland
- Separating from family members
- Lacking knowledge of exactly where he was headed
- Physical disabilities
- Personal failure of faith
- Personal abuse of Sarah
- Personal disbelief of God’s truthfulness
- Internal family strife
- War between clans
- Strife between children
- Future enslavement of his family for 400 years
For many who are in Christ Jesus, a multitude of delights are enjoyed on this earth. For some reason, God makes life on this earth relatively easy for some. How fantastic it is to be blessed by God with health, wealth, community, peace, and prosperity.
For many who are in Christ Jesus, a multitude of sorrows are “unenjoyed” on this earth. For some reason, God makes life on this earth relatively hellish for some as they are blessed with sickness, poverty, loneliness, strife, and plight.
Therefore friends, think it not strange that while coming to know Jesus as your Savior, learning from his Word, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, enjoying his spiritual benefits, experiencing some temporal prosperity, and waiting for the fulfillment of the fantastic promises of God, you greatly struggle and suffer.
Such was the reality of Father Abraham.
Such was the reality of his greatest Son — Jesus Christ,.
Such was the reality of countless Christians throughout the centuries.
Such is the reality of brothers and sisters in the U.S. and abroad.
Friends, enjoy Jesus and all his benefits today, but keep your eye on the horizon. Our best life is yet to come.
Unfathomable Grace 