FIVE REALLY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT ABRAHAM, THE FATHER OF THE FAITHFUL
1 Who is Abraham?
He is the son of Terah. They were from a place called Ur, an ancient Chaldean territory. Terah and his kindred sought a place, far away from their pagan origins, where they could worship the true and living GOD. After Terah died, his son Abram felt inspired to gather his kindred together, to get back on course and pursue Terah’s original goal of Canaan - a place to worship the LORD GOD in spirit and in truth. Abram moved forward in Faith. He believed that GOD would ultimately direct his path and ensure success in reaching their promised land. (Genesis 11:27-32; 12:1-20; 13:1-18)
2 Who is GOD, in Abraham’s life?
Abram had a really sincere relationship with GOD. He believed that GOD, who created the whole universe wanted to have a friendly and personal place in humanity’s heart and life. At that time in human history, people worshipped the Creation...the Sun, the Planets, and even the Earth. Abram knew that only the Creator Himself should be worshipped, and he refused to become a pagan worshipper of GOD'S creation, but instead he wanted to worship the LORD GOD alone. GOD appreciated Abram’s devotion, and made a very special covenant with him. By this time Abram was an older man. He and his beautiful wife, Sarai had no children of their own. GOD promised Abram and Sarai that He would cause them to give birth to a son, and to a great nation. GOD was so serious about this promise, that He covenanted with Abram that He would bless anyone who blesses Abram’s heirs, and He (GOD) would curse anyone who curses Abram’s heirs.
3 What are GOD’S covenant and promises to Abraham?
GOD covenanted and promised Abram that his name (reputation and authority) would be great, and that his kingdom would never end. GOD changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. GOD also promised Abraham that He would give them a wealth of land and territory. GOD fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah, and gave them a son of their own, and his name was Isaac. Abraham had many children, but his covenant promises were to flow through the child produced by his union with Sarah. Isaac and his wife Rebecca gave birth to Jacob, and GOD’s promise was on its way to fulfillment.
4 Where do we (Jew and non-Jew) fit into this picture?
Abraham has many children, however his covenant children (or generations) began with Isaac and Jacob (whose name GOD later changed to Israel). Israel had twelve sons, who are the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Through the history of humanity GOD has loved and honored his covenant and promises with the tribes of Israel. There have been splendid periods of history, awesome messengers (Prophets) of GOD, advocates (Priests) of the people, and leaders (Shepherds, Judges, and Kings). GOD fulfilled an amazing part of his covenant and promise with Abraham – when He (GOD) brought about the kingly dynasty of David. GOD was so pleased with David, that He called him “a man after mine own heart”. GOD promised that there would be an heir to David – and that His kingdom would have no end. David did have a son, a wise king named Solomon, however GOD’S promise reached even farther into the future. GOD promised a Son of David through many messengers (Prophets). The Prophet Isaiah said that a virgin would bring forth a son, whose name would be called Jesus (Yashua) or Emmanuel (GOD with us). Isaiah said that the government would be upon His shoulders, and that He would be known as “The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”. In fact, Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, and He also died the death of a criminal, on Passover – as “The Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sins of the world”. Jesus Christ is the ultimate Son of David, and the Seed of Abraham. He came, lived, died, and was resurrected to Atone for the sins of humanity. The Jew first, and also the Greek. (Isaiah 9:6,7; Romans 11:1-36)
5 What do I do. . . now that I know?
You now have enough knowledge or information about GOD’S love and His plan of Salvation to seek Him for yourself. It does not matter where a person is from, or what a person has believed, or what a person has done – whether good or not. With the insight you’ve gained in these few moments, you are at a place of choice in your life – like never before. It is crucially-important what we humans believe, and who we believe. GOD is really patient and kind. You see, He knows that some folks will believe in Him – and He knows that some will not accept Him. GOD is definitely pro-choice when it comes to whether we’ll love Him or not. If you’ve heard or sensed His voice or presence – respond to Him in love and acceptance. Everyone is short of GOD’S glory. In other words, no person is naturally worthy to have a relationship with the LORD GOD. He has provided a way, through our acceptance of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to have a “high credit score” with Him. GOD is Holy, and we humans are not. But, we can have a loving relationship with the LORD GOD, by hearing and accepting the “Good News!” that whoever believes in the LORD JESUS CHRIST will not perish or be punished because of sin, but will have everlasting (abundant and un-ending) life.
