As we move into chapter 2 of The Story we see that God has called Abraham out of the darkness of pagan idolatry into the light and true fellowship. The way this all unfolds is so exemplary of God’s grace. Let’s take a look at how God Builds a Nation via chapter 2 of The Story.
How God Accomplishes His Purposes
God doesn’t always choose the easiest way to accomplish his purposes. Some of the time he chooses the most difficult way possible to accomplish his purposes. God does this to remind us who is in charge.
The story of Abraham is the perfect example of God being in charge and nothing and nobody can get in his way. God determined to build a nation, give them a promised land and bless other nations through this one. God’s plan is to deliver his word through this nation, reveal himself to them and bring his son to earth through them.
God could have done this with anyone, but he chose two people, a man and a woman, who were already past normal childbearing age.
Abraham Called Into God’s Promise
Joshua 24:2-3 tells us Abraham came from a pagan family:
2 And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac. – Joshua 24:2-3
Abraham wound up looking to one God to meet his needs and that was counterintuitive to where he grew up. Where he grew up there were many gods that were worshipped.
Abraham Takes Things Into His Own Hands
The culture during Abraham’s time placed a great value on offspring. The suggestion from Sarah was the norm for their day. However, God had made a promise to them and by taking matters into his own hands, Abraham was displaying a distinct lack of faith. This story reminds us that when the people of God take their eyes off of him and place them on the culture around them, they do things that are contrary to what he would want.
The Circumcision Covenant
Circumcision was common in Abraham’s day, but this covenant was unique in that God demanded it of Abraham. It showed that God had called Abraham and his descendants out to be a blessing to all other nations. With this covenant God not only promised a blessing but he demanded obedience.
God’s Promise is Fulfilled
Even if our faith is imperfect God still manages to work and accomplish his plans. Just one year prior to the birth of Isaac Sarah laughed at the thought of giving birth. Despite God promising her that she would conceive, Sarah just failed to believe. Interestingly we see in Hebrews 11:11 that “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11 ESV)
Sarah’s roller coaster of faith is something I can definitely identify with. I am sure you can identify as well. None of us has perfect faith, but God can work through imperfect faith, fulfilling his promises through us–a group of imperfect people.
The Test
God put Abraham to the test by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. God knew that Abraham would obey him and he did. He obeyed in faith. Could this be an example of what James meant when he said “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17 ESV)? I believe so.
Israel Established
Jacob was knwon as a trickster from a very young age. He was someone who constantly sought after his own good even at the expense of others (Genesis 25:39-24). Despite all of this God pursued Jacob and wrestled with him. Through Jacob God formed a new nation–Israel.
Reclaiming My Faith 