GOSPEL MESSAGE & RECORDING
Abraham was given a promise by God in three areas: (Gen 12)
The promise of the land
the promise that his descendants would be a nation
the promise that through his descendants (this nation) all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Learning about Abraham and his story in Sunday School, in our reading of the Bible, and through homilies, these promises seemed like too much for God to accomplish, at least it does for us. However, Abraham knew that it was God who established a covenant with Him and that God is not a liar like men but that His words are true, always. This is why the Apostle Paul says today in the Pauline epistle, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Romans 4: 20-22) As already stated, for us looking into this great drama between Abraham and God, we would think it is impossible for these promises to come true because we look in our own lives and consider God has limitations in what He can do. This was not the way Abraham thought. He believed that God would bring to fruition the promises that He had declared. Abraham had a strong faith and did not waver but believed. Do we have such unwavering faith in God? Or do we always doubt God?
For us to have unwavering faith, like that of Abraham, we must understand the following Biblical principles:
God will fulfill the purpose that he has for our life,
Everything that happens in our life is for our benefit
As Orthodox Christians we have the great hope of salvation
Our Purpose
God cannot fulfill his purpose in our life if we don’t allow him to. We must live for him! We don’t have to be perfect - but a relationship is a must. With that, God can use us. If we stay honest and humble God will fulfill his plan in our life. (Romans 8:28) We don’t have to worry about missing out on anything or if someone else will take our blessing. These are all thoughts that enter our mind because we think that God will leave or abandon us. This does not come from God. It comes from our lake of developing a strong relationship with Him through prayer and fasting.
In the past, and even at present, I always wonder if God will let go and abandon me, concerning my marriage, family life, ministry, parish, etc. But I have to remind myself, “What God has begun, he will bring to completion.” (Phil. 1:6) These thoughts are more prevalent now during the pandemic than they were before, and not just for me but for all of us. Even so, we must have “unwavering” faith as Abraham did and not doubt God. He will take care of things.
For Our Benefit
Life is full of challenges. I don’t think anyone would argue with that. Though there are challenges – more specifically – death, mistakes, sin, suffering, divorces, financial loss, etc., if we see them as benefits then we will not worry so much. What I mean is that if we see the challenges of life not as a means of destruction but as a means of growth, then we will live a more fulfilled life. This is particularly applicable when we make mistakes in our life. Often, we put ourselves down and become very critical. But have we ever thought: ‘Am I somewhat happy that such a mistake happened, because I can learn from it and maybe--just maybe--God allowed that mistake to happen so that in the future I am prepared for something greater than what is in my present?’
Essentially, this is what it means to have faith. Abraham went through many challenges, but he held on to the promises of God and knew that in the end, everything that took place in his life was for his benefit.
Salvation
The greatest promise that God gave to us Orthodox Christians is salvation in Christ. (John 3:16) Above and beyond anything else in life, our salvation is a promise that will come true for us when we depart this world. We can even say we are living out that salvation here and now. Whatever we are going through in life, let us remember that it is not the conclusion to what we refer to as “life.” In other words, this isn’t the end. We have a hope that no matter what happens we will be with Christ.
Abraham knew, although the promises of God were directed toward him and his descendants, there was a great plan beyond that of a nation or people. God had a broader perspective to graft everyone into the “promise” – both Jew and Gentile.