“So then, those who are of faith are blessed along
with Abraham, the man of faith.”
Galatians 3:9

I find it interesting to note how little we speak of Abraham in our churches. Oh, sure, we cover some of the stories from time to time, but not like Paul does or the writer of Hebrews does. (Incidentally, many think that Paul wrote Hebrews, but most others think it was someone else.)

It’s also interesting when we consider all the turmoil in the Middle East today. Three of the major religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) all claim rights to the one God, and all three have their origins in Abraham. Yet, Christians really don’t talk about that as much as the other two, or so it seems to me.

Between Islam and Judaism, particularly, there is great contention about the blessing of God through Abraham. Abraham’s first son, Ishmael, was born to a slave woman, the maid of Abraham’s wife, Sarah. However, God was specific to give the promise through Sarah and her son, Isaac.

Genesis 17:21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”

Islam claims Ishmael as the heir, yet so does Judaism. Someone isn’t right. Think about all the death that has happened because of this. This is no small mistake. Furthermore, the New Testament makes claim that it isn’t even blood that makes for a descendent of Abraham.

Galatians 3:7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

All three are at odds in this matter. At best, only one can be right. At worst, none are. Could it be that we all are fighting over something that we no longer even remember accurately? Islam says, on one hand, that our scripture is reliable. On the other it says it has been corrupted. The Jews deny the deity of Jesus. And Christians, well, Christians simply don’t know their bibles.

Then again, there may be intentional deceit. Look, people are dying today. This stuff is important.

What is the big deal, anyway? Is it about that piece of land? If we are to trust our bibles, we find it is and it isn’t. Let’s leave it here today with this:

Hebrews 11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

And, one more morsel:

John 17:13-19 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Truth. It’s a big deal.

Father, teach us the truth. Draw us closer and closer to Jesus. Amen.

Copyright © 2019 Scott Powers