When we look at the life of Abraham, the Father of the Jewish nation, we see a man called with a vision by God.  That vision in Genesis 12:1-3 is called the “Abrahamic covenant.” A covenant of God simply means that God spoke and made a binding contractual agreement with man.  There are a number of covenants in the Bible, the Abrahamic covenant being one of them. 

God told Abraham that through him He would foster a great nation (Israel) and that through that nation “all the nations of the earth would be blessed.”  And so Abraham based on this covenant of God, left his land in Mesopotamia and made an arduous journey to Canaan to fulfil that vision.

We know now after 4000 years how that blessing has come to the world.  It first came to us through the Word of God, the Bible.  66 of the 64 books were written by the Jewish people, a “book of books” to guide us in all areas of life.  But through the nation of Israel, in fulfillment of many prophesies of Scripture, we have a Savior, Jesus the Christ. 

The miracle here is how God chose the agency of man (Abraham and Israel) to accomplish His Divine purposes that man can be saved from sin and brought back into relationship with Him.  Despite man’s weakness, sin and outright rebellion against God, God chooses man to accomplish His purposes.  How does all of that encourage us?

First, it diffuses a temptation we all have, which is a temptation of worthlessness.  When we look closely at our lives, we are tempted to believe that very little can be achieved through us.  We see our fear, pride, doubt and other sin and wonder how God can possibly use us.  But when we look at Abraham we stand encouraged.  Throughout his life in Genesis 12-23, we see his many faults and failures, yet despite these, God uses Abraham to accomplish His purposes.

Another way we can be encouraged is by God’s Sovereignty.  God’s Sovereignty means that ultimately He is in control.  The goodnews here is that while we often feel like the world is falling apart, there is One who is greater than the world with Divine purpose.  Despite all the struggles and sin of man, we see God accomplishing His will through those who follow Him. 

Finally, we can have peace.  We can rest at ease in the idea of a Sovereign God, who despite the corruption of man in history, God is accomplishing His will.  For if we believe for one moment that man is ultimately in control of our destiny, then pride, anxiety, fear and restlessness is a fitting response.  But if we know that there is One who is All-powerful, All-knowing, All-present and All-loving, then my soul can rest in His promises. 

So let us be able to say with the writer of Psalm 115, “Not to us O Lord, not to us, but to You O Lord we give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and faithfulness.  Why do the nations say, ‘where is your God?’  Our God is in the heavens and He does whatever He pleases!” (vs. 1-2)