Why Me??

Genesis 12:1-3 (CSB)

“The LORD said to Abram:

Go from your land,

your relatives,

and your father’s house

to the land that I will show you.

“I will make you into a great nation,

I will bless you,

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,

I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,

and all the peoples on earth

will be blessed through you.”

God’s Plan: Our Good

God's plan to bless all the nations of the earth hinged on the creation of a single nation from the chosen descendants of Abram eventually called "Israel." Through Israel, all the peoples of the world would bless themselves. Notice, it is not by Abram the blessing would come, but through him. The purpose of the Jewish nation is not exclusive to itself, but universal and all-encompassing. This phenomenal function is confirmed four more times in the book of Genesis alone.

The method that we Gentiles use to be blessed through Israel is learning from the Jews how to treat one another and how to live according to the moral laws and values God has revealed to us through them. The way of good is the way of God. It is initially introduced in the Torah and then through the entire Bible. Fulfilling this divine plan, Jesus came to earth as the way to God, perfectly revealing the Father's standard for good.

Why Abram?

This marvelous strategy was set in motion when God spoke to Abram. But, why Abram? Noah was chosen because of his righteousness. Moses demonstrated nobility and strength of character decades before the burning bush. David proved a skillful shepherd and worshipper in the hills and valleys of his country long before ascending to his throne. So, why Abram?

The Torah is silent as to any trait or credential Abram may have possessed to receive the distinction as Father of the Jews. He may have gone through an event of self-discovery leading him to acknowledge the truth of monotheism. He perceived that only one, true God exists prompting God to respond. Or perhaps the Father saw deeply into the heart of Abram and recognized his potential for the fierce faith and unyielding trust that his mission would demand. We are not privy to this information.

The divine reason for the Lord’s election of Abram is of little concern. It is crucial for us to recognize simply:

God did designate Abram.

Abram did accept God’s appointment.

Abram did obey God’s direction for his life.

The history of the world was contingent on this transaction and therefore transformed forever.

What About Me?

What does the Father ask from you these days? When you sit quietly with Him and feel the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit, what does He say to you? Is it a challenge to leave personal comfort and security for circumstances that are strange and new? Is He proposing that you advance beyond your understanding and trust Him in the unknown paths that lie before you? Does your Shepherd invite you to step away from light to employ your faith and confidence that He will remain close to you and guide you through the darkness?

It is certainly understandable if you tend to view the future with trepidation. There are undoubtedly formidable giants that stand defiantly, arrogantly boasting and threatening our peace, our traditions, our morality, our worship, and our God. It is reasonable to look upon these Goliaths and deem their size and strength as beyond the capability of the smooth stones you carry. It should come as no surprise to discover that in direct communication with man throughout the Bible, God’s most often used words are:

“Do not be afraid.”

Genesis 15:1 (CSB)

After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield;

your reward will be very great.”

Why We Should Be Afraid

We are living in the post-Biblical age. The world, including the United States of America, has abandoned the blessings of God received through Israel: His Holy Word recorded in the Bible. We have done so at our peril. As a direct result, there is more to fear today than in the entire history of creation. A plethora of causes for fright thrives around us in every direction we turn:

· Environmental catastrophes are common.

· Educational institutions are in chaos lacking any moral compass.

· Sacred Scripture has been corrupted by mainline churches to fit fallen culture.

· Our democratic republic is threatened by Communism.

· Judeo-Christian society is invaded and abused by Islam and its false god Allah.

· Aggressive, hateful, loud, and extreme behavior is the reaction for disagreement.

· Wealth and power of evil have risen from subterfuge to open acceptance.

· Truth, free speech, and peaceful assembly for worship are under attack.

· The value and sanctity of life is no longer absolute, only a matter of opinion.

We plainly and painfully observe the demise of the benefits we enjoyed from right relationships and moral standards that were maintained in harmony with God’s perfect ideal for us. There is a solution, however, and it rests squarely on your shoulders.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Why Me?

It is a fair and honest question to ask. First, it is too late in the sum of time to leave the work for anyone else. Furthermore, it is destructively naive to pass off this grave responsibility thinking others will take care of it. Finally, “Why me” is the wrong question to ask because “why” is an irrelevant word in the language of the Kingdom of God.

There are only two responses to the Lord’s invitation:

1. No, (disguised as “I’ll try,” or “I will soon,” or “I should,”).

-OR-

2. Yes, Lord!

Saying “Yes!” means you are now available.

Saying “Yes!” makes you a partner in the order and plan of God.

Saying “Yes!” brings the agreement of saints around the globe into your prayer closet.

Saying “Yes!” puts you in harmonious relationship with the work of the Holy Spirit in you and around you.

Saying “Yes!” means God comes on the scene and anything can happen!

Jesus said it Himself in Matthew 19:26, “With God, anything is possible.”

Say it! Say it now!

Say “Yes!”