Genesis Chapter 22: Verse 18 (NLT Translation)
“And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed – all because you have obeyed me.”
We don’t always realise the impact that our decisions and actions can have on other people. There are different points of view about this. Some folks think that looking after number one is the most important thing to do, others that as long as their family and friends are okay, they are content to let others get on with their lives, and there are those who believe that as long as their actions cause no harm to anybody else, they can do what they like.
God’s plan for Abraham and Isaac had a far-reaching impact, but first He tested Abraham’s faith in a way that very few of us have been tested. We don’t really learn much about what Abraham was thinking – except for a brief glimpse in Genesis Chapter 22 – verse 5 where Abraham told his servants, “…We will worship there and then come back.” He trusted that both he and Isaac would return.
Abraham’s faith and obedience, we read, would have an impact on all the nations of the earth. Whilst our own faith and obedience may not have such a far-reaching influence, nonetheless it will affect those who cross our path, because God has plans for us too – what we do, where we go, and as a consequence of those, who we meet.
17th Century Poet, John Donne, who was also Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, wrote in one of his sermons that “no man is an island”, arguing at that time for the interconnectedness between us and God. These days we can be so easily connected with one another all over the world, even at the click of a button.
Donne’s observations then are never more relevant. We are definitely not islands, and our actions, or our failure to act, do make a difference to others, for good or ill.
If we are obedient to God’s instruction and guidance, we too can be a blessing to others.
Dear God,
Thank you for the example of Abraham’s obedience. I too want to be a blessing to others but realise that this relies on my obedience to your direction. Help me to remember that when my faith is wavering. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.