I will make you into a great nation

“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him;” ~Genesis 12:1-4a
This is the beginning of the story of Abraham. He was given the name of Abram at birth and was raised in a priestly household that served many pagan gods. His family was wealthy and respected and he was on the fast track for success. But God had a different plan.
I would love to witness the moment of this verse - the scripture does not reveal how Abram felt. Was he surprised? Did he question that God wanted him to leave all he knew and head into the great unknown? Who was this God? Did he wonder what everyone would think? Similar situation to what happened with Noah, isn’t it?
Do you know who else this resonates with? Abram’s story is a forecast of Jesus Christ! Scholars would say that Abram is a ‘type of Christ’. Just like Adam and Abel and Moses and Joseph and Jonah etc etc etc. The whole Old Testament points to Jesus.
Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to earth for us. “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that He gave up His heavenly riches for you. He gave up everything so that you could be richly blessed.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14a).
“Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8)
If you hear God calling you to ‘Go’ (or stay or pray or do) and you listen even if it doesn’t make sense, you will also be type of Christ. There is no greater honor.
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