Advent Journey - Following the Seed From Eden to Bethlehem Sampel

Day 8

SPECIAL FATHER

Abraham, formerly Abram (20) 

The path to Bethlehem included some legendary characters -  special men and women used by God to route the Seed through strategic pivot points. 

Aside from Christ Jesus of course, Abraham (formerly Abram) might arguably be the most legendary character of the entire line of the Seed. 

History’s most notable, lasting movements are led by special father figures. An example on a much smaller scale would be George Washington. A person of unique pedigree. A true father to a lasting movement. 

It’s hard to put in words what Abraham meant for Israel. Very few men had the personal favor and attention from God quite like Abraham – visits from angels, conversations with God, gigantic favor and gigantic tests, etc. 

The single word that sums up Abraham is “Father.” (I’m really trying to not be influenced by the “Father Abraham” song from Sunday school). 

He’s the father to the Jews. He’s father to the Christians. Oddly, he’s also father to Islam (long story involving a son named Ishmael). 

Most importantly, He’s Father to The Seed – Jesus. 

Abraham was not only a special father. He was a faith giant, a distinguished military leader… and a wealthy businessman. Like Billy Graham, George Washington and John Rockefeller all in one. 

God’s strategy was to launch a new people group that would form a new identity for the Seed. God desired a new family to pivot the Seed away from Babylon and toward this new chosen land. 

Launching this new family-nation required just the right person. A man of impeccable faith, a determined leader, an astute fighter, and a balance sheet to garner the respect of foreign kings he encountered along the way. 

To prepare Abraham for this fatherhood privilege, God had some monumental tests for him. 

Test of belief. God promised to give Abraham and his wife Sarah (formerly Sarai) a son (Isaac) in their very old age. The promise included countless ancestors. From God’s perspective, this “seed” would one day lead to Jesus. 

Abraham has no idea how significant his seed would be. Overall they passed this test, although initially they weren’t sure and tried to help God by having a son (Ishmael) through a maidservant (Hagar). 

This weak moment would have long-lasting implications, giving Satan a foothold to introduce a false religion (Islam) that still thrives to this day. 

Test of obedience. When Isaac grew to be a young lad, God asked Abraham to sacrifice him (yes, to kill his own son!). It’s an unthinkable request today and it was then, too. 

Abraham passed the obedience test (more on that tomorrow).

Passing these great tests came with great responsibilities. Sure enough, God affirmed His previous promise, to make Abraham father to many nations and to give God’s chosen nation a special land. 

This land was not the crowded, sin-polluted land near Babylon – but a special land called Canaan that would one day house a little town called… Bethlehem.  

Reflections:

Big assignments from God often follow big tests. What test(s) has God had for you, and how has that season of testing prepared you for something special? 

In Genesis, there’s very little mention about Terah’s son, Nahor (Abraham’s brother). Why is there so much Bible attention to Abraham and nothing about Nahor? 

Answer: Because Abraham is in the line of the Seed

Once again, the Bible is largely focused on families that fall in the line of the Seed.