The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Encounters with God — The call of Abraham
Terah, the father of Abram, moved his family from Ur of the Chaldeans to Haran on the way to Canaan. After his father died in Haran, “the Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Then God made this promise to Abram: “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 people on earth will be blessed through you” (vv.2-3).
Why did God choose Abram to be the recipient of this promise and blessing? There are several references in the Scriptures that provide some background for the answer. First of all, in Isaiah 41:8, Abraham is called by God “my friend.” (See also 2 Chronicles 20:7.) How did Abraham become God’s friend? He did so the way anyone becomes friends with someone else. They like each other, have things in common and spend time together. People like to drop the names of important people that they know and are on a friendly basis with. Can you imagine, though, having God say that you were his friend?!
Secondly, in that great chapter on the ancient heroes of the Bible, Hebrews 11, Abraham has more verses (twelve in all) than anyone else. I believe God selected Abram primarily because he had great faith. We know that he was not a perfect person. He did not always tell all of the truth. (See Genesis 12:10-20.) But no one can dispute he had incredible faith. For example, he was willing to do what God asked of him, even sacrificing his son, because he believed that God would raise him from the dead! (See Hebrews 11:1719,). Now that’s faith!
What do we learn about God in Abram’s call?
1) We see how God works from a plan. God began by calling Abram in order to create a people or nation. Those people needed a place to live so he gave them Canaan or what is otherwise known as “The Promised Land.” While the promise of land had conditions, the return of the Jews to the land in this
century is because the Sovereign God of the Universe has kept his word (see Genesis 12:7 & 15:7). Ultimately, God was making Abram a blessing in order to extend a blessing to his descendants; and through the Messiah, everyone. In order to do this, God developed and carried out his plan.
2) We observe the breadth of God’s grace. Jews and Gentiles are included in his plan to redeem lost mankind Salvation is available to all — not just the chosen few. “The Scriptures foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announce the gospel in advance to Abraham, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” (Galatians 3:8-9).
3) God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, his people the Jews, and everyone. The original included a seven-fold blessing — and God has delivered on every one of the promises. Therefore, we can believe and accept the blessings he promises us through his word and trust that he will do for us as he has said. Others may say that they will do “so and so” and then forget or fail to do what they have said — but not God!
Amanda Rae Jackson of Hamden passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at her home. She was born in New Haven on July 9, 1986 to her beloved parents, Paul F. and Claire E. (West) Jackson. Amanda was the loving sister of Courtney Elizabeth Jackson of Wallingford.
Amanda was a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University Class of December 2010, receiving Summa Cum Laude honors. She was an accomplished student, attaining the recognition of being in the Top 10 of all Connecticut state colleges in 2010. Amanda was a highly respected employee of The Guardian Insurance Company/Reed Group for 8 years. A free spirit, Amanda loved animals, environmental podcasts, and photographing natural beauty.
Besides her parents Paul and Claire and her sister Courtney, she is survived by her aunts and uncles, Carol (West) Izzo (Albert), Patricia West (Auntie Patsy), Susan Jackson, William Jackson, Kathy Sayward, Donna Becker and David Jackson. Amanda was pre-deceased by her uncle Stephen Jackson. She will be greatly missed by all of her colleagues, friends, and acquaintances, and her new little puppy dog Jax.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 5th at 12:00 p.m. in Divine Mercy Parish-St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Friends may visit with her family in church prior to Mass, from 11:15 a.m. until the start of the service. Masks, social distancing, and attendance limitations must be followed. In the event you are unable to attend the Mass, it will be Live Streamed via Zoom. Please see funeral home website for Meeting ID and Passcode. BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden is in care of arrangements. To send condolences to Amanda’s family, please visit:
www.beecherandbennett.com.