The descendants of Abraham

"And he hath put all things under his feet, and hath made him head of the church over all things, which is his body, even the fullness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1,22-23).

Last year we also remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war to ensure our survival as a nation. Remembering is good. In fact, it seems to be one of God's favorite words because he uses it often. He constantly reminds us to be aware of our roots and also our future. It's about remembering who He is and how much He cares for us; He wants us to know who we are and have no reason to feel insecure, ineffective or powerless; for we have the power of the universe residing in us, as the body of Christ; see above scripture. This amazing gift of strength not only resides within us, but flows out to empower others. “But on the last, the highest day of the festival, Jesus appeared and called out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture says, from his body will flow rivers of living water" (John 7,37-38).

Unfortunately, as human beings, we forget this all too often. In the TV show “Who do you think you are?” participants have an opportunity to get acquainted with their ancestors, get to know them, their lifestyle and, very importantly, even see photos of them. I myself have photos of my wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother but these photos reveal to my son his mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother! And of course, for his son, it means getting a glimpse of his grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and great-great-great-grandmother! This reminds me of a passage of Scripture that I had long forgotten.

Isaiah 51:1-2 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, who seek the Lord! Behold the rock from which you were hewn, and the well from which you were dug! Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who gave birth to you! For I called him as one, and I blessed him and multiplied him.

Taking it a step further, Paul informs us in Galatians 3:27-29 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gone is the distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female—you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are of Christ, then you are true descendants of Abraham, you are true heirs of his promise.” If we go back a little in the text and read verses 6-7, we are told, “He believed God, and it is for his righteousness been calculated. Know, therefore, that those who are of faith are Abraham's children.” We are assured here that all who believe in God are the true descendants of Abraham. Here Paul is pointing back to Father Abraham, to the rock from which we were hewn, and so we learn a special lesson of faith and trust from Him!

by Cliff Neill