In the most authentic history of the world captured in the Bible, an interesting sequence of events tells us about the relationship between God and man through the ages.
Man disobeyed God in the garden of Eden, and rather than put an end to man, God sent a man out of the Garden. After a while, God saw that evil was multiplying out of control, so He sent a flood and reduced the then-world population from an estimated four billion plus to just eight people. The criteria for the 8 was one person who was doing right – Noah. The eight people again began to multiply, and it wasn’t long before they started derailing again, this time around, God didn’t destroy the world anymore; he found a man and decided to work with the man as a channel through which He would bless everyone else. The question we should all be asking is – Why Abraham?
The answer to this question is a bit elusive, but it’s trackable.
“For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him” – Gen 18:19
Abraham’s capacity and competency that were crucial to his selection was his reputation as a teacher and a commander of his household. Abraham clearly had a good training system which he used to lead his team, and God chose him to use this same model to prepare a family and, indeed, a nation to follow God’s ways.
Abraham was an idolater, but his commitment to training and developing others is the only clear evidence we can find of why he, of all people, was chosen. He obeyed God and was the kind of person you can give knowledge or revelation, and you can be sure that others will learn it.
Throughout his life, his commitment to helping people characterized his life. Here are a few examples of Abraham’s penchant for helping out and being a channel. This should encourage you too to be a channel.
1. Mentorship of Lot: Abraham took his nephew Lot under his wing and taught him the ways of the Lord. He allowed Lot to travel with him and taught him important skills such as herding and negotiating. Abraham also protected Lot and his family during conflicts and provided them with resources when they needed them.
2. Training of Isaac: Abraham trained his son Isaac in the ways of the Lord and taught him important life skills. He took Isaac on a journey to sacrifice him, which was a test of his faith and commitment to God. Abraham also taught Isaac how to manage their wealth and how to negotiate with others.
3. Hospitality to strangers: Abraham and Sarah were known for their hospitality towards strangers. They welcomed travelers into their homes and provided them with food and shelter. This demonstrated their commitment to serving others and positively impacting their lives.
4. Mediation of conflicts: Abraham acted as a mediator in conflicts between his servants and the servants of his nephew Lot. He negotiated a peaceful solution to the dispute and ensured that both parties were treated fairly. This demonstrated his commitment to resolving conflicts in a peaceful and just manner.
5. Circumcision of his household: Abraham circumcised all the males in his household as a sign of the covenant between him and God. This act symbolized his commitment to obeying God’s commands and teaching his household to do the same.
6. Preparation of his servant Eliezer: When Abraham needed to find a wife for his son Isaac, he sent his trusted servant Eliezer on a mission to find a suitable match. Before sending him, Abraham instructed Eliezer on how to conduct himself, what to look for in a wife, and how to seek God’s guidance. This demonstrates Abraham’s commitment to preparing his servant for success.
7. Intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah: When Abraham learned of God’s plans to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, he interceded on their behalf. He pleaded with God to spare the cities if there were even just a few righteous people living there. This shows Abraham’s concern for the welfare of others and his desire to help them avoid destruction.
The expectations of Jesus from his disciples are not different. He expects us to train everyone we meet in this way of life. When you make yourself a channel, get ready to be blessed.
