Galatians 3:18
“For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.”
God in His wisdom had the foresight for important details that made things possible. God’s promise to Abraham was in Genesis 12:2,3 “And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Somehow, Abrahams’s blessing was to jump from the Israelites to all peoples. We now know that it was through Christ. Those living in the Old Testament weren’t sure how that was to be played out.
If His promise was based on the Law, then those that broke it would be cut off from it. However, Paul tells us it was based on a promise. So, it was all on God’s shoulders. This great promise given to Abraham was free. All he had to do was follow God. He did this in the next verse (four). He left his homeland to venture where the directed.
It would have been nice to know some of the back story. How did God and Abraham meet? Was this their first encounter? Was Abraham’s family already serving the Lord. We don’t know these things. Nor do we need to. God gives us enough to put trust in.
The New Testament relationship with God is one based on grace through faith. That’s how we enter into that partnership. He says, “Believe that your sins will be forgiven and I will make you new. I will guide you through all Your days. I will provide for and prosper You. In time, I will bring You home to heaven and we will enjoy eternity together with all the other residents.” Just as with Abraham, it’s all on God. Also like Abraham, we are to follow. That’s our only task.
This is the gospel, the good news. It’s not difficult, but a wondrous road. I Corinthians 2:9 describes it this way, ‘But as it has been written: “What no eye has seen, and no ear has heard, and has not entered into heart of man, what God has prepared for those loving Him.”‘ Our imagination can see great things for ourselves. However, often times those dreams bring grief. Yet, the Lord’s plans for us are a perfect match, as He knows us better than we know ourselves. It just requires us to follow.
This relationship is much different compared to the religions constructed by others. Their gods are on the verge of anger, requiring much sacrifice to appease him. Those cultures that have gods of nature are harsh. That’s because nature can be cruel. But that’s not the Lord. Nature can inform us of His brilliance, but the harshness of nature is due to the fall. Romans 8:22 says, “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”
The blessing of Abraham’s promise is all on Him. Matthew 11:28 details God’s wish for us, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Our job is to come.
Lord, thank You for Your great promises. Thank You that You bear the responsibility. Help us to follow.