To be a blessing like Abraham

When we read Abraham's story, we come to realize: between Abraham's departure and the fulfilment of God's blessing there was a long road, which had to be taken. And sometimes a great deal of patience was required. What is interesting for me in this story, is that this blessing also applies to Christians today, even though it sometimes, in our lives, doesn't seem like it. What also seems significant to me concerning this blessing, is that sometimes it is spoken by other people, and therefore is why it is worth pondering upon from time to time, where I have received blessings in my life and where I have been a blessing to others – but also, where I disregarded this blessing or did not pass it on.

Off the top of my head, I can think of some people who have been a blessing to others because they themselves received blessings. And then also immediately pass on the blessing, from that which they have received. I am reminded of a family who, in addition to their own seven children, took on three foster children whom they lovingly raised and cared for. Or the young teacher who flew to Togo during her summer holidays, to offer her help of teaching and educating in one of the poorest countries in the world. And I once got to know an optometrist who used his summer vacation every year, to operate on people suffering from glaucoma in Tanzania. To finance this project, he collected donations in his practice – and made up the shortfall himself.

Yes, God's blessing is passed on by us humans – at that time also through Abraham, through Israel, the chosen nation, from whom also our Lord Jesus Christ descends. And through Jews and Christians throughout the world today still. This blessing is passed on through each and every one of us – and some, who become blessings to others, would never even acknowledge this about themselves, while they simply take it for granted. And seen in this manner, Abraham's life story is also, in some small way, the life story of each and every one of us.

I wish that all of us will be blessed and will be a blessing to others.

Joseph Gehr