Genesis 12:1-4a… “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 shall be blessed.” vs. 3
Some have experienced what it’s like to have a “chosen one” among our siblings. This is the child who, at least from our perspective, has gotten all the advantages while growing up. They’re pampered, protected, and given the best of everything. That seems to have been the position of Abram as reported in Genesis. In this text God’s preference is obvious. Those who bless him will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed. There is little doubt about it, Abram and Sarai’s progeny would be the “Chosen People.”
Sometimes we wonder about things like this. Does God really play favorites? And if that’s the way God is, no wonder some folks don’t like God very much. Playing favorites is never a way to win friends and influence people. It’s important to remember here that our ancient scriptures were written by Hebrews who were the descendants of Abraham. And they really did believe that they were special. That’s one of the reasons they were able to hang out to their ethnic and religious identity in the midst of the tribal warfare of those days.
But scripture also reports that attitudes gradually changed and that ultimately the prophets proclaimed a more inclusive message. Yes, Israel had indeed been blessed, but those blessings weren’t just for them, they were actually for all the families of the earth!
Thought for the Day: What’s it like to have a “chosen one” in the family?
0 Comments