Abraham left a legacy of blessing. Merriam-Webster defines legacy as “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.” [1] In our culture, we hear of people who want to leave a legacy so that others will think well of them.
The Tower of Babel is the Bible story that immediately precedes the story of Abraham. In that story, the people wanted to leave a legacy of a great city and tower for future generations. Genesis 11: 4 Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous.[2] As they said, “let us build,” we can see that they were depending on themselves and leaving God out of the picture.
In contrast, God initiated a blessing to Abraham that would be his legacy to future generations. Genesis 12: 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” [3]
God’s Promise
God began by telling Abraham, “I will make you” which indicates that this is God’s idea and His power to act. The Hebrew word translated here is ʿasah, which means to accomplish, make, produce, or act with effect. [4] Abraham won’t be able to do this on his own; only God can do it.
The blessings come as God makes Abraham a great nation, and as a result, Abraham’s name will be known. This will happen so that others can be blessed. In fact, God will bless the whole earth through Abraham. It will take obedient faith for Abraham to receive these promises.
Paul explains this ultimate blessing. Galatians 3: 8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith. [5] Christ will be the blessing that comes through the line of Abraham to bless the world.
Blessed to Be a Blessing
Just as God blessed Abraham to be a blessing, we are blessed to be a blessing. 1 Corinthians 12: 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.[6]
As believers, we are to have a legacy of blessing others. God gives each of us gifts so that we can help build His kingdom and give Him the glory. Too often, as sinful people, we desire to use our gifts to build our own kingdom, just like the people at the Tower of Babel. Anything on this earth is only temporary. However, God’s kingdom is eternal. Let’s use God’s gifts to build a lasting legacy. To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-a-promise
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legacy
[2,3,5,6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 11:4). Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.