Abraham and His Children

[Daily Devotional]

Abraham and His Children 

If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the
promise. Gal. 3: 29. 

Of Abraham it is written that "he was called the friend of God," "the father
of all them that believe." . . . 

It was a high honor to which Abraham was called, that of being the father of
the people who for centuries were the guardians and preservers of the truth
of God for the world-- of that people through whom all the nations of the
earth should be blessed in the advent of the promised Messiah. 

Abraham was honored by the surrounding nations as a mighty prince and a wise
and able chief. He did not shut away his influence from his neighbors. His
life and character, in their marked contrast with those of the worshipers of
idols, exerted a telling influence in favor of the true faith. His
allegiance to God was unswerving, while his affability and benevolence
inspired confidence and friendship, and his unaffected greatness commanded
respect and honor. 

His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously guarded and
enjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion cannot be thus held; for such
a spirit is contrary to the principles of the gospel. While Christ is
dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His
presence, or for that light to grow dim. On the contrary, it will grow
brighter and brighter as day by day the mists of selfishness and sin that
envelop the soul are dispelled by the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness. 

The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He intends
that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world. Scattered all
over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they are God's
witnesses, the channels through which He will communicate to an unbelieving
world the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace. It is His plan
that all who are partakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for
Him. The piety of the Christian constitutes the standard by which worldlings
judge the gospel. Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received,
meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights
that shine forth in the character before the world. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 55