The World's First Hebrew

The first eleven chapters of Genesis are clear. A world without Jews—only “people”—proved hopeless. God could give up on the problem or raise up the solution. God chose a man named Abram, gave him a new ID called “Hebrew,” and used him to start a special people that would break away from the world’s nations and their idols. The voice of the unseen God told Abram to leave familiar country, lovable kin and a comfortable home to walk an unknown path.

There was no doubting that certain voice—any more than you would doubt a thunder clap and lightning strike that tore off your roof! To Abram’s obedience, God gave seven promises:  “I will make of you a great nation, bless you, make your name great, make you a blessing, bless those who bless you, curse those who curse you and, through you, bless the whole world” (Genesis.12:1-3).

That’s a lot of hope to put in one frail human—the father of a people who would be called Hebrews—Jews—Israelites. But God finishes what He begins. Abram passed the test with flying colors. First, he dared to believe God rather than argue with Him. Second, when he and his nephew Lot could have started a land war, Abram put out the fire by offering Lot first choice and he would take what was left. After Lot left, probably smiling at his good deal, God told unselfish Abram to look in all directions: “For all the land which you see, to you will I give it, and to your seed forever” (Genesis 13:14-15).

The third test Abraham passed was in unconditional love. When Lot was kidnapped, Abraham might have said, “Good riddance to the covetous cheapskate.” Instead, he rescued him (Genesis 14:11-16). Then came the excruciating test of unqualified obedience. Abraham was to sacrifice his son. It appears neither he nor Isaac ever wavered. When God saw Abraham’s trust, He called him back from the edge and provided an animal for sacrifice. Then the Creator Himself praised this humble man who loved Him so much: “Because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son…blessing I will bless you…and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 22:16-18).

Abraham the Hebrew and the progenitor of Israel. A chosen man—a chosen people. Now God’s plan became clear. Israel would be His light to all nations and bring forth a Redeemer—the Messiah—who would more than repair the damage caused by Adam. But first God would make a covenant with Israel that would leave the Jews no option. They were to be His forever. No longer would God allow a world to be without Jews.

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1)
The ST. PAUL SCHOOL, with Frank Eiklor, Eileen Young and Cecilia Contreras