Why did God choose Abram, out of all the humans on the planet at that time? You would have to ask God that question. Maybe...the life of Abram was the cleanest window through which God could be seen. For Abram's calling was to be a blessing for the families of the earth, such that they would come to know God. And through their interaction with Abram, many people would come to know God! In fact, God would be known AS “the God of Abram” (later renamed Abraham), at least until his son Isaac and grandson Jacob were born, and then God would be known as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Of course, now, we see God primarily through the window of his son Jesus. Through our interactions with Jesus in Word and Sacrament and prayer and worship, we come to know more about God. We come to understand the depth of God's love for us shown on the cross. We come to put more and more trust in God's grace, and it is reckoned to us as righteousness.
And as this process known as sanctification continues in us, we are called by Jesus to witness to what he is doing. We become the window through which Jesus shines, attracting the attention of the people around us, and making himself known to them. We become the blessing to the families of the earth, despite our flaws, despite our doubts, despite ourselves.
Every year, I receive a couple of Easter or Christmas cards which call me a blessing to their families. I can think of nothing more affirming...and nothing more humbling than that, because I know my flaws and I know my doubts! Please know that you are not only a blessing to MY family, but to each other, as through our interactions here and in the wider community, we get to know our Savior Jesus...better and better....
Heavenly Father, call us away from where we are stuck in a rut, to the promised land you have for us, where we can be a blessing. Keep our minds occupied with the amazing promises you have given us, that our sins can be forgiven and we can live with you forever, in Jesus name.... Amen.