Introductions

                 Introductions. In the essay writing class I took, my teacher said that introductions are one of the most important things to have. Within a couple sentences, the reader can determine whether or not you’re a good writer and whether or not the article or blog is worth reading. An introduction starts your story as well as gives you information as to what the story is about.

               Genesis is the introduction to God’s story as well as ours. It’s not a hard read, especially if you take your time, and it tells how the world was created, how humans came to be. However, creation and man’s beginning only takes up about three to four chapters. Genesis six through fifty is about how God chooses His people, starting with Noah. He sets the ball rolling. His part in the world truly begins as He shows Justice and Judgment. Later, He chooses Abraham to be the father of His people.

               In Genesis, God reveals His character. Starting with Adam, human nature causes humanity to turn away and rebel. That’s why He sent the flood. But He also shows forgiveness by saving Noah. Throughout the Bible, God shows His grace over and over again.

               As I previously said, God chose Abraham to be the father of His chosen people. Abraham was considered righteous in God’s sight. He’s used as an example of faith numerous times in the New Testament. But, like everyone, he had his problems. Twice, he lied about his connection with Sarah to save his own skin (Gen 12:10-20, 20:1-18). He doubted God, laughing at Him when he was told he would have a son in his old age. He slept with his wife’s servant in order to have that son when God had told him the baby would be Sarah’s (Gen 16:1-5).

               What made Abraham righteous was his faith in a world of faithlessness. He trusted God with the life of his son (Gen 22) showing that his faith wasn’t just there, it was strong. He had doubted but God had forgiven him and Abraham saw God’s faithfulness.

               The main theme of the story of the world is forgiveness. All the way from creation to present day, grace has been given to humanity. As humans in an imperfect world, we can get lost and distracted so easily. We stumble and fall down again and again. We’re disobedient and selfish. But God has revealed his grace since the beginning of our time. Our introduction started with forgiveness and it’s a continuing theme throughout our lives.

               Even Abraham, a man revered for his righteousness, messed up. God forgave him and brought about a nation through him. How much more can He do through us? It’s very easy to get discouraged, even for something small. Mistakes can weigh us down. Things can get heavy quickly and it isn’t easy. But through Jesus, God made a way for us to find grace and lay down the burdens He never meant for us to carry. God chose Abraham despite his background and mistakes. He chose you too.

               Forgiveness is never too much to ask for. We already have it.