As we move into chapter 2 of The Story we see that God has called Abraham out of the darkness of pagan idolatry into the light and true fellowship. The way this all unfolds is so exemplary of God’s grace. Let’s take a look at how God Builds a Nation via chapter 2 of The Story.

How God Accomplishes His Purposes

God doesn’t always choose the easiest way to accomplish his purposes. Some of the time he chooses the most difficult way possible to accomplish his purposes. God does this to remind us who is in charge.

The story of Abraham is the perfect example of God being in charge and nothing and nobody can get in his way. God determined to build a nation, give them a promised land and bless other nations through this one. God’s plan is to deliver his word through this nation, reveal himself to them and bring his son to earth through them.

God could have done this with anyone, but he chose two people, a man and a woman, who were already past normal childbearing age.

Abraham Called Into God’s Promise

Joshua 24:2-3 tells us Abraham came from a pagan family:

2 And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. 3 Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac. – Joshua 24:2-3

Abraham wound up looking to one God to meet his needs and that was counterintuitive to where he grew up. Where he grew up there were many gods that were worshipped.