“No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there. For the LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants.”—Genesis 24:6
From sea to shining sea, many Americans are objecting—or all out shouting—“no!” these days. The divides between us continue. Polarity is not an exception anymore, nor is it a season. It seems to be a way of life.
Abraham’s “No!” however, as strong as it is, unveils an even stronger love not for today, but tomorrow. In this text, Abraham makes it abruptly clear that his son will marry very well. No exceptions. No second-place finishes. Only the best. The future depends on this.
Collectively, let’s look at our descendants. Together, let’s continue to intentionally set and positively secure the future of this nation this Fourth of July weekend and beyond. What will the USA be like 12, 20 and 200 years from now depends on what we stand for—and stand against—today. This may require more ‘no’s when we unite against injustice, inequality, and discrimination, the very tenants Abraham’s descendant, Jesus, taught, preached, lived, and passed on to his apostles and to us today.
Abraham loved his son. As a dad now myself, I understand this passion. This order to make sure that love tomorrow is brighter than it is today is clear in both Abraham’s heart and mine. No way is this deal going down the wrong way. If it takes 20,000 no’s to get one yes, then a great deal of work awaits us. Let’s begin with love—the radical, inclusive love Jesus taught.
PRAYER: Help us, dear Lord to love into Galatians 3:28-29 which reads, “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.”