The following is chapter 4 in the children’s series, “If They Could Talk”; the story of our redemption as it unfolds from Genesis to Revelation. This is the story of Abraham as found in Genesis 12-17.
My Friends,
Many a desert mile I travelled; most, at my master’s side. He is a good man, my master. God talked to him and sometimes I overheard.
The Flood was a distant memory. Man slowly numbered across the earth once more, and as the years passed, they slowly forgot the reason for the waters. No one seemed to remember the Creator God anymore; no one that is, except my master.
He was of the desert—a place that often has its way with a man. Sand and wind still those who find themselves there. When there is little to see but the dry and the dust, it is easier to listen. My master was one such man; he was ready for his call.
I was a young camel and spent most of my day looking for shade—many times among the tents. That is when it happened. A voice of no earthly tone; clear and firm, surrounded us. It was everywhere yet it was personal; it was powerful yet it was gentle. Master fell to his knees; I trembled near a palm.
There was a command: “Leave your country and go to the land I will show you.” And then there were promises: “I will make you into a great nation.” “I will bless you.” “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” These were some of the words. As my master remained on knee, I mouthed, “How could this be?” But I knew these words true, for they were His.
My master, whom you call Abraham, believed the Lord; and the Lord called my master righteous. We would leave country and family and made a long journey to the land of Canaan.
Seasons turned to years and in this land my nomadic master grew in wealth and wisdom. We animals knew we belonged to a man of distinction. But as the years passed, I wondered at the words overheard so long ago. How could there be a great nation? My master had no children in his tent, and he and the woman Sarah were old. And the other words uttered from heaven confused even more. How could one man be used to bless all people on earth? I pondered the question often.
The Divine voice would speak to my master again; there was a promise of a son and as many offspring as the stars in the sky. And more words from the Creator God later followed about the promises made years ago: “You will be the father of many nations.” “Kings will come from you.” “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant with you and your descendants after you.” “I will be your God and the God of your descendants forever.”
I did not understand all these words. How could such promises ever come to pass? I am left to wonder. But this I know; the Creator God has a plan for your kind. And this plan begins with Abraham, my master.
Humbly, The Camel