Genesis 22:15-18 Consequences

The angel of the Lord had called out to Abraham to stop him from carrying out the sacrifice of Isaac.  Now the angel of the Lord calls to Abraham a second time:  "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.  Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." (Genesis 22:15-18 NIV)

Some thoughts on this passage:

• The Lord swears by Himself because there is no greater name by which He can take an oath.
• The Lord repeats the covenant blessings here -- numerous descendants, victory over enemies, worldwide blessing -- all resulting from obedience to the covenant demands.
• As far as all nations being blessed, that is an amazing consequence to obedience to God.  I wonder if we think enough about the consequences of our own actions, especially as to how others will be affected.  Even if our choices are not as dramatic as Abraham's, simple acts of obedience to God's Word can bring great blessings to our own families and the people we interact with every day.  Also, I suppose, acts of disobedience would have the same result, only in the opposite direction.  That shows me just how important it is to obey God.  There is no 'small' sin.