When Hashem appeared to Avram who was then seventy-five years old, He gave him the command to travel to an unknown land, far from his roots. Avram had been waiting most of his life for this moment, having come to the conclusion at the age of three that there must be a Creator, and having spent decades trying to convince others of the logic of his approach.
What Hashem said to him at this time is very informative about how Hashem works with us in this world.
For what purpose did Hashem create the world and Man? Our Sages tell us it was in order to do good to him and express His goodness. G-d is a giver.
His conversation to Avram, then, is quite appropriately aimed at Avram. He was told, “Go for your benefit,” and “I will make you great and prosperous,” and “you will be a source of blessing.” There was nothing there about, “Do this because I said so.” Instead, Hashem focused on the benefit Avram would receive by listening to His words.
So it is with all of us. Judaism isn’t a religion of do’s and don’ts to pacify a god with an ego. Rather, the Torah is the manual for us to get the most enjoyment out of life, while earning a place in the world to come.
