In you shall all the families of the earth be blessed. – Genesis 12:3
Some have called it the Grand Canyon of the Bible… the division between Genesis chapters 11 and 12. On one side of the canyon are four major events in God’s dealing with humankind over a period of roughly 2,000 years – Creation, the Fall, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel. Chapter twelve begins on the other side with one man, Abraham, and time slows down (chapters 12-50 cover about 350 years). God’s dealings with human beings become very personal.
Abraham is called from his homeland to another land. Leaving his family and their idol worship, he journeys to some unknown destination known only to the Lord. “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Abraham’s faith brought an extraordinary blessing from God. In Genesis 12:1-2, God promised to lead him to a new land, make him into a great nation, and make his name great.
But there was much more… through him, all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). This blessing points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was to come from the lineage of Abraham. The blessings would extend from the nation of Israel to all peoples of the world.
In your preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth, may you continually remember that God’s promise of a Savior was from the beginning with Adam and Eve, then through Abraham, and it extends to you. Believe in Jesus and enjoy His blessings in this life and sweet communion with your Messiah for eternity.
Pray now for those in this nation who do not know Jesus as their Savior. May they come now in faith and receive the blessings He has promised.
Today’s Verse: Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Acts 3:19-26
19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
