Promises Kept: A 6 Day Devotional From the Old Testament Covenantsናሙና

Day 3 - Where is Christ in the Covenant with Abraham?

In Matthew’s genealogy, Abraham’s lineage is traced from him all the way to Jesus Christ. At the start of the New Testament, this is significant. Abraham was specifically promised that from one man (him), all the nations would be blessed (Gen. 12:1-4). At the end of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). From Jesus Christ comes one new people–the people of God. Abraham’s covenant promises begin small. He only has one son. He dies with one son, a tiny plot of land, and a promise. Thousands of years later, through that one offspring, salvation comes to all.

One could read this promise as “through Isaac–the offspring–all the nations are blessed.” And that would not be wrong. He is the promised son. But it’s also more than that. Isaac begins the process of a long line of “promised offsprings” that pave the way for the true and better offspring to come and bless all nations once and for all. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could not provide the blessing that we all need. Like every man who came before them and after them, they died. Like every man who came before them and after them, they sinned. Like every man who came before them and after them, they needed to be saved from themselves as much as the next person.

But Jesus Christ, the long-awaited son of Abraham? Death couldn’t hold him. He never sinned. And He is able to save all who put their faith and trust in Him.

In Him, we truly are blessed. The covenant with Abraham promises two very important things–land and offspring. This is important because God’s people were always intended to be His people, in His place, under His rule (remember?). God’s heart is to bring His people back to what He intended for them. In Abraham’s offspring, He’s doing just that. He’s making a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation. He’s making a home for us where death and sin have no place. In Christ, this promise is fulfilled right now–and will be finally completed one day. The promised descendant has come and one day He will take us home to His land forever.

This is why He came. He dwelt among us to bring us back to God’s place, to live as His people, under His loving rule. So when Jesus looks at his disciples on the night before his death and says “in my Father’s house are many rooms” (John 14:2-6), this covenant finds its fulfillment. The promised offspring has come to build God’s family and take them home to glory.

Read: Gen. 12:1-4 and Matt. 1:1

Pause and Reflect: What is traced in this genealogy in Matthew 1? How is this covenant promise (seen in Genesis 12) fulfilled in this genealogy of Jesus? If you aren’t a direct descendant of Abraham, how is it fulfilled in your life?

Pray: Lord, You are a God who blesses your people with gifts we don’t even think to pray for. Thank you for keeping your promises to your people. Thank you for working over the course of our life to keep your promises. Thank you for blessing us through your covenant with Abraham fulfilled in Christ. Give us eyes to see how you are working in the world, even when we can’t see your promises coming to pass. In Jesus’ name, Amen.