The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

ONGOING PROMISES OF A FAITHFUL GOD

The covenant between God and Abraham (often referred to as the Abrahamic covenant) occupies the central focus of the next several chapters of the Bible. Genesis 12 begins with a vital prologue that sets the stage for the promises and ceremonies that would follow. They testify to the irrevocable nature of the promises of God.

The passage begins with a task given to Abram. He was called to leave all that he had known — his home, most of his family and his country of origin — and travel to an unknown location that God would reveal in due time. While the passage begins with an act of obedience, it is clear that the covenant is based on the promises of God.

Seven promises follow in rapid succession. (1) God promised to make Abram into a great nation — a pledge that would find fulfillment in the birth of the Hebrew nation. (2) God promised to bless Abram, his family and the nation that would emerge with his loving care and continued provision. (3) Abram, later renamed Abraham, would be given a name that would live on long after his earthly life concluded. (4) The nation would be a blessing to other nations as they modeled conformity to God’s law and demonstrated proper worship of the awe-inspiring God. (5) God would bless those who blessed the nation. (6) God would stand in judgment against those who oppressed his people. (7) All people would be blessed through Abram and the generations that followed him.

These grand and glorious promises were rooted in the nature and character of God. In spite of the people’s unbelief, rebellion, idolatry and spiritual adultery, God remained faithful to his promises because the covenant was based on grace and not on law. Paul writes that God gave Abraham these promises long before the law was given on Mount Sinai (Gal 3:16 – 17).

As one born in the line of Abraham, Jesus was the means by which these promises could be fulfilled. All those in Christ, born again by the grace of God, are children of Abraham and recipients of the promises of God that were fulfilled in Jesus. Paul testified to this reality when he claimed that all those who respond in faith to the good news of Jesus are heirs of the promises given to Abraham (Gal 3:28 – 29).

Jesus, I thank you that I, in my arrogance and rebellion, cannot undo any of God’s promises. Thank you for making it possible for me to be adopted into God’s family. Amen.