Jesus' Lineage - Preparing For Christmas Series #1Sample

Messiah would come from the line of Abraham

Thoughts on the Passage

The people of God knew that the Messiah must come from Abraham – and through his son of promise, Isaac.  We see here something very special – God Himself swearing an oath to Abraham that His previous promises to Abraham would be fulfilled.  Often many of God’s promises come with a condition attached to it.  Promises like 2 Chronicles 7:14:

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

When God swears an oath – there is no condition attached.  It must be fulfilled.  

God swore an oath that He would keep His promises to Abraham through Isaac.  The people of Israel knew it would happen.  So they watched carefully for its fulfilment.  As the time of fulfilment approached – they watched even more carefully.

As we prepare our hearts for celebrating His birth, let’s take time and rehearse the promises of God.  Some promises are guaranteed – let’s celebrate them, whether we see them or not.  Seeing the fulfillment of other promises are conditional on our obedience, our seeking Him, or our watchfulness – let’s take time to examine our hearts.  It is a season of promise-keeping by God.  Let’s be prepared to receive from God.

Time to Pray

Father, as I look at the life of Abraham and the promises You gave to him, I see a man who was diligent to obey.  You honored that commitment with even greater blessings.  As I prepare my heart for celebrating the birth of Jesus, I am reminded that there are other promises I need to see fulfilled this season.  Help me prepare my heart to receive them.  My heart may need cleansing – show me where that must happen.  My heart may need strengthening in faith – empower my faith I pray.  My heart may need hope and encouragement – speak to me through Your Spirit, Your Word, or Your people with words that enable me to hold on to Your promises.  In Jesus’ Name Amen.