Year of the Bible: Part Ten of Twelve预览

Christ Jesus, the Seed of Abraham

The Gospel of Jesus did not begin in the book of Matthew. It began in the third chapter of the book of Genesis. Then, Genesis 12 clarified God’s plan to bring a Messiah: “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing ... And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). In today’s reading, Paul explains how all families of the earth are to be blessed: through the Seed of Abraham, whom Paul identifies as Jesus.

Abraham’s blessing is not received through keeping the Law of Moses or the ritual of Jewish feasts throughout the year. The blessing is not reserved for Abraham’s ethnic family but is available to the whole earth through the Seed of Abraham, Jesus.

Humankind’s fallen nature is always looking for a way to obtain likeness with God. God’s law was given to hold humankind’s behavior in check until Jesus fulfilled the promise of redemption. Abraham’s blessing is available to anyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus.

Question: Have you been blessed by the Seed of Abraham? Have you put your faith in Jesus?

Prayer: Father, thank You that You have and will keep the promises You have made since the beginning of time. Thank You that the Seed of Abraham, Jesus, came onto the scene at the right time. Thank You that Your grace has brought me to faith in Jesus; grant me the grace to live my life to glorify Him.