Discipleship & Worldwide Witness预览

God's beginning

Yesterday we read in Revelation how people of all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages are worshiping Jesus, the Lamb. They are all people whose lives are characterized by faith and their relationship with God. They are all people who pass that on to those around them. How cool is it that God (and especially Jesus) is worshiped by so many nationalities!

For God is a God of all peoples. Not only of the Dutch, but He is also the God of Germans, Americans, Indians, Mexicans, Japanese, Brazilians, Moroccans, South Africans, and everyone! With all these brothers and sisters, we follow the same God together. The God Who made all the people of the world.

Today there are 8 billion of us living on the earth, but can you imagine that that once began with only two people? Those two people were Adam and Eve. God blessed them and told them to become numerous and take good care of the earth. (Gen 1:28) Later in the Bible, God says the same thing to Abraham.

In fact, God promised Abraham two things: a multitude of nations from his descendants (Genesis 17:5), and that He wants to be Abraham's God and God to all his descendants too (Genesis 17:7). To emphasize that, God establishes that in a covenant. Wonderful right? Thus, God is a God for Abraham, but God also wants to be a God for you.

The things God promised to Abraham have now become a reality! Abraham had a son and from his offspring came Israel.

It is even more amazing that it does not end there! From Israel, Jesus came into the world and from Jesus God’s blessing has gone all over the world! Therefore, we are connected now with all brothers and sisters worldwide. Isn't that wonderful?

Despite that global connection, we can sometimes feel alone. But do you know what God promises? “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Thus, we are connected to brothers and sisters worldwide, and we are also connected to God who is always by our side.

Take the following questions to think about:

• Search the Bible for promises from God to you when you find yourself lonely. What does it mean to you that God says this to you?
• Who can you give encouragement to today?

Prayer:

• Father, thank You for Your Word and the promises You make to me in it. Help me to know and trust them. Thank You that You always do what You promise. Amen.