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Blessed to be a blessing

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:2-3

Genesis 12 marks a bit of a change in the book of Genesis. In the first 11 chapters, some spectacular things happened (creation, the Fall, the great flood, the tower of Babel, etc.) and at least 2000 years pass, not including the time before the Fall.

At Genesis 12, the speed of the narrative slows down and we start the period of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God’s story of redemption also begins to follow a specific lineage, Abraham and his descendants…who would become the people of Israel, the chosen people of God.

God Chooses Abraham
The choosing of this people began with the choosing of one person, Abram (later to be named Abraham by God). Abraham was an interesting choice. We may have expected God to choose a man of perfect faith and no sin, but He chose Abraham instead.

Abraham was a worshiper of idols. However, when God called Abraham, Abraham responded in faith. God’s Word came to Abraham and through it God created faith and then Abraham obeyed in faith. Yet, even then, Abraham would have plenty of episodes where he sinned and doubted. It’s one of the great things of the “heros” of the Bible, they aren’t all that heroic. Rather God works through these weak and flawed people (does that remind you of anyone?)

Blessed to be a Blessing
When God chose Abraham, God promised to bless him in many ways. He promised many descendants, land, and nations. Yet, the greatest way God blessed Abraham was to make him a blessing. God promised that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Of course, this was a promise of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus would be a descendant of Abraham and Jesus would bring life and salvation to the whole world. What an amazing blessing!!!

You Are Blessed to be a Blessing, Too
There are many similarities between Abraham and you. Even though you are a sinner like Abraham, God has chosen you. His Word has come to you and created faith in your heart. He then blesses you in many ways, including by making you a blessing to others.

Just as salvation came to the world through Abraham’s lineage, thus blessing all peoples, you can bring the saving Good News of Jesus Christ to those around you. What an amazing blessing!!!

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending Jesus to save us. Thank you for then blessing us to be witnesses for you. Help me to share Your love and Your Gospel, and, thus, be a blessing to others.

Amen

You can read the full account of Abraham’s calling in Genesis 12:1-9. Click here to read it.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt