The Blessings of Abraham
Genesis 12 marks a turning point in God’s ultimate purpose for humanity. God had found in Abraham a man who would follow His will whole-heartedly.
In Genesis 12:1-3 Abraham was promised:
(1) a land
(2) descendants that would become a great nation
(3) the ability to bring blessing (or a curse) on the nations of the world
God would make of Abraham a great nation, give that nation their own land, and through them, bring His blessing to the nations of the earth. This would require obedience to God each step of the way.
When Israel was about to enter the land promised to them by God, Moses warned them ‘I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” … And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?’ (Deuteronomy 4:5,6,8).
God wanted to reach the nations of the earth through Israel. Unfortunately Israel never got hold of God’s purpose and could never live the life God sought for her. She became inward, selfish and self-righteous; but God’s purpose has remained unchanged. He still wants to bless the nations, and as we will see, would still do so through His people.
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