Crossroad Bible Study

Here we read about the call of Abraham and the beginning of the Abrahamic covenant (that is more officially made in Genesis 17).  As followers of Christ, we are also part of this covenant.  We are children of Abraham.  We are told this many times in the New Testament.  Romans 4:16 is one of the best verses for this.  It says:

“Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring – not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham.  He is the father of us all.”

Since Abraham is our father, through our ingrafting into the Vine of Christ, we can also hold on to the promises that God has given to Abraham.  And what a wealth of promises we are given!  God promises to . . .

1. Make you into a great nation

2. Bless you

3. Make you a blessing to others

4. Make your name great

5. Bless those who bless you

6. Curse those who curse you

7. Bless everyone because of you

Often, in our individualistic mindset, we think that it means that God is talking about only me.  But I think that we can think of the “you” as the church – all of God’s followers.  He has the promises to all of us – communally – and He has each of us part of that plan of blessing.  In other words, when He promises to “make your name great”, it doesn’t mean that He will make each of our individual names famous across the world.  Most people aren’t going to know who Hannah Venable is (unless, I become some amazing philosophy professor ).  But, instead, He is going to make His church great and use it to bless the world.

But, for us as individuals, we can claim these promises when we follow the call of God.  That is exciting to me!  I desire to be a blessing to others.  I desire to get blessed!  I desire to use my gifts that will in some way bless the world.  And we don’t have to do it perfectly, as we see later on, Abraham decides to lie and yet God still blesses him.  (See John Catmur’s post, “Lies, doubt and power” for good thoughts on this).

Praise God for His great promises.

“Father Abraham had many sons; many sons had father Abraham.  I am one of them and so are you.  So, Let’s all praise the Lord.”  Do you know the song?