Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3
Gracious and sovereign Father, remembering your big story of redemption is not only a great joy but a critical discipline. For so many different narratives compete for our hearts, days, energy and resources. Remind us today of the main storyline which unfolds in the Bible, connects all of history and reveals your generous heart. And help us, once again, to find our place in this story.
We praise you for making incredible promises to a non-suspecting pagan, Abram—promises you alone can keep. Indeed, from beginning to end, your story is a story of sovereign grace.
Father, thank you for the promise of the land. It began in the Garden of Eden, continued in the land of Israel and will culminate in the new heaven and new earth. Place and space matter to you. You have promised to redeem and restore your entire fallen world, not just one part of it. We praise you for your inviolate plans and great strength.
Thank you for the promise of “the seed.” From the one man Abram, you created a great nation as the birthing canal of the Messiah, Jesus. You promised the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), and you did not lie. Jesus came into the world to destroy the work of the devil and he has succeeded. His cross and resurrection guarantee that just like Abraham, we are counted righteous in your sight by faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom 4. We praise you for the everlasting gospel of your saving grace.
Thank you for the promise of “the blessing.” Father, it has always been your plan to redeem a family from all families on the earth. Indeed, you made Abram, Abraham—the father of many nations. All of history is bound up with your commitment to redeem your people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Rev. 7:9 ESV). We praise you for your magnanimous heart and measureless generosity.
Father, thank you that you have made us to be characters in and carriers of your great story of redemption. So let us live and so let us love. In Jesus’ name we pray, with gratitude and awe.
