The Jesse Tree: Day 4
THE PROMISE
Abraham was living peacefully at home amongst his family, in a land he’d always known, with a clear vision of his future. He understood what his ladder to climb was, his path to walk, and his life to live. He knew his future, and was eager for it. Abraham was set.
And then came the unexpected. God spoke to Abraham, wrinkling his hopes, dissolving his plans, calling him to something much less secure. Much less mapped out.
And then came the unexpected. God spoke to Abraham, wrinkling his hopes, dissolving his plans, calling him to something much less secure. Much less mapped out.
“Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.”
Genesis 12:1
Genesis 12:1
Leave everything, and go to the place I’ll show you. Not the most satisfying instructions, but they came with a promise. If Abraham followed God and left kin and comfort behind, God would turn his descendants into a powerful nation. Somehow, God would make all the world better through him, and stories would be told of his heroism for thousands of years. His name would be great. But only if he left.
So he did.
The years after were filled with journeys through foreign lands, dealings with the kings of Canaan and the Pharaoh of Egypt. Skirmishes and battles and flourishing flocks, and also a few sore mistakes made in high pressure situations. Not everything was perfect, and he wasn’t always a great hero. But he and his wife, Sarah, flourished in so many ways, except one.
Their lives had passed them by and were filled with great memories, but they never did have any children. This reality was embittering and souring; it was like a wound that should’ve healed, but instead it festered. God had made him a promise: if he left, a great and powerful nation would be made from his family. But how could this be without any children? Why would God make such a promise and then not come through?
Abraham voiced these frustrations to God.
So he did.
The years after were filled with journeys through foreign lands, dealings with the kings of Canaan and the Pharaoh of Egypt. Skirmishes and battles and flourishing flocks, and also a few sore mistakes made in high pressure situations. Not everything was perfect, and he wasn’t always a great hero. But he and his wife, Sarah, flourished in so many ways, except one.
Their lives had passed them by and were filled with great memories, but they never did have any children. This reality was embittering and souring; it was like a wound that should’ve healed, but instead it festered. God had made him a promise: if he left, a great and powerful nation would be made from his family. But how could this be without any children? Why would God make such a promise and then not come through?
Abraham voiced these frustrations to God.
“O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus? Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.”
Genesis 15:2-3
Genesis 15:2-3
In response, God took Abraham on a walk. He led him outside, beneath the night stars. And God said:
“Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your offspring be.”
Genesis 15:5
Genesis 15:5
Abraham believed this promise, just as he had believed God so many years before. And for that belief, that faith, God counted Abraham as righteous. Even after this, Abraham wasn’t always perfect. He still made mistakes, some pretty massive ones. But that was okay, because it wasn’t his perfect behavior that pleased God; it was his faith. It was because when God spoke, Abraham listened, and he believed.
Years later, beneath that same starry sky, the child was born through whom this promise would be fulfilled, Jesus. By faith, we are united to him, a descendant of Abraham, and we become numbered among those descendants who are as countless as the stars.
Years later, beneath that same starry sky, the child was born through whom this promise would be fulfilled, Jesus. By faith, we are united to him, a descendant of Abraham, and we become numbered among those descendants who are as countless as the stars.
Pause to reflect
Do you feel frustrated sometimes because God hasn’t shown up in the ways you’ve wanted him to? Just as Abraham did, bring those frustrations to God. Take a few minutes and pray about them.
As a follower of Christ, in receiving the gospel, you’ve received the blessing that God promised to give to all nations through Abraham. You’re counted among those stars that would number his descendants. Thank God for his goodness in fulfilling this promise even in your own life.
As a follower of Christ, in receiving the gospel, you’ve received the blessing that God promised to give to all nations through Abraham. You’re counted among those stars that would number his descendants. Thank God for his goodness in fulfilling this promise even in your own life.
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