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 peoples of the earth shall be blessed (ESV).
Most people don't run to the book of Genesis when searching the Bible for instructions about missions or examples of God's heart for all people. However, Genesis 12 is the foundation from which all other passages flow.
This passage, known as the Abrahamic Covenant, is a pivotal moment in history. More than 300 years had passed since the last recorded time God had spoken to mankind, which was during the flood. The prolonged silence may have led people to wonder what God would say next. The anticipation was palpable, and the message that followed was of utmost importance.
The first three verses in Genesis 12 contain several promises from God to Abraham.
Verse 2
God promised to make Abraham a great nation.
God promised to bless Abraham.
God promised to make Abraham's name great.
Verse 3
God promises to bless those who bless Abraham.
God promises to curse those who curse Abraham.
The last phrase in verse 3 is the key phrase that shows God's heart for the nations. It is this phrase that is the foundation of missions. God tells Abraham that all peoples of the earth will be blessed through him. The rest of the Old Testament is the outworking of this promise.
God's plan was to use Abraham to bless all tribes, clans, and nations. God's plan of blessing was not limited to one person, one family, or even one nation. From the very beginning, God planned to be a blessing and do good to all people.
Looking back to this covenant in Genesis, Paul, in Galatians 3:8, reminded his readers about this good news. "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed'” (ESV).
Through Abraham's line would come a savior for all people - Jews and Gentiles.
In fact, Revelation 7:9 reminds us that through Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, people from every nation, tribe, and tongue would be redeemed. It is those people from every nation who stand before God's throne in the next verse, saying with a loud voice, "Salvation comes from our God. (NLT)"
Here's the point. In Genesis 12:1- 3, we see a series of promises to Abraham that culminate in all peoples being blessed. That blessing would come in the form of a Savior. From early on in the book of Genesis, God demonstrated his love for all people. Why did God raise Abraham up? Why did God bless Abraham? What did God want to do through Abraham?
God wanted to provide a way for all people to know him, love him, and worship him. His plan was to provide all nations with a savior through the line of Abraham. Even in Genesis, we can clearly see God's heart for all people.
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