Friday, October 10, 2014

The Gospel Announced in Genesis

This is a promise God made to Abram (Abraham). God chose Abraham and his family (which later became known as Israel) through which God brings the beautiful blessing of salvation to all mankind. Jesus Christ the Messiah descended from Abraham's line. "And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up His Servant (Jesus), He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways." (Acts 3:25-26)

God includes the Gentiles when He promises Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." This is a spiritual blessing. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile,...for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:28-29) We Christians are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26) and this makes us spiritual descendants of Abraham and co-heirs of the promised blessings. "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the Gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.' So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." (Galatians 3:7-9)

God will bless those who bless us and curse those who curse us. Enemies of God's children had better watch out. We don't have to worry or seek revenge when others treat us unjustly or with contempt. God is a loving, caring, and protective Father. He's got our back! We are very dear to His heart. Our part is to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, that we may be children of our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:44-45a) "His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him (Haman), 'Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him--you will surely come to ruin!" (Esther 6:13b) The lesson here is: Don't mess with God's people/children :)!



4 comments:

Tara Ulrich said...

"Blessed to be a blessing!"

Mary B said...

Excellent food for thought. Thank you!

Heather said...

great reminder.

Barbara said...

So blessed by the gospel truths that you have shared here.
May the LORD astound you with answered prayer today!

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