I am a child of “the” promise. This verse caused me to pause this morning and ask, “What promise?”
We are children of Abraham, grafted into the family by the blood of Jesus. What God spoke to Abraham belongs to us today. It is our inheritance. It is our blood right obtained by the obedient sacrifice of Jesus.
Let’s read the will this morning as a reminder:
“The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.””
Genesis 12:1-3 NLT
I’m not a lawyer but let me attempt to interpret this legal document.
First, the requirement to receive the promise is to leave behind our old ways and accept Jesus as our Savior. Our only requirement is to believe and confess Jesus (Romans 10:9). Remember, this is a promise of faith. Father Abraham believed and it was counted toward him as righteousness. Similarly, we believe and are made righteous.
Second, we are a chosen tribe (I Peter 2:9). Now this nation spoken of does not have a physical locale. It is not America or Canada but it is the Kingdom of God. Members of this nation live around the world. Our King is flawless. Our King walks among us empowering us to live godly lives. Our King’s scepter is always extended towards us. Because we are citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are not swayed to and fro by the shenanigans of worldly kingdoms.
Third, we are blessed. What does it means to be blessed? We are loved, accepted, forgiven, prosperous, strong, joyful, peaceful, wise. And just as we are freely given all things (Romans 8:32), we freely give away all things. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are generous as our King is generous.
We are protected (Psalm 91). We are hidden in Christ. Protected from the fowler’s snare. No weapon formed against God’s people shall prosper because we are safe in His arms. We trust, all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Finally, because we are a royal nation, because we are blessed, because we are protected, we go into a dark world bringing light. The church blesses the earth. We do not sit in judgment. We go into the world giving away everything we have so freely received. All the families of the earth – Muslim families, Hindu families, Pre-Christian families, rich families, poor families, homeless families – will be blessed by the citizens of this Kingdom.
This is our promise! This is our inheritance! Boys and Girls, you are a child of a majestic, wonderful, awesome promise. Act like it.
