God’s Mission
One of the biblical covenants entered into occurs between God and Abraham, known as the Abrahamic covenant or covenant of promise. After initiating a relationship with Abram in Genesis 12, God ratifies a covenant with him in chapter 15 and seals with the rite of circumcision in chapter 17.
The covenant relationship then experiences a serious test recorded in chapter 22. More on that later this week. For today we step into Genesis 12.
Genesis 12:1-3
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
The Abrahamic Covenant
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you,” the Lord told Abraham. There is a definite thread running from the line of Abraham through to Jesus – with God’s promise. Ultimately the covenant promise for all peoples on earth would be blessed through Abraham – fulfilled through Jesus. This is why the Apostle Paul talks about believers in Jesus, both Jew and Gentile, being of the faith and tree of Abraham (see Romans 11). Jesus’ disciples are called to help fulfill that covenant of promise by making disciples of all nations into the name and faith of Jesus.
One of our goals at Hope is for people to define themselves as disciples of Jesus. A second goal that follows is for people to see themselves as part of Jesus’ mission team called to make disciples of all nations. Are you willing to call yourself a disciple of Jesus?
Jesus’ goal for His original disciples (Matthew 28:16)
was to make more disciples (Matthew 28:19);
I believe that I am one of those disciples.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I define myself as a disciple of Yours. I agree to be part of Team Jesus and Your mission to the ends of the earth. Show me how to participate in ways that help Your mission locally and globally. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 23:1
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
John 21:16
Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.
Ezekiel 34:15-16
I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Based on Scripture’s testimony that you lack nothing from your Shepherd, where have you mistakenly bought into the notion that you’re missing out?