A Blessing To All the Earth

Text: Genesis 12:1-3

Thesis: Jesus Came to be a Blessing to the Whole Earth

Application: Know that Jesus is a blessing to you and your neighbor.

Advent Reading

Genesis 12:1-3

English Standard Version Chapter 12

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 families of the earth shall be blessed.”

God’s Promise to Abraham

God Chose Abraham and Made Him a Promise

Abraham did not earn God’s favor; God’s choosing of Abraham is born purely out of God’s mercy and overarching plan of redemption.

God’s promise comes with a call to action: Abraham is called to do something in response to the promise God made.

God’s promises will stand. Even when human beings fail to keep their end of the deal, God is faithful and works to bring His promises to completion.

God’s promises are built on top of one another. God’s promise to Abraham is a developing fulfillment to the promise He made to Eve.

So What is the Promise?

God’s promise to Abraham is a three-part promise:

God promises to make Abraham into a great nation.

God promises to bless Abraham and make his name great.

God promises to make Abraham to be a blessing to the whole earth.

God’s Promise Fulfilled Through Israel

God Kept His Promise to Abraham

God gave Abraham a son who was named Isaac.

Isaac was the father of Jacob, who would be given the name Israel.

Israel was the father of twelve sons who would become the tribes of Israel.

The nation of Israel grew into a mighty nation and spread throughout the earth.

Israel Became Mighty…

Throughout the centuries, Israel grew in power and wealth.

The height of their power, wealth, and influence was seen under the rule of King Solomon.

Throughout their history, the number of Israelites is a threat to their enemies (Egypt!).

…But They Were Not Always a Blessing to Others

Abraham failed to bless others, and instead brought curses upon them.

The Israelites fail to enact justice.

The Israelites descend into all kinds of internal conflict, eventually climaxing in a civil war.

The Israelites forgot that their purpose was to be a blessing to the whole earth.

God’s Promise Fulfilled Through Jesus

Jesus was Born to be the Ultimate Fulfillment of God’s Promise to Abraham

Jesus’ heritage as an Israelite is necessary in order to fulfill the promises God had made.

Jesus accomplishes Israel’s purpose to be a blessing to the whole earth through:

Defeating Sin and Death, ransoming sinners back to God

Establishing the Kingdom of God (which is the true Israel, the children of promise - Romans 9:8)

Bringing peace to all the earth through His mercy and reign

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Revelation 5:9-10

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, 

for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God 

from every tribe and language and people and nation, 

and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, 

and they shall reign on the earth.

Outro

Landing Point - Luke 2:8-14

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Christ has come for you, so receive Him! Know that you are loved and that Jesus has come to bring peace to the whole earth.

And remember that just as Christ has come to bring you peace, He has also come to bring your neighbor, your co-worker, your enemy peace. So live out your role as a priest who is a part of Christ’s Kingdom of priests called to share God’s love with the entire world around us.