Our Goal is to be in 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
1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
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?
If so, add your initials to this part of the covenant language:
Journal Prompt:
Jesus’ goal for His original disciples (Matt 28:16)
was to make more disciples (Matt 28:19);
I believe that I am one of those disciples.
_______ (your initials)
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
Psalm 23:1-6
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
- He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
- Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
- Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
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.”
The Promise
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.
Pondering Point
Based on Scripture’s testimony that you lack nothing from your Shepherd, where have you mistakenly bought into FOMO, “the fear of missing out?”