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 (Genesis 12:3).
God brings Abraham into relationship with himself, promising descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, a land of their own to dwell in, and that through Abraham, “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:1–9). Although God is vague about how he will be made into a nation, Abraham believes (Genesis 15:6).
Throughout generations, God continues to make and fulfill promises to Abraham’s family. His son, Isaac, and his grandson, Jacob are familiar with God’s promise to Abraham, but they don’t automatically inherit it. They receive it directly when they encounter God personally (Genesis 26:1-5, Genesis 28:10-17).
Through a series of events recorded in the book of Exodus, Israel becomes enslaved in Egypt. God delivers them through Moses and establishes laws to govern them. They don’t always follow God wholeheartedly, which leaves them wandering in the wilderness just outside the land God promises them.
As Israel begins to possess the land, they fail to fully obey God’s commands and become involved with false religions and idol worship. They waver under the leadership of various kings with no consistency in their faith and suffer the consequences of their disobedience through exile, war, and hardships. Through his prophets, God urges Israel to return to him and promises the Messiah to reign and restore the kingdom (Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 61:1–3). God remains faithful to Israel even when his people do not.
They are proud to be called his and enjoy his blessings, but often forget that they did nothing to earn his blessing. They are blessed because of who God is but have neglected the latter part of his promise that includes the blessing of all the nations: “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 (Genesis 12:3).”
Promises are only as good as the promise maker. God is faithful to fulfill his will, in his way, and in his time. His faithfulness isn’t contingent on his people.
Pray Scripture
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:13).
Faithful God, you are true to your word and can be trusted to keep your promises. You are faithfulness because it is who you are. Your faithfulness isn’t contingent on ours.
