“Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Then the Lord told him, ‘I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.’” – Genesis 15:5-7
God invites Abram out of his tent to look up. God invites Abram to consider that all things are possible. God makes a lifelong promise to Abram and Sarai. God invites them to participate.
Come out from the tent. Look up. Step into participation.
God’s promise included, “All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:3
Jesus brought a blessing. We are now blessed to be a blessing.
“Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” – Galatians 3:14
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” – Galatians 3:26-29
Here’s the prayer of someone who understood the principle of, “blessed to be a blessing”.
“’Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do and keep me from all trouble and pain!’ And God granted him his request.” – 1 Chronicles 4:10
Notice the prayer for expansion of the area of influence.
The early Christians prayed that to Good News of Jesus would reach many people, with effective speed.
“Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes,” – 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Jesus directed His followers to go and share this message of Good News, urging people to take next steps.
“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
What are we learning?
1. Through the Good News of Jesus, we are blessed to be a blessing.
2. God’s promise includes an invitation to participation.
3. We are called to help people take next steps in following Jesus.
What should we do?
1. Pray for a list of people who need to hear God’s invitation.
2. Ask God what you should do.
3. Prepare to share the Good News of Jesus.
4. Prepare to share your story.
5. Accept the invitation to participation in God’s purpose for our church.
City Harbor Church…helping people take next steps in following Jesus.