Day 94 · Year 1 · The Story of Scripture
God starts a rescue with one family
The whole Bible answers the promise God makes here.
Today's passage
Genesis 12:1-3
1Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.
2I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
3I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
Berean Standard Bible · public domain
Reflection
After the fall, God could have walked away. Instead he picks one man, gives him a promise too big to be earned, and starts a rescue that will eventually include every nation. Abraham is told to leave what is familiar with almost nothing pinned down — no map, just a Voice. Every faithful life since has had to do something like this: trust that God's promise is more solid than the things you can see. You may be in a season of stepping out without knowing exactly where. That is not failure of planning; it can be the very shape of following him.
From the great tradition · paraphrased
John Calvin · Reformers · 16th c. · Geneva
John Calvin loved this passage because it shows that faith is not finally about us choosing God but God choosing to bless the world through ordinary people who simply believe his promise.
Paraphrase only. Scripture, not any teacher, is the authority.
Think it through
- What does God ask Abraham to leave, and what does he promise in return?
- How does this single call set up the rest of the Bible?
- What 'familiar country' is God asking you to leave today?
A prayer to pray
Ask God for the courage to take the next step of obedience even when you cannot see where it leads.