Read | Genesis 17:1–8
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless. I will set up my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.”
Then Abram fell facedown and God spoke with him: “As for me, here is my covenant with you: You will become the father of many nations. Your name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you. I will confirm my covenant that is between me and you and your future offspring throughout their generations. It is a permanent covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you. And to you and your future offspring I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as a permanent possession, and I will be their God.”
Click here to listen to the Scripture in ESV.
God makes a covenant, a solemn and binding promise which establishes a relationship between Abraham and himself. This unilateral promise to bless Abraham and multiply his descendants will be fulfilled in the ultimate descendant who will bless all nations, Jesus Christ. As you read the passage this morning, underline or note every “I” referring to God. How does this activity highlight the centrality of God’s initiative and action to fulfill his promise?
As we prepare for Easter Sunday, what promises from this Old Testament passage do you see fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ?
Focus
As you study Genesis 17 and God’s covenant with Abraham, read the blog “The Bible is Messianic Literature,” written by Brookside Campus Pastor Bill Gorman.
What does it mean to say that the Bible is “messianic literature”? It essentially means the same thing as saying that the Chronicles of Narnia are “Aslan” literature. Aslan does not appear as a character in every single scene or even in every single chapter of the Narnia stories, but every scene and every chapter ultimately revolves around him. If you remove him from the story, then the whole thing collapses... READ MORE>
As you read, ask these questions as you reflect on the passage today:
How does this point toward the Messiah?
What part of God’s character or mission came into sharper focus?
Pray
Spend a few minutes reflecting on how God is a promise-keeping God. Thank him for the specific ways he has kept his promises to you in and through the person of Christ.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.