“I Will Make You Into A Great Nation”

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 12:1-3

The countrymen of Jesus had a blind spot in their vision for the future. As children of Abraham, they were primarily concerned about the future of the Jewish people. They couldn’t understand Jesus’s concern for Samaritans, Roman soldiers, or anyone else who didn’t share their family roots, rabbis, or temple worship.

Our God chose a desert nomad by the name of Abram to bring blessing to all the people of the world. Jesus knows and loves everyone we don’t yet know or love. Together we live by the grace and mercy of One who can help us see one another, our cities, and His kingdom – as He does.

Everyone everywhere is more like us than less like us.

Our Daily Bread – November 3, 2018