Scripture to Read: Genesis 12:7
Yesterday, we saw the response of Abram to God’s call for him to leave his country and to go to a land the LORD would show him. Not knowing where he was going, by faith Abram set out with his family and possessions. Today, we see God fulfill His word as He shows Abram the land. Notice what land the LORD gives and who He promises it to. The land the LORD is promising to give is a land that “At that time the Canaanites were in the land” (v. 6). The people the LORD promised to give the land to were the offspring of Abram, “To your offspring I will give this land.” (v. 7). To be promised a land that is currently inhabited by another and for it to be promised to children who have yet to be birthed seems to leave Abram in a bleak condition. However, we cannot miss the fact of how Abram is given these promises. Verse 7 informs us, “Then the LORD appeared to Abram”. The LORD did not give him these promises from afar and impersonally. No, the LORD came and appeared to Abram. As God makes this promise to Abram of a land, we read “So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him” (v. 7). This passage emphasizes the appearance of the LORD to Abram as He makes His promise to him. For us, we see the appearance of God as the Father sent the Son to live among man, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again from the dead. As for those who have responded like Abram to worship the LORD, we have the Spirit who gives us strength to believe and rest in the promises of God that we find in Scripture.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how the LORD fulfills His Word?
2. What are promises of God you can hold onto in Scripture as you face bleak conditions in this life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!