Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

"I WILL!"

This entry was posted on 02-03-2010 and is filed under STUDIES IN GENESIS.

On August 1, 1967, Evelyn and I said "I do" and "I will" in our wedding vows at the Hamburg Church of Christ, Hamburg, Iowa. We said them, meaning every word, in the presence of Almighty God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the hosts of heaven (angels), and the assembled church. We have done our best to keep them, lo these 40-some years.

Almighty God said "I will" to Abraham five times in Genesis 12. These were solemn vows and promises He made and that intended to keep. Let's look at them today.

First, he told Abraham to go "to a land I will show you" (v. 1). Abraham did not know where this land was, but God did. It was the land of Canaan, later known as Israel. God kept His promise.

Second, "I will make you a great nation" (v. 2a). Abraham would not be a nation builder but God would. From one man he developed the mightiest nation on earth. Not the largest nation but a nation that had the blessing of God. No other nation had this (see Deut. 4:6-8).

Third, "I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing" (v. 2b). Did this happen? Of course it did. This is the sovereign God making these promises. I will bless you. I will make your name great. I will see to it that you will be a blessing to others. Sometimes we sing, "Let Him have His way with thee." Well, don't you think it is time to let God perform some "I wills" in your life? Don't try to make a name for yourself. Let God do it. Be a channel of blessing to others today knowing that it is God who is blessing others through your life of consecrated service to Him.

Fourth, "I will bless those who bless you" (v. 3a). And God did. He showed His favor and showered His blessings on those individuals (even kings) and nations who blessed Abraham. He will do the same today for He does not change. In fact, God told Abraham "And in you all the families [nations] of the earth shall be blessed" (v. 3c).

Fifth, "And I will curse him who curses you" (v. 3b). Just ask the enemies of Abraham and the nation of Israel if this did not come true! Ask Haman and Hitler and every anti-Semitic dictator who has tried to wipe Israel from the face of the earth. Israel is called the apple of God's eye. Those who stick their dirty fingers into the eye of God have and will experience His mighty wrath. I would not want to have the curse of God on my life, would you?

Prayer: Holy Father, how we thank and praise You for the five "I will" promises that You made (and kept) to Your servant Abraham. May we trust You to be faithful to all Your promises to us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.