April 03, 2018

A Bigger Picture

As humans, we naturally think very inwardly.  Even the most humble and serving of us will at times find themselves asking:

“What about me?”

“How does this affect me?”

“Why me?”

It’s even more natural when someone makes a promise to us. We spoke a couple of weeks ago about how many people may break their promises but God will not.  Last week we talked about how the promises of God are perfect but we need to trust in His timing. Another aspect that we need to understand though is this…

God’s promises are always part of a bigger picture.

For Joseph, he didn’t realize what God’s promises would entail. All he understood was that one day he’d be in a position of power that caused his family to bow to him.  But the bigger picture of God’s promise was to save a nation. This wasn’t the first time that God’s promise to an individual was meant for something bigger than that one person.

Go back a bit to the story of Abraham when he was told to sacrifice his son in Genesis 22. After God provides the proper sacrifice for Abraham, He gives Abraham a very specific promise.

I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Genesis 22:17-18

Now to Abraham this promise is very special. God is promising him that his bloodline would be strong and go on for generations. He would have warriors and people who took care of others in his family. As a man this is exciting to hear, a sense of pride would rise up in his heart. 

But this promise was bigger than Abraham’s ego. It was more than just rewarding him for listening. This promise came with a purpose. Look at verse 18 again

“and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed...”

How are all the nations of the earth blessed through his offspring? Through Jesus. God’s big picture was the save the world. His promise to Abraham had a very specific purpose, salvation.

Challenge Of The Week

Take some time this week to take stock of the promises God has given you. Knowing now that His promises have a bigger picture, how does that change your outlook on those promises? Take a look at the promises He’s already fulfilled. What bigger picture did those promises have?

Pull out your journal this week and write these things down.

English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.