It Starts Small

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Scripture Reading:

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⁷ You know, then, that those who have faith, these are Abraham’s sons.

Galatians 3:7

The Geneologies of Jesus listed in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 showcase towering biblical figures. These figures paint a vibrant portrait that resonates through the ages. This family tree includes revered kings like David, Solomon, and Josiah. It also features extraordinary pillars of faith like Noah and Boaz. This family tree bursts with the vitality of divine legacy. Yet, overshadowing them all, no name shines more significant than that of Abraham. His unwavering faith ignited a covenant that changed humanity forever.

Abraham is called the father of faith, patriarch of the people of Israel, the friend of God…

It all began in Genesis 12. This pivotal moment occurred when God called upon a man named Abram. Abram was a remarkable descendant of Noah through Shem. God urged him to leave his homeland and embark on a journey to a divinely chosen land (Genesis 12:1). With this life-altering command came an extraordinary promise: “I will make you a great nation… all families will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). At the vibrant age of 75, Abraham embraced the call of the Lord with an open heart. What captivates us in this incredible narrative is that, at this juncture, Abram and Sari were childless. How could God possibly forge a great nation from two elderly individuals without offspring? Abram pondered this same bewildering question!

So, God revealed His plan.

⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.”

Genesis 15:5

Despite the seemingly impossible situation, Abram believed and God counted Him righteous because of his faith (James 2:23). And guess what? A few many years later, Sari gave birth to Isaac. Isaac was the son of promise. Isaac went on to become the clearest picture of God’s plan. God instructed Abraham to take Isaac up the mountain and sacrifice him (Gen 22). Without hesitation, Abraham took his only son, a promised son up the mountain.

This is where we see the true nature of faith: it does not demand explanations but instead rests on promises. Abraham knew God could not contradict Himself. Abraham trusted God had a plan. Abraham knew God would provide a lamb to sacrifice. Just as Abraham was going to strike a blow to his son, an angel cried out… look, a ram to sacrifice.

Do you see a clear picture of God’s plan?

Except His plan would be through His Son Jesus, the Lamb of God who would bear the sins of the world. It is believed that Isaac was between 18-30 years old. He was old enough to know what was going on and to carry his own wood for his own sacrifice. Isaac remained silent as his father tied him to the alter. He did not protest. He was willingly going to give himself up…just like Jesus!

In the end, the Lord stayed Abraham’s hand and provided another sacrifice. He kept His promise and gave us a glimpse of what was to come.

³² He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything?

Romans 8:32

God would later reaffirm His magnificent promise of redemption through the seed of Abraham to Isaac’s son Jacob (Genesis 27-28). He also made this promise to Jacob’s son Judah (Genesis 49:8-10). The legacy of the patriarchs is not merely instrumental to the Christmas story; it is the very heartbeat of it! They are the catalysts through which the promise of the Messiah took glorious shape. They also embody unwavering faith and true righteousness. Their lives provide some powerful and inspiring examples of God’s faithfulness. These examples ignite our hearts with hope and devotion.

Today, despite the storms you might be weathering, take refuge in the unwavering faithfulness of God. No matter what whirlwind this season has thrown your way, rely on His faithfulness! As a united family, let us cling to His promises and the profound truths found in His Word. Let us find our rest in Him, confidently assured that He will never abandon or forsake us!

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