Through the month of Advent we are meditating on how Jesus’ coming showed us the truthfulness of God (Romans 15:8) by confirming huge promises that He had made. Last Sunday we saw how Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to Adam to break the curse that has hung over us ever since sin entered into the hearts of the human race in the garden. And through his life of perfect obedience and his atoning death on the cross, the curse has been lifted for all who receive Him by faith.
But there’s more. God had not only promised to rescue us out from under the curse, but to bless us richly. He made this promise to Abraham.
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1–3)
The global curse will be replaced with global blessing. That’s what makes the message of Christmas good news of great joy for all peoples.
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
This Sunday, Junior Jamreonvit will be preaching from Genesis 12:1-3 and Galatians 3:7-9 and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read and reflect on these passages and pray for each as they prepare?
And let’s be praying for the part God has given us to play in bringing his blessing to all the families of the earth. When Paul talked about “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, the church (Colossians 1:24),” He didn’t mean there was any deficiency in Christ’s atoning work at the cross. He meant all the suffering God’s people will endure as we take up our crosses (like Paul) and follow Jesus to bring His blessing to all the families of the earth. Let’s ask the Lord to make us willing and eager to join Paul in filling up this lack in the specific ways He is calling us.
See you Sunday, Grace. Come, let us adore him!
Song Link of the Week
Sing We the Song of Emmanuel by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
Go spread the news of Emmanuel
Joy and peace for the weary heart
Lift up your heads, for your King has come
Sing for the Light overwhelms the dark
Glory shining for all to see
Hope alive, let the gospel ring
God has made a way, He will have the praise
Tell the world His name is Jesus
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