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December 3

The Child Who Will Change the World

Text: Genesis 22:18

Children. The Bible says they are a blessing from the Lord. And though this is true, in principle, I find it interesting that many women in the Bible were barren. Were these women barren so as to magnify the power of God? It sure seems so. Hannah couldn’t conceive but then Samuel came along. Elizabeth couldn’t conceive and then John the Baptist came along. Sarah couldn’t conceive and then Isaac came along. All of these women bore great men. Men who played a significant role in God’s story.

And yet the birth of Isaac meant something more, something greater, something historic. There was a prophecy attached to his birth. A promise. A foreshadowing. This child to come, a future relative, will bless the world.

“And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” (Genesis 22:18)

I am pretty sure Abraham and Sarah had no idea how their offspring was going to bless the world. It is hard to imagine a litany of descendants when conceiving just one required a divine miracle. And yet God showed the Great Patriarch another brushstroke of His plan. He died with hope for his children. Would God have found a way to bless the world without the obedience of Abraham? Of course he would. But God has decreed to use the mustard seeds of faith from His imagebearers to accomplish His plan and magnify His name. Is there a mustard seed of faith you are holding onto? Throw it and see what God will do.