“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”

— Genesis 12:2

It would be an understatement to say that Genesis 12:1-3 is a pivotal passage in Scripture. Many of the key events in God’s calling and saving his people flow from this passage. Before sending Abraham out on his world-saving mission, God loads him up with an armful of promises. God says, in effect, “I will give you my presence, my guidance, my pro­tection, and my favor.”

It’s easy to focus on everything Abraham is leaving behind as he follows God’s call. But we have to remember what Abra­ham receives as he follows. God promises that Abraham will inherit a great land and become the father of a great nation, and that all peoples will be blessed through him. Later God made this even clearer by sending his Son, Jesus, born as a descendant of Abraham, to be the promised Savior of the world. Abraham didn’t fully understand all the implications of God’s promises. He didn’t have to. God just called him to walk forward with confidence, trusting in his word.

In many ways, it’s no different for us today. Though we have a fuller revelation of God’s plan than Abraham did, we do not see all its glorious details. This means that faith is still required if we want to see God’s great blessings, and to be God’s great blessing to others.

Lord, thank you for your promises. We don’t know all that’s ahead of us, but we do know the One who is leading us. Help us to trust in you fully. Amen.