Part 1 of 12 / The Calling Of A Nation: Israel's Origin In God's Covenant

Genesis 12:2-3 says, "I (God) will make you (Abraham) into a great nation (Israel), and I will bless you, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Israel's Beginning Is God's Calling

The story of Israel does not start with Moses, Kings, or even modern headlines. No, it begins with a DIVINE CALL to an individual man named Abram, later known as Abraham. Long before Israel had its borders, armies, or even a Temple, God chose to select one man through whom He would build a people, shape its history, and one day bless all future nations.

Genesis 12:1-3 is not just a beginning for a nation; it is the beginning of its foundational covenant that frames Israel's identity, mission, and eternal significance in God's plan. To understand Israel's role in Biblical history and future prophetic alignment, we must grasp the original promise of God to Abram.

Who Was Abram?

Abraham lived around 2000 BC (Before Christ) in the land of Ur of the Chaldeans. The Chaldeans were a thriving and idolatrous city in ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). Abram came from a culture steeped in pagan worship, where multiple gods were worshiped and revered as divine truth and outside information was obscured.

Yet, God chose Abram, not based on any merit, but by God's sovereign grace.

"The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran." - (Acts 7:2)

The Lord did not merely ask Abram to change only his religion; He told him to leave EVERYTHING familiar to himself. What were these?

a.) His Homeland (National Identity)

b.) His People (Social Identity)

c.) His Father's House (Family Inheritance)

For Abram to do this was out of radical obedience which marked the beginning of a covenant journey that would shape not only his identity, but the destiny and identity of future nations.

"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.'" - Genesis 12:1

The Abrahamic Covenant: Seven Divine Promises

1.) I Will make You Into A Great Nation

"For I am with you and will save you," declares the Lord. "Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you." - Jeremiah 30:11

This promise refers to Israel, Abraham's physical descendants through Isaac and Jacob.

Despite their trials and exile, Israel endures because of this divine decree.

2.) I Will Bless You

"Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold." - Genesis 13:2

God enriched Abraham materially and spiritually. his life overflowed with favor, peace, and covenantal relationship.

3.) I Will Make Your Name Great

"He believed the Lord, and it was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God's friend." - Genesis 15:6 & James 2:23

Today, Abraham is revered by billions; Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Yet Biblically, his 'gentleness' comes from being the Father of Faith.

4.) You Will Be A Blessing

"From the one man He made all the nations . . . and He marked out their appointed times in history." - Acts 17:26

God's intention was never just to bless Abraham, but to make him a channel of blessing. This reflects the principle of stewardship and purpose in the Kingdom of God.

5.) I Will Bless Those Who Bless You

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.'" - Psalm 122:6

This conditional promise applies to individuals and nations. Honoring Israel aligns one with God's redemptive plan for His people and the nation of Israel.

6.) Whoever Curses You I Will Curse

"I will be an enemy to your enemies and oppose those who oppose you." - Exodus 23:22

History testifies that opposition of God's covenant people results in judgement. Egypt, Babylon, Rome, and even modern regimes today have risen and then fallen quickly in accordance with this warning from God.

7.) All Peoples on Earth Will Be Blessed Through You

"The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . . . meaning one person, who is Christ. Scripture, foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.'" - Galatians 3:16 & Galatians 3:8

The Covenant Sealed: Genesis 15

In Genesis 15, God confirms His covenant in a dramatic way. Abram prepares a covenant sacrifice - cut animals laid out, as was the custom of ancient covenants. Normally, both parties would walk between the pieces, symbolizing mutual obligation. But in this covenant, only God passes through.

Abram was asleep. This was when God took full responsibility for fulfilling the covenant. It is a covenant that is unconditional and eternal in nature.

"A smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces." - Genesis 15:17

"He remembers His covenant forever, the promise He made for a thousand generations." - Psalm 105:8

The New Testament Connection: Abraham's Faith & Christ's Fulfillment

The Apostle Paul calls Abraham the "father of all who believe" (Romans 4:11). Before the Law of circumcision, Abraham was made righteous by faith. Abraham's story isn't just about Israel; its about how God saves all people, Jew and Gentile, by grace through faith.

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise . . . but through the righteousness that comes by faith." - Romans 4:13

Jesus: The Promised Seed

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic blessing, yet God's promises to the physical descendants, Israel, remain intact.

"And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed." - Genesis 22:18

"Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made . . . who is Christ." - Galatians 3:16

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." - Romans 11:29

Prophetic Implications: Israel In The Last Days

The Abrahamic Covenant still shapes our modern world events today, how?

a.) The Rebirth Of Israel In 1948 / Not a coincidence, but a Prophetic Fulfillment.

b.) The Regathering Of Jews From Around The World / Part of God's Prophetic Plan.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from ` the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' And to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring My sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made."

- Isaiah 43:5-7

c.) The Coming Messianic Kingdom / Jesus Reigns From Jerusalem For 1,000 Years

"I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted." - Amos 9:15

Key Points To Remember

• God called Israel into being through one man, Abraham

• The Abrahamic Covenant is the foundation for all redemptive history.

• Christ is the fulfillment of the blessing, but Israel remains central to God's prophetic plan.

• Those who bless Israel align themselves with God's purposes.

• Faith, not law, has always been the key to entering God's promises.

Reflection Questions

• Do I understand how central Israel is to God's eternal purposes?

• Am I walking in faith like Abraham, even when the future is unclear?

• How can I be a channel of blessing to others, like Abraham was?

• Do I honor and support God's covenant people in prayer and action?

Closing Prayer

Our God in Heaven, the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Thank You for Your Covenant faithfulness in Abraham and the land of Israel. Thank You for calling Abraham who was a mere man living in idolatry and a heathen, out of complete sin and darkness, in order to form a people and nation to fulfill a promise you gave him. Help us walk in and by faith as Abraham did. Help us honor Your eternal purposes for Israel and for the nations. Through Christ, the promised Seed, we receive the blessing of Your grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.

SNEAK PEEK / Week 2

In Week 2, we will continue our journey with Abraham's descendants into Egypt, witness their oppression, and watch God transform a family into a nation.

Don't miss next week!

Until We Meet Again ~ Maranatha ~ Come Lord Jesus!