Genesis 12:1-4a (NRSV)
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Chapter 12Now 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. Verse 2I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. Verse 3I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Verse 4So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Devotion
I have been blessed. Haven't we all said that? Certainly Abraham and Sarah would say, "God has blessed us beyond our dreams."
There is more. God promises, "I will bless you ... so that you will be a blessing." In fact, through you "all the families of the earth will be blessed." The blessing of God is to be shared. Jesus pushes us even further: "Bless and pray for those who curse you" (Luke 6:28).
The typical closing words of many contemporary politicians' speeches are "God bless America." If we put that spin on the blessing given to Abraham and Sarah, then we would say, "God bless America so we can be a blessing to the whole earth and its inhabitants."
Remember that this blessing is given to us every Sunday when the pastor raises her hands in blessing: "The Lord bless you..." When these words were given to Moses, God added this promise: "So the (pastors) and priests shall put my name on the people, and I will bless them." Hold fast to that promise given to you every Sunday.
Prayer
O fount of every blessing, we thank you for your blessed presence in our lives. Through me, bless those whom I meet today. Amen.