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Today's Little Lift

    by Jim Bullington

Abraham's Seed (Galatians 3:29)
Date Posted: November 2, 2021

Are you Abraham's seed (one of Abraham's seed)? Before answering the question, just know that the word seed in the Scriptures frequently refers to descendents (much as we would use the word offspring). After reading today's message you may revise you answer to the previous question. You are also likely to have a greater appreciation for just what it means to be Abraham's seed.

God said to Abraham, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12.2-3). In this promise, God held out the hope for special blessings to those who descended from Abraham. However, we will find that His promise encompassed far more what one might originally think.

To be anything connected with Abraham had the significance of greatness in the Scriptures. For instance, Jesus told a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. You may recall that after the death of Lazarus (not the dear friend of Jesus, but the beggar), the record states that Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom (Luke 16.22). Abraham's bosom simply has the significance of great blessings. During the ministry of John, forerunner of Jesus, he warned his hearers, “Do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” (Matthew 3.9). In this text, it is obvious that some erroneously placed great stock in the fact that they were one of Abraham's seed.

Another event clearly shows the futility of placing one's trust in being a literal descendent of Abraham. A chief tax collector by the name of Zacchaeus was apparently known for the way he mistreated his fellow countrymen in Palestine. His underhanded tactics had doubtlessly contributed to the fact that he was a man of great wealth. However, when Zacchaeus knew of Jesus' coming, he made a special effort to see him. After having met the Savior, Zacchaeus said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19.8). This was a case of genuine repentance. Having heard his words of penitence, Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19.9-10). Zacchaeus was a son of Abraham as far as his bloodline went, but he was lost due to his wayward and selfish lifestyle. Note the fact that Jesus said that salvation had come to this house today, as well as the fact that He said his mission was to seek and to save the lost. Zacchaeus, though a son of Abraham, was lost until this fateful moment.

Paul penned a great truth when he declared, “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel.” (Romans 9.6). It is reflective of the truth that Jesus revealed when He dealt with Zacchaeus. Paul expanded this great truth in the letter to the churches of Galatia. Our study will conclude with a quotation from this great book. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3.26-29).

Are you Abraham's seed? This question is not the same as asking if you are of Jewish descent. Paul stated that all who are Christ's are Abraham's seed. If you are a believer, you are “Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise!”

Questions:

1. What promise did God make to Abraham in Genesis 12 regarding his descendents?

2. How had the Jew in Matthew 3 abused the promises concerning Abraham's descendents?

3. How can it be that “not all Israel is of Israel”?

4. What does it mean to he an heir to the promises regarding Abraham and his descendents?

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Biography Information:
Jim Bullington - A Christian writer whose insight into the scriptures is reflected in practical application lessons in every article. The reader will find that the Bible speaks directly to him/her through these articles. God is always exalted and His word is treated with the utmost respect in this column.