TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 2:1-21
You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
On this day, believers from all cultural backgrounds join together in celebrating our Savior's birth. Whether there are drums or church bells, rice cakes or Christmas cookies, the focal point is the same for all Christians.

From a tiny manger in Bethlehem to nations around the world, nothing in history compares with the spread of the gospel. Acts 2 records the very beginning of this worldwide explosion. Jews from “every nation under heaven” (v. 5) were gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. This feast day celebrated the first fruits of the harvest (Lev. 23:19-22; Ex. 34:22) and was one the three most important holy days for Jews.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, the small band of disciples began to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the multitude of assembled Jews. The list of nations (vv. 9-11) is similar in some ways to the table of nations listed in Genesis 10, just before the Tower of Babel incident. This shows us that what God had to separate because of human sin, He was now reversing because the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Although some accused the disciples of being drunk, Peter rightly understood that this phenomenal event signaled the last days prophesied by Joel (2:28-32). This outpouring of the Spirit was possible, because, unlike David who died and still lay in his tomb, Jesus now sat enthroned at the right hand of the Father.

Yesterday we read in Jesus' final words while on earth that His disciples would be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This commission is also recorded in Acts 1:8, where the program to be followed is more clearly outlined. The spread of the gospel would begin in Jerusalem, which is what we read about in today's passage. And although the focus here was on the Jews, there are indications that these Jews shared the gospel in their home countries (see 1 Peter 1:1). Also, Peter indicated that the gift of the Spirit was also for “all who are far off” (v. 39), an expression that referred to Gentiles.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's easy for the true meaning of Christmas to be obscured by the gifts and activities of the season. Take some time today to review our study of God's great gift of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ. Truly this is the indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15). Then take some time to pray for individuals in your life who need this gift, asking the Holy Spirit for opportunities and receptivity to share with this person. Finally, if God places a specific nation on your heart, pray that the gospel will go out and be received there.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 8:4-8, 26-40
Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. - Acts 8:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Luka was just an infant his mother died, causing his father to abandon him. He was then given to his grandmother, who didn't want him either and tried to sell him . . . twice. Finally, after eight years of being passed around to various foster families, he ended up at the Good Samaritan Orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At first, Luka was withdrawn and continued to steal and lie. But as time went on, Luka began to realize that God did have a plan for his life, which was found in the Bible.

In the eyes of many, a child such as Luka is a social outcast who would only end up causing trouble. But Luka looks much different in the eyes of God, who cares about everyone, but especially those who are orphaned and cast aside. It's exciting to consider that the spread of the gospel that began at Pentecost in Jerusalem (see yesterday's study) eventually spread to a young boy in Cambodia named Luka.

After the events recorded in Acts 2, the next chapters of Acts show how the gospel began to spread through the Judean region (see Acts 1:. Ironically, the persecution that led to Stephen's death helped to spread the gospel into these outlying areas as followers of Jesus were scattered by the Jewish authorities. This explains why Philip was in Samaria, proclaiming Christ (v. 4).

From Samaria, Philip was led by an angel to the southern area of Gaza, where he met an Ethiopian eunuch, returning from worship in Jerusalem. Although this man held a very important royal post, eunuchs were generally treated as social outcasts. So Philip's encounter with him shows that not only does the gospel transcend cultural barriers, but it also transcends class and social distinctions.

Far from being rejected by God, we see that the Spirit supernaturally brought Philip to the eunuch to explain the Scriptures and to share to good news of Jesus Christ. Once this key mission had been accomplished, the Spirit redirected Philip to other areas that needed to hear about the gospel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Like the Ethiopian eunuch, people still rejoice to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Through the efforts of the Bible Society in Cambodia and the Good Samaritan Orpha-nage, children like Luka are being transformed by God's love. Numerous Bible societies throughout the world are committed to bringing the Bible to millions. If you are interested in learning more about the work of various national Bible societies, you can visit the American Bible Society Web site at www.americanbible.org.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 10:1-11:18
So then, God has even granted the Gentiles repentance unto life. - Acts 11:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Ling came to the United States, she thought she had come to study chemistry. She never suspected that God had other plans, mainly because Ling was sure there was no God. But as she struggled with loneliness and academic pressures, Ling began to wonder if there was more to life. She had never been religious, but lately she began to wonder. On campus, she frequently saw flyers for Bible studies, but she thought the Bible couldn't be for someone from China. One day, she had an overwhelming sense that some force was directing her, although this made no sense to her and she was afraid to talk about it. A few weeks later, another student asked Ling if she was interested in finding out more about Jesus. Inexplicably, Ling sensed that this had to do with her recent feelings and decided to attend a Bible study. By the end of the year, Ling understood that the “force” that had been touching her was actually Jesus Christ.

The lengths to which the Lord goes to reach people staggers our limited imagination, but it's a reminder of how much He loves people. One such individual was a Roman centurion named Cornelius. Although Cornelius feared God and tried to do the right thing, he didn't know about the good news of Jesus Christ. Knowing the desire of Cornelius's heart, however, the Lord supernaturally spoke to him in a dream, directing him to find Peter.

Peter, however, needed a vision from the Lord himself. Despite all that Peter had witnessed, the natural prejudice of Jews against Gentiles was so strong that the Lord had to break through this before Peter could minister to Cornelius. So the Lord used an unusual dream to correct Peter's understanding of what was unclean (in this case, Gentiles). Equipped with God's perspective, Peter was then ready to go to Cornelius.

Notice that Cornelius had assembled his entire family and close friends to hear about the gospel! Both Peter and Cornelius were able to see that truly the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ was for all people.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although the gospel continues to spread, there are many people groups who have yet to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. According to a 2002 article in Mission Frontiers, there are nearly 144 million people in 815 ethnic groups who don't have access to the gospel. There are several ways to respond to such statistics. First, we can learn more about these people groups and pray for specific ones. Second, we can support mission groups targeting the unreached. Third, we can pray about our own involvement in missions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 15:14-22; 11:11-16
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. - Isaiah 49:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
A stanza from the popular hymn, “Tell Me the Old, Old Story,” begins: “Tell me the story slowly, That I may take it in—That wonderful redemption, God's remedy for sin.” This is the story that we've been tracing this month, and today we see that Paul carefully understood his own part in the “old, old story.”

You may have heard the claim that Paul “invented” Christianity, because Jesus never intended to start an organized religion. The problem, of course, is that this is completely untrue. This becomes clear when we see that both Jesus and Paul saw their own missions as fitting perfectly in the larger context of God's redemptive story. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed the disciples how everything in the law and the prophets related to Him (Luke 24:44-45). Similarly, Paul's understanding of his call to the Gentiles was firmly rooted in the Old Testament. Paul didn't “invent” anything—he was simply obedient to God's call and His Word.

Toward the end of his letter to the Romans Paul affirmed his call to be a light to the Gentiles. Crediting God's grace, Paul acknowledged that some of the points that he had made in this letter weren't easy, but he was duty-bound to proclaim the gospel in its entirety to the largely Gentile church in Rome. Using language from the Old Testament, Paul likened his ministry to the Gentiles to offering an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. Citing Isaiah 52:15, Paul affirmed his call to preach the gospel where it hadn't been previously proclaimed. And, in fact, God had enabled Paul to preach the gospel all the way to Illyricum, modern-day Albania.

Despite his clear call to the Gentiles, Paul also understood that the gospel went first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. As he traveled, he first shared the gospel in synagogues. It's also clear that Paul saw his ministry to Gentiles in terms of its impact on the Jews. As we read in Romans 11:14, Paul hoped that his Gentile ministry would make the Jews envious and lead to their salvation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you've seen a child become bored with a toy, only to want it back the moment another child starts to play with it.

Similarly, God prepared a special gift for His people, but they rejected it. So God brought the gospel directly to the Gentiles, to provoke the jealousy of Jews and increase their desire for this gift. We should pray for Jewish people around us to accept the gospel and embrace Jesus as their Messiah.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 15:5-13
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout his short life, Antonio had only known hatred—for his abusive parents, for kids who weren't part of his gang, and for all the Asians and African Americans who lived in his neighborhood. Hatred led him to juvenile detention at age twelve. It seemed that hatred would consume this young man. But then God's love broke into his life. A local Christian outreach sponsored a basketball Bible club. With nothing better to do, Antonio started to attend. Slowly he began to change, and others began to notice. One day, an African-American club member was seriously injured on the basketball court. Antonio was the first to help him, and even held his head until the paramedics could arrive.

One of the greatest testimonies to Christ's transforming power is unity within His body. Only the love of Jesus could enable a kid like Antonio to care for someone he had been taught to hate. Recall from our study on Genesis 3 (see Dec. 2) that the consequence of the Fall was alienation. In Ephesians 2, we see that the effect of Jesus' ministry is reconciliation.

Throughout this section, Paul has two levels of reconciliation in mind. First and foremost, believers are reconciled to God the Father through Jesus the Son. No other reconciliation is truly possible if a person remains estranged from God. But once this level of reconciliation occurs, then we see that Christ also reconciles those who are far (Gentiles) and those who are near (Jews). To be sure, this includes Jewish and non-Jewish believers. But this also indicates any groups who have been separated historically, such as the groups that Antonio formerly hated. Miraculously, God is building His church (v. 21) out of formerly separated peoples who have been brought together in Christ.

We find this same emphasis on unity in Romans 15, where Paul urges believers to accept one another to the glory of God. The series of Old Testament quotations in this section offer a fitting summary of our study this month. Praise is the proper response to God's great mercy in bringing the good news to Gentiles.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The saddest condition of any person is to be “without hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). Any work of reconciliation, whether it's between different ethnic or economic groups, must begin with reconciliation to God.

If you have never experienced this reconciliation with God, don't let this year pass without committing your life to Jesus Christ. If you are one who has been brought near, prayerfully ask God how you can reach out to others who are far away, to those who are without hope and God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2; Colossians 1:3-8 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. - 2 Corinthians 5:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the ancient world, ambassadors were extremely important representatives of their countries. A visit from a foreign ambassador was the occasion of much pomp and celebration. In order to show other world powers that their king or queen was a serious player, these ambassadors often had access to great wealth and power themselves and could easily resort to bribery or intimidation to secure their demands. In this context, it's somewhat surprising that Paul would call believers ambassadors. But as we'll see, it's a very high calling.

In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he had to defend himself against those who rejected both him and the gospel message. Apparently there were even those in Corinth who sought to gain financially from sharing the gospel (2 Cor. 2:17). So Paul made it clear that there were no gimmicks with him; the nature of who he was and of his ministry were plain for all to see. Paul's sincerity clearly set him apart from any who would abuse a position of power for personal or financial gain. Unlike others, he was motivated by the fear of the Lord (v. 11).

More importantly, however, Paul wanted the Corinthi-ans to understand that the only basis for their identity was Jesus Christ. It didn't matter who they knew or what they had formerly done, the only thing that mattered was that they were a new creation in Christ! What was important from the world's perspective lost its significance in comparison with Christ (v. 16).

Once again we find the important theme of reconciliation here. Recall from our study yesterday that this reconciliation is both between a person and God as well as between a person and other people. In today's passage this idea is extended further: in addition to being reconciled, we are called to a ministry of reconciliation.

Paul models this ministry for us in the rest of this passage. His strong tone reveals how deeply he cared for the Corinthi-ans and was anxious for their salvation. Like an ambassador who seeks to avoid a crisis, Paul pleaded with the Corinthians to be reconciled with God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever thought of yourself as an ambassador? Take some time today to list the qualities and responsibilities of a good ambassador. For example, an ambassador must be comfortable in another culture and sensitive to how things are said, qualities that are also important for sharing Christ, especially in a cross-cultural context.

Ambassadors must often be patient, yet persistent. Above all, ambassadors act on behalf of the one who sent them, not according to their own interests. Truly, being an ambassador for Christ is a high calling.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 7:9-12; 21:22-27
A great multitude . . . [was] standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. - Revelation 7:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Perhaps you are one the millions who will turn on the TV a few minutes before midnight to watch the great illuminated ball drop into Times Square in New York City. Or perhaps you have other traditions for closing out one year and bringing in the next. Either way, New Year's Eve is a huge night of celebration around the world.

But no earthly celebration comes even close the scene in Revelation 7, which is perhaps the most exalted vision in the New Testament. Those who have suffered persecution and tribulation are given the incomparable honor of joining the elders, angels, and four living creatures who worship before the throne. Notice the astounding diversity and unity of this multitude. Here we find representatives of all the nations, tribes, peoples, and languages joined in praise, no longer separated by prejudice, fear, and linguistic barriers.

This glorious scene shows God's plan of redemption accomplished. The promise given in the garden (Gen. 3:15) ultimately pointed to this eternal praise. We also see the fulfillment of the promise to Abra-ham. Through the descendents of this one individual, truly all the nations will be blessed. Because of the one Seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16), Jesus Christ, redemption has been accomplished and the rightful Heir has taken His throne. Revelation 21 shows us the final destination to which God's redemptive story leads. Here we find the New Jerusalem, solely illuminated by the light of God's glory. We see the promise of Isaiah 49:6, that Israel would be a light to the Gentiles, at last fulfilled (v. 23). In this vision, we also find this promise fulfilled: “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. . . . To you the riches of the nation will come” (Isa. 60:3, 5).

What an exciting conclusion of the story that we've been tracing this month. We hope that this study on the wisdom of God's good news for all the nations has encouraged you as you consider your own place in this great story and its certain, victorious conclusion.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the amazing aspects of the worship scene in Revelation 7 is that praise from every language and culture will somehow be brought together in a unified yet variegated chorus, never yet heard in history.

We can only imagine what that kind of worship will be like, but in anticipation of it, consider visiting several churches that are quite different from your own during this upcoming year. See if you can get a glimpse of the diversity and unity of worship that we will fully experience in heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 53
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.“ - Psalm 53:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
For decades, philosopher Anthony Flew argued that religious beliefs could not meet modern, scientific criteria for rational acceptance. But in 2004, at age 81, he changed his mind. The complexity of DNA convinced him that “intelligence must have been involved” in the design and creation of life. Flew is now a deist not a theist, since he sees “God” as distant and “utterly uninvolved in the lives of human beings.” Though he remains far from Christian faith, it is encouraging to see that the available evidence can persuade even the most ardent atheist that some sort of God must exist.

Only a fool, wrote David, would believe there is no God (v. 1). Faithlessness is foolishness, and such foolishness is evil, “corrupt” like rotten fruit. On our own, in fact, no one seeks God or does right (vv. 2-3), an idea that today we call the doctrine of original sin. This means that even if people are not avowed atheists like Anthony Flew, they tend to be “practical atheists,” living as if there were no God and as if they were the center of the universe.

Will evildoers never learn (vv. 4-5)? Not only does God exist but He acts on behalf of His people. Those who attack God's people are always defeated in the end. The righteous have nothing to fear, for God is fighting on their behalf. The godless who thought no “God” would come to the rescue were colossally wrong! The psalm ends with a prayer that all this will happen soon (v. 6).

Psalm 53 is probably a revised version of Psalm 14 (only verses 5b-6 are different). But Psalm 53 uses the past tense, indicating an even stronger expression of faith. It is a powerful encouragement to the godly: Things might look bad, the wicked might appear to be doing as they please, but there's no reason to worry or fear. God will win the victory!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Tradition holds that David wrote today's psalm with Nabal in mind as the quintessential “fool.” Take some time today to re-read the narrative of David's encounter with Abigail and Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. Reflect on the characteristics of godly hospitality and on why welcoming the stranger is so important to God. What are the links between hospitality and faith? And how can you exercise better hospitality in more faith-filled ways? For more exhortations on hospitality, review 1 Peter 4:9-10 and Hebrews 13:1-2.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 2:1-20
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. - Luke 1:68
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the best parts of the Advent season is the rich legacy of Christmas carols. Consider the following line from a popular carol: “O little town of Bethlehem! How still we see thee lie . . . Yet in thy dark street shineth, the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

The angel expresses a similar expectation in verse 10. Most of us are probably familiar with this verse, but it’s worth reminding ourselves why exactly this is good news–after all, many people today don’t believe that they need a savior.

The entire Bible is the single story of human beings lost in rebellion against their Creator and of that Creator’s great love for His people. The angel’s good news is that the birth of Jesus is God’s answer to the desperate condition of every human being. God’s good news of salvation is the hope of all peoples and all tribes, regardless of where they are located or what language they speak. As the angel proclaims, this good news is “for all the people.”

Our study this month will trace the wisdom of God’s good news for all the nations, beginning with humanity’s fall and ending with ceaseless worship of the multitude before His eternal throne. We will look at key passages that show the depth and glory of God’s love for humanity, which is fully expressed in Jesus Christ. In our study, we’ll see that even though God often works through one person, such as Abraham, or one nation, such as Israel, His offer of salvation has always been intended for all the peoples of the world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In Luke 2:11, we find the three titles of Jesus all together: He is the Savior, the Christ, and the Lord. Using a Bible dictionary or a concordance, look up each of these titles and write out a brief definition of each. Take note especially of what these titles meant in the Old Testament and how they are fulfilled in Jesus. Then take some time to reflect on what each means for you personally. What has Jesus saved you from? How is Jesus Lord in your life?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 3:1-24
He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. - Genesis 3:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
The success of J. R. R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings series is phenomenal. To date, his books have sold millions of copies, and the three recent movies based on these books were huge box office successes. People love a good compelling story, and Tolkein’s is one of the best. But even this masterpiece pales in comparison with the greatest story ever told–the story of God’s redemption of fallen humanity and His utter defeat of evil through His Son Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1–2 tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. The emphasis is on God, who alone created the universe and is qualified to rule over it.

Equally amazing, however, is that humanity is the climax of God’s creation. God intended for men and women to worship Him and to cultivate the garden in which He had placed them. It’s essential to grasp God’s great purposes for humanity; otherwise it’s hard to understand why God would go to such lengths to redeem humanity.

In Genesis 3, we see that God alone knows the difference between good and evil. God’s prohibition concerning the tree in the garden was intended to protect Adam and Eve from knowledge that created beings could not bear. But the serpent tempted Eve with the very thing that had ruined him–the desire to be like God (v. 5). The results were disastrous. Adam and Eve experienced shame (v. 7), alienation from God (v. , and deception (v. 12). Eventually they would suffer death as well. But notice that the serpent was cursed (v. 14), not Adam and Eve. Although there were consequences for their rebellion, Adam and Eve actually received a promise–that an offspring would crush the head of the serpent.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
There are many distorted views of humanity around. Some claim that humans are just the result of random mutations. Others claim that a person ceases to exist at death. Yet the Bible presents a high view of humanity. Genesis 3 shows that God provides a way of redemption for humans, but not for the serpent.

In other words, God reveals that the climax of His creation, humanity, is worth saving. This doesn’t mean that we somehow deserve this great gift; instead, it shows the depths of God’s grace and mercy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 6:1-9; 9:8-17
[God] protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others. - 2 Peter 2:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Anthropologists note that many peoples have some great flood legend. In his book, Eternity in Their Hearts, Don Richardson tells about the Santal people of southern India. Nineteenth-century missionaries were amazed by a legend about a holy couple who escaped destruction when the god Thakur Jiu sent a great flood to destroy wicked humanity. This remarkable account suggests possible residual memory of Noah and the flood.

Genesis 6 is actually the culmination of a long spiral into sin that begins with Abel’s murder (Gen. 4). Next we find the arrogant and evil Lamech, who is far worse than Cain. By the time we get to Genesis 6, unspeakable evil is taking place. We don’t really know who the Nephilim were, but clearly normal society was breaking down and people’s actions were perverse with evil results.

The Flood is both judgment and promise. We often think of Noah as only an ark builder, but Peter calls him a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). With a hammer in one hand, Noah was also urging repentance. But most people refused to listen and, for them, the Flood was judgment. But for Noah and his family, the Flood provided a fresh start. In the midst of corruption and violence, Noah and his family alone obeyed God. Hebrews 11:7 says that Noah became “heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

After the Flood, Noah and his sons built an altar to the Lord (Gen. 8:20). Genesis 9 records the gracious covenant that God made with Noah and future humanity, promising that never again would the flood waters cover the earth. As a covenant sign, God set His rainbow in the clouds (v. 13). Despite humanity’s depravity, God still intended restoration and redemption for His creation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Like the days before the Flood, many still live as if judgment will never come. Jesus used the example of Noah’s day to point out that people would be unprepared for the Son of Man’s return (Matt. 24:37-39).

But just as God provided a way for Noah and his family to make it through the flood, so also God makes a way to escape His coming wrath through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:18-22). And, like Noah, we are also called to be “preachers of righteousness.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 12:1-8
He said to Abraham, “Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.” - Acts 3:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
Victor Hugo’s Les Mis-rables is the poignant tale of the convict Jean Valjean who, upon his release from prison, finds himself graciously taken in by a godly bishop. Hardened by years of deprivation and crime, Valjean robs the bishop of some silver candlesticks and flees. Later, Valjean is caught and brought back to the bishop. Valjean, anticipating judgment and punishment, is surprised when the bishop graciously gives him the candlesticks. This marks a new beginning in Valjean’s life.

Yesterday we read about the great Flood that came as judgment upon a depraved humanity. If we were to continue in Genesis, we would come to the sad account of the Tower of Babel. As we noted, Genesis 3 to 11 records one long descent into sin. The tower represented the height of human arrogance and rebellion, so it’s surprising to read of God’s gracious call of Abram in Genesis 12. To be sure, the nations were judged for their arrogance, but beyond judgment was God’s grace.

In choosing Abram, God declares his intention to do a brand new thing with humanity. Just as God spoke creation into existence, God begins his great new work of redemption by speaking (vv. 1-3).

No doubt it was very difficult for Abram to leave all he knew in order to go to an unknown place. But this initial command is followed by six statements of what God promises to do for Abram, beginning with making him a great nation and giving him a great name. God also promised to make Abram a blessing to all peoples on the earth. Through this one man, God would extend His grace to the rest of the world.

The call of Abram begins the central story of the Bible, namely, how God will work to redeem lost humanity and to restore His people back to the garden of fellowship with Him.

Over the next few weeks we will trace this story, focusing specifically on how all people of the world have been blessed through this one individual. In the process, we’ll see God’s great love for the entire world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Noted missions scholar Bruce Winters once said, “Most Christians think that the Bible doesn’t really emphasize missions. They see it as sort of an afterthought that Jesus had at the end of his ministry.”

Have you ever really thought about the Bible's teaching on missions? Today we see that Abraham's call is key to God's plan for the nations. In fact, the Bible's teaching on missions begins right here, in Genesis 12. Be prepared for more surprises from the Old Testament concerning God's heart for all the nations.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 18:16-33
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Amsterdam's “red light” district is known for its drug addicts and prostitutes. Many try to avoid this part of the city, but for the Christian outreach, Youth with a Mission, this neighborhood was the perfect place to establish a base. Outreach workers frequently go on “prayer walks,” during which they pray against the obvious evil of this district and for the salvation of its residents.

Yesterday we saw that God chose Abraham to bless all the peoples of the earth. Abraham certainly wasn't perfect, and neither were some of his interactions with other nations. For example, when Abraham lied about Sarah in Egypt, great sickness came upon the Pharaoh's household (Gen. 12:10-20). But foreigners, such as Eliezar of Damascus (Gen. 15:2), became part of Abraham's household and shared in God's covenant blessings. Genesis 18 shows that Abraham blessed people around him by praying for them.

When the three divine visitors who announced that Sarah was going to have a son were about to leave, the Lord revealed to Abraham His intentions against Sodom and Gomor-rah (v. 20). No wonder Isaiah 41:8 says that Abraham was the friend of God. Abraham's mercy and justice not only reflect the Lord's work in him, but also show his own heart.

This is the second time that Abraham acted on behalf of Sodom. The first time, he intervened militarily (see Gen. 14:14); this time, he intercedes spiritually. Both times, Abraham is concerned to protect the righteous. At first, the exchange in Genesis 18 sounds more like a business deal than a prayer session! But Abraham's questions show his concern for the entire city, not just Lot and his family. Abraham wants to affirm that Judge of all the earth (v. 25) will do the right thing.

Indeed the Judge of the earth does the right thing, but sadly this meant the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Despite Abraham's prayers, the residents of Sodom were too hardened in their sin. Yet the Lord faithfully rescued Lot and his family, even though it doesn't appear that Lot was a very good witness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Even people who don't read the Bible know that Sodom and Gomorrah are synonymous with wickedness. Given how terrible these places were, Abraham could have felt relief, or even satisfaction, over their judgment. Instead we see that he was grieved because of their impending destruction.

Do we feel grieved when we consider evil around us, knowing that many individuals are facing destruction? Are our hearts moved to intercession for them? Abraham's intercession is a challenging example for us all.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 46:28-47:12; 50:15-21
Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? - Esther 4:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
The story of Esther is the story of God's providence over even the most terrifying circumstances. Esther was an exiled Jew living in the Persian Empire. When Queen Vashti displeased King Xerxes, Esther was the one, chosen from among many beautiful young women, who won the heart of the king and became the new queen. Later, when a plot emerged to kill all the Jews, Esther was used by God to save her people. Today's verse records the wisdom of Esther's uncle Mordecai who saw God's redemptive hand at work.

Joseph is another example of God's sovereignty. After his brothers sold him into slavery, Joseph ended up in an Egyptian prison, through no fault of his own. Later, through a series of providential events, Joseph became the second most powerful person in Pharaoh's Egypt. Behind Joseph's exalted position, however, we see the hand of God, who used Joseph to save the rest of his family. But we must not overlook the fact that Joseph's administration and policies were a blessing to the Egyptians and the other nations who looked to Egypt for help during the seven-year famine (Gen. 41:56-57).

In today's passage, we find Joseph's family in Egypt because of the severity of the famine in Canaan. Goshen was located in northern Egypt and had excellent pasture land, which Jacob and his sons needed. Clearly the concern here is for Jacob and his family, but notice that Jacob blesses the Pharaoh twice (47:7, 10). In this we see a partial fulfillment of the promise given to Abraham, that through him all the families of the world would be blessed.

As the story of Joseph unfolds, we see that God's purposes for bringing Jacob and Joseph's brothers to Egypt also included reuniting the family. Following the death of their father, however, the brothers were fearful that Joseph might take revenge for their earlier mistreatment of him. Instead, we find one of the most remarkable accounts for forgiveness in the Bible. Joseph clearly understood that God used him to bless his family as well as others in Egypt (50:20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although the actions of Joseph's brothers were obviously evil, God redeemed the situation and used it to bless many people, both Egyptian and Israelite.

We too may find ourselves in difficult circumstances. But like Joseph, we need to trust God and know that He is in charge. Just as God used Joseph to bless a wide circle of people around him, we never know how God might use our situation. Genesis 50:20 is one of the key verses in the Bible; consider memorizing it this week.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 12:1-42
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son. - Colossians 1:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Gladys Aylward was a British missionary to China, and shortly after her arrival in the 1930s the Japanese invaded China. After the town where she lived was bombed, Japanese soldiers were sent to kill any survivors. Aylward led the survivors, including many children, on a long march through perilous terrain. Miraculously, many survived this harrowing escape and caught the last train for freedom.

There's something very compelling about rescue operations, the greatest of which is surely found in the story of the Exodus. Here we see a pattern of God's redemptive work. Just as He chose one man, Abraham, through whom He would bless all the peoples of the earth, so now He chose this nation, Israel. But before this nation could be a blessing, they would have to be freed.

Exodus 12 is really the climax of the first eleven chapters of Exodus, which record the efforts of Satan to thwart God's redemptive plans and God's sovereignty. The book opens with the cruel plot to crush the Jews through forced labor (1:11), but the Jews continued to increase. Then the Pharaoh ordered the murder of all Jewish baby boys, but God intervened again (1:15-20). The story of Moses' birth (Ex. 2) is an entire rescue operation in itself! God's protection of His people is tied to His covenant promise to Abraham (Ex. 3:13-17).

Exodus 12 describes the final plague. Although this plague was to fall upon every firstborn in Egypt, the Lord provided a substitution for the Israelites: a spotless yearling lamb, whose blood was to be spread on the outside doorframe (v. 7). In this way, the plague would pass over the Israelite households (v. 22).

As we read this account, it can be difficult to see how this was a blessing to the nation Egypt. But notice that many other people, presumably Egyptians, left with the Israelites (v. 38). They likely saw the power of God and wanted to join His people. Keep in mind also that God's purpose for rescuing the Israelites was to make them a great nation that would be a blessing to all the nations around, including Egypt.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's not hard to see how the Passover prefigures our Lord Jesus Christ. Like the sacrificial lamb, whose blood offered protection, His death upon the cross offers salvation.

Luke 4:18 says that Jesus came to set the oppressed free, but the oppression here is not physical bondage to a foreign power, but spiritual bondage to the Evil One. By His death and resurrection, Jesus has made possible the greatest rescue operation in the history of the universe—the rescue of a lost person from the realm of darkness (Col. 1:13).