7 JUNE
God’s promise for believers
‘… For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.’ Genesis 13:15–17
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Colossians 1:9–14
The promise: to thee and to thy seed. This was Israel’s security. How often did they forfeit it by disobedience, but it was promised before to Abraham. Herein we have a type of a better covenant with Jesus, which is sure to all his seed. What Lot had was by choice, but Abraham’s by promise—therefore his right was preferred when the other’s was lost. There is no security like the promise of God.
The command: arise and walk. The promise was not completely fulfilled to Abraham, for it terminated in his seed. In the meantime he was to take a survey, and by faith call it all his own. Thus believers should contemplate the full meaning of gospel promises respecting time and eternity and say, The lines are fallen to me in a pleasant place [Psalm 16:6]. Whatever the Lord has said shall be fulfilled. What an inheritance then is the believer’s? The Lord is his Sun and Shield [Psalm 84:11]. Thy Maker is thy Husband [Isaiah 54:5]. The Lord is thy portion [Lamentations 3:24] and heaven is thy home.
FOR MEDITATION:
‘Thou hast my promise, hold it fast,
‘A pillar there, no more to move,
The trying hour will soon be past;
Inscribed with all my names of love;
Rejoice, for lo! I quickly come,
A monument of mighty grace,
To take thee to my heavenly home.
Thou shalt for ever have a place.’
Such is the conqueror’s reward,
Prepared and promised by the LORD!
Let him that has the ear of faith,
Attend to what the Spirit saith.
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 26 [2/2], GENESIS 13:14–18
Milo 