Genesis 12:3b:
“All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
2 things that happened in the history of Israel:
1. Their kings did not love and serve God
2. More prophecies and promises
"Messiah" -- anointed one sent from God
Psalm 2:1-6:
Why are the nations so angry?
Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.
“Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.
Then in anger he rebukes them,
Terrifying them with his fierce fury.
For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”
Isaiah 11:10-12:
In that day the heir to David’s throne
will be a banner of salvation to all the world.
The nations will rally to him,
and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.
In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time
to bring back the remnant of his people --
those who remain in Assyria and northern Egypt;
in southern Egypt, Ethiopia, and Elam;
in Babylonia, Hamath, and all the distant coastlines.
He will raise a flag among the nations and assemble the exiles of Israel.
He will gather the scattered people of Judah
from the ends of the earth.
He will raise a flag among the nations and assemble the exiles of Israel.
He will gather the scattered people of Judah
from the ends of the earth.
They wanted: prosperity
He gave them: forgiveness, eternal life, direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ
They wanted: easy
He gave them: meaningful
They wanted: safety for their family
He gave them: adoption as children into his own family
Make the decision to trust God, even (especially!) when it's hard
