Together in Christ: 'I Have Singled Him Out!' — Genesis 18:17-19

Friday, November 15, 2024

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"Should I hide my plan from Abraham?" the Lord asked. "For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised."
— Genesis 18:17-19 NLT

Key Thought

For five or six years, I flew all over the U.S. and several other countries to work with church leaders. I shared with them that we needed to quit doing church to please ourselves but rather build churches that equip our people to help their children and grandchildren pass on their faith. This principle is rooted in the apostle Paul's mentoring advice to Timothy about living to share Jesus over four generations. [1] We have a mission to make disciples that make disciples. [2] God made clear that He selected Abraham to be the "father of the Jewish nation" because Abraham could pass on his faith to his sons, grandsons, and their families after him. While the principle of living for our children and grandchildren to pass on their faith is essential for all of us, I want especially to remind men of our vital role in passing on our faith and practical life instruction [3] to our children and grandchildren while being an example of godliness for them! [4]

[1] 2 Timothy 1:5, 2:1-2. The four generations are Timothy's grandmother and mother, Timothy, and then those, including his descendants, to whom he passed on faith.
[2] Matthew 28:18-20.
[3] Much of the practical life instruction in the book of Proverbs is couched in a father giving practical advice to his son — see our second set of Related Scripture Readings below.
[4] John 13:15; 1 Corinthians 4:14-17; Philippians 3:17, 4:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, awaken us from our neglect. I confess that many men in our time who are supposed to be godly leaders have not invested in their children and grandchildren. We have not found other younger people to train and entrust with the mission of Jesus and a passion for our faith. Embolden us, equip us, and inspire us through the Holy Spirit, O God, as we pledge to partner with You in the legacy-building work of faith. We pray this in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, our Lord, Savior, and example. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6
  • Proverbs 3:11-12, 24:21, 31:1-9, 10-31; Ecclesiastes 12:12

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Illustration

Illustration of Genesis 18:17-19 NLT — "Should I hide my plan from Abraham?" the Lord asked. "For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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