I was meeting with a Discovery Group in Senegal recently and we read Genesis 15 – the story of the Lord’s covenant with Abram. You may already be familiar with the story, but the Lord showed me an important truth for any disciple-maker:
What does it say?
Here is Genesis 15:1-6 (ESV): “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” 5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
What does it mean?
God spoke to Abram in a vision and told him that He would make him into a great nation, but Abram questioned how this could be since he was childless. God told him to look to the heavens and showed him the countless stars and told him that he would have this many offspring.
What do we learn about God or mankind?
- Abram was childless and had no land. In the same way, we may have limited resources (skills, time, money, connections, etc.)
- Abram knew that he was serving the Creator, but had difficulty understanding how God would be able to use him to achieve His plan. In the same way, we may also ask God how he can use us to make disciples.
- God did not chastise Abram, but directs him to look up at the stars. God makes a promise that Abram will be blessed and his descendants will be numerous. In the same way, God speaks to us through Abram’s story and through the Holy Spirit, promising that our ministries will be blessed and multiplied to produce a great harvest for His glory.
- Abram believed and it was counted as righteousness. We, also, must not doubt, but take faithful steps of obedience.
What are we going to do about it? What is my I-will statement?
I will do as Abram did and, despite my questions, lift my eyes to heaven and believe that God will multiply my limited resources to fulfill the Great Commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)