stephen R Harrison

“The One Who Gives Hope and Future”

“As for me, this is my covenant with you:

You will be the father of many nations.”

-Genesis 17:4

I often think about the future. What will my 60s and beyond be like? What will my grandchildren look like? Will I have prepared for retirement enough when it comes? Real talk: how will I die? I don’t live in that fear, but the thought crosses my mind from time to time. I hope the future is full of blessing, peace, and God’s visible grace. Hope and the future are both upcoming concepts. We all have hopes and dreams of our lives turning out for the best. If we’re honest, we also have thoughts (maybe even anxiety) about our future. There are so many unknowns. We can either worry about everything beyond our present or trust the Lord for his provision and plans. From our limited perspective, the future is uncertain, but God is not. He is predictable, dependable, and trustworthy.

In Genesis 17, God promised Abraham to be the father of many nations (vv. 4-5). He would make a covenant with him and “greatly increase your numbers” (v. 2) if he would “walk before me faithfully and be blameless” (v. 1). This was impossible as far as Abraham and his wife Sara were concerned. They were well past the age of having children and were childless. At 100 and 90 (v. 17), they needed a miracle. This was even laughable for Abraham! They didn’t trust God’s plan for their future, so they devised their own and had a son named Ishmael through their servant Hagar (Genesis 16), leading to problems. There will be trouble when we don’t trust God’s plans and invent our own!

Just as promised, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, and through him, Abraham became the father of many nations. The original promise and covenant were given to Abraham in Genesis 12. God said, “I will,” five times in that chapter, indicating he alone could fulfill this based on his mighty power. They only needed to trust God as the one who gives hope and a future. In Genesis 17:5, God said, “I have made you a father of many nations”. Notice he didn’t say, “I will make you”. God’s promise was as good as done. Abraham and Sarah would have to wait, but The Ageless One had spoken in certainty.

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. In a way, it is awaiting what God has already spoken. Jesus told his disciples he would die and be resurrected. We attempt to identify with the disciples during this preparatory season, trusting Jesus’ words will come to pass. They had to wait on that promise for three days. Lent is also the hopeful preparation in waiting for Jesus’ second coming. Advent awaits the Messiah’s birth – and that promise was fulfilled. Lent awaits the Savior’s resurrection – and that promise came to pass. Lent also awaits the Lord’s return. Jesus said, “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). Amen, Come, Lord Jesus. We eagerly and patiently wait in worship and hope for our blessed Savior. We are overjoyed to experience your plan for a hopeful future and desire no other. Come, Jesus, come! 

Questions: 

How are you when waiting on the Lord’s promises?

Do you worry or trust God for the future?

Prayer:

Jesus, we long for your appearing. Thank you for your promises – they are certain in you! Help us worship in the waiting. May we prepare our hearts to rejoice on Easter Sunday and the Day of your return. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Read: 

Genesis 17:1-16

Action Step:

Make a list of things you will trust Jesus for in the future. Ask him to give you worshipful hope instead of worrisome anxiety.