And all the peoples of earth will be blessed through you

 I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 12:3

I believe most of us have read this passage of Scripture many times. But do we understand what it means? Let’s examine this section-by-section.

When Yahveh says to Avraham, I will bless those who bless you, He is referring to all those who trust in and are faithful to our God. Rav. Sha’ul, the Apostle Paul, said this quite clearly, in Galatians 3, where he wrote, So, then, those who rely on trusting and being faithful are blessed along with Avraham, who trusted and was faithful. This was a promise made to both the Hebrews and the Goyim, the Nations of the world.

Similarly, the blanket statement, I will curse anyone who curses you, also focuses on anyone who slanders, insults or in any other way defames Avraham (and his people) and his faith. Once again, Rav. Sha’ul provides insight for us, when he writes, in Romans 3, I could wish myself actually under God’s curse and separated from the Messiah. In this passage, Sha’ul helps us understand Yahveh’s curse is the removal of His blessings, protection and mercies from those who are unfaithful and do not trust His Word.

Finally, we come to the phrase, by you all the families of the earth will be blessed. This is a little more difficult to comprehend, as it suggests a particular process, rather than saying it plainly. When Yahveh says, by you, He means not only Avraham but also his descendants. Through the faith and trust of Avraham and his people, all the families of the world will be welcome into the faith and trust offered by Yahveh. In plain, simple terms it means the Nations, the Goyim, will be grafted into Israel and will walk side-by-side with believing Israelites. This is Yahveh’s promise which has been fulfilled many times, throughout history.

Perhaps this verse of Scripture is one of the most encouraging and promising than any other, with the exception of John 14:6.

Draw encouragement from Genesis 12:3; this passage has been given to us to strengthen and give us courage, as we go about His work on this earth.

CONSIDER: Do you feel down hearted as you strive to do His work, without finding tangible results? Is this feeling of frustration beginning to wear on you?

ACT: Know that God’s timing is not our timing. As Adonai Yeshua, the Lord Jesus, said to us, I sent you to reap what you haven’t worked for. Others have done the hard labor, and you have benefited from their work. (John 4:38) Please understand the work you do will have a huge benefit, even after you are gone.

PRAY: Abba, Beloved Yahveh, You are my King; You are my Master; You are the One who guides and strengthens my heart. I pray for your guidance for all those today, who are feeling disheartened and frustrated because of the lack of evidence their work is having an impact. Help all of us realize, I pray, we are all working towards the same end and each of us has an important role to play. In Your Beloved Name I pray.

May the God of Avraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you richly.