Thank You Father

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer for Remembering God’s Big Story of Redemption

     Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Gen. 12:1-3

Gracious and sovereign Father, remembering your big story of redemption is not only a great joy, but a critical discipline. For many different narratives compete for our hearts, days, energy, and resources. This Scripture reminds us today of the main storyline which progressively unfolds in the Bible, connects all of history, and reveals your generous and loving heart. By the grace of the gospel, help us, once again, to find our place in this story.

We praise you for making incredible promises to Abram, an unsuspecting, not-seeking-you pagan—promises you alone can keep. Indeed, from beginning to end your story is a story of sovereign grace. You are the only true seeker in your story, and that which you seek you find. Hallelujah!

Father, thank you for the promise of the land. It began in the Garden of Eden, continued in the land of Israel, and will culminate in the new heaven and new earth. People, places and things matter to you. You’ve promised to redeem and restore your entire fallen world, not just one part of it. We praise you for your inviolate plans and tenacious faithfulness.

Thank you for the promise of the seed. From the one man Abram, you created a great nation as the birthing canal of the Messiah, Jesus. You promised the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent (Gen. 3:15), and you didn’t lie. Jesus came into the world to destroy the work of the devil, and he has succeeded. His cross and resurrection guarantee that just like Abraham, we are counted righteous in your sight by faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom 4). We praise you for the everlasting gospel of your saving grace.

Thank you for the promise of the blessing. Father, it’s always been your plan to redeem a family from all families on the earth. Indeed, you made Abram (Abraham) the father of many nations. All of history is bound up with your commitment to redeem your people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Rev. 7:9). We praise you for your magnanimous heart and measureless generosity.

Father, thank you for making us characters in and carriers of your great story of redemption. So let us live and so let us love. How we long for the Day when Jesus returns to finish making all things new. Hallelujah what a Savior! Hallelujah what a salvation! So very Amen we pray, in his great and gracious name.