Let’s talk about promises. Imagine someone made a promise to you a long time ago, and even though years have passed, they kept that promise. That’s exactly what Galatians 3:16 is about. This verse reminds us of a promise God made to Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, a long time ago — a promise that was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. But what does this mean for us today? Let’s break it down.
Simplify It
God promised Abraham that through one of his descendants — Jesus — all people would be blessed.
Context
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to help the early Christians in the region of Galatia. They were struggling with some confusion about what it meant to follow Jesus. Some people were telling them they had to follow old Jewish laws to be right with God. Paul wanted them to understand that faith in Jesus, not following old laws, is what makes someone right with God.
In Galatians 3:16, Paul explains that God’s promise to Abraham wasn’t just for his many descendants, but for one specific descendant — Jesus. This promise was about bringing blessings to everyone who believes in Jesus, no matter who they are.
Breaking Down the Verse
Here’s what Galatians 3:16 says: “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ.”
- “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed”: God made a promise to Abraham and said it would be fulfilled through his “seed,” which can also mean “offspring.”
- “Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds’”: Paul points out that the promise wasn’t made to many descendants but to one specific descendant.
- “Meaning one person, who is Christ”: The specific descendant Paul is talking about is Jesus Christ. He’s the one through whom God’s promise to bless all people would come true.
Applying to Modern Life
Think of it this way: God made a promise a long time ago, and He kept it through Jesus. This isn’t just a story from the past; it’s a promise for you today. Just as God promised to bless everyone through Jesus, you can trust that God’s promises in your life will come true too. It’s like having a friend who always keeps their word, no matter what. Knowing this can give you hope and confidence, even when things seem uncertain.
Corrie ten Boom’s Faith and Trust in Jesus
Let’s look at someone like Corrie ten Boom, a Christian woman who lived during World War II. She and her family helped many Jewish people escape the Nazis by hiding them in their home. Corrie’s faith in Jesus gave her the courage to do what was right, even when it was dangerous. Like Abraham, she believed in God’s promises and trusted that Jesus would guide her. Her actions reflected the love and blessing that God promised to all people through Jesus.
Even after she was captured and sent to a concentration camp, Corrie held onto God’s promises. She continued to share the message of God’s love and forgiveness with those around her, even in the darkest of places. Corrie’s life is a powerful example of how trusting in God’s promises, like the one given to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus, can give us the strength to face any challenge and be a light to others, no matter the circumstances.
Moment of Reflection
Take a moment to think about a promise God has made to you through the Bible, like His promise to always be with you or to give you peace. How does knowing that God kept His promise through Jesus make you feel about the promises He has for your life? What’s one way you can trust God’s promises more today?
Conclusion
Galatians 3:16 reminds us that God’s promises are true and that they are fulfilled in Jesus. Just as God kept His promise to Abraham, He will keep His promises to you. Trust in Jesus, and let His love and blessings flow into every part of your life.
Today’s Pinky Promise
God promises to bless you through Jesus, just as He blessed Abraham. Trust in this promise today.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promises and for blessing us through Jesus. Help me to trust in Your promises, even when I don’t see the whole picture. Fill my heart with faith and help me to share Your love and blessings with others. Amen.
