Advent Gems #3 

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe 

We see the lineage of our Messiah established in God’s covenant with Abraham. Genesis 17: 6-7: "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you” 

The covenant continues through Abraham’s son, Issac. Genesis 17:19: Then God said: "Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.  

Issac passed that blessing on to his son Jacob. Genesis 27: 28-29. “Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!'' 

After wrestling the Jacob, Lord Himself gave Jacob the name of Israel. Genesis 32:28: “28.  And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.''

 

The Living Bible explains, “``Your name is Israel--one who has power with God. Because you have been strong with God, you shall prevail with men.'' 

In Jesus Christ, we can have power with God and prevail in spite of this troubled world.