Thematic Analysis Of Genesis 12: 1-4

Approaching Genesis 12:1-4, we have essentially been taken through four significant stories of the fall of humanity—Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, and the tower at Babel. In each of these stories God punishes their sin, but also extends mercy. Particularly, after having flooded and destroyed all living things that were not spared with Noah upon the ark, God says that he will never again curse the ground because “the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Gen. 8:21). Herein, God gives a snapshot of the human reality post the Fall, along with a snippet of the reality of his relationship with man. But, it is not until Genesis 12 that we see the arc of the story shift from one of disobedience/sin and punishment/curse

However, herein, the missio dei—mission of God—comes to light. Namely, that out of the abundance of love found overflowing from the Holy Trinity, God desires to be in communion with his creation, and as such, even though “the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth” God calls and sends a people that will be a blessing to “all the families of the earth”—to the nations. Ultimately, descendants of Abram/Abraham came to be known as the children of Israel and even despite their gross failures and faithlessness, God remained faithful, blessed them, and kept as the beacon of his glory and blessing to the nations of the world (Gen. 28:13-14;

11)—the missio dei continuing. And through the offspring of Abraham enters Jesus the Christ (Messiah) who was foretold of in the prophets (Isa. 9; 42; Ezek. 37, Matt. 1:22-23). He took upon himself all to which Israel –the Laws and the Prophets—had pointed (Matt. 5:17-20), and so that through him all things might be reconciled (Col. 1:19-20) and whoever has faith in him has received eternal life (Jn. 3:15)—the blessing of all the families of earth despite the intention of man’s heart. So, through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ forgiveness for the sins of man was poured to all whom follow him in faith, and New Life was extended. As such, at his ascension Christ declares to his disciples the, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19–20). As Abraham was sent to be a beacon of a coming Light, now the Church has been sent to bear witness to the Light which has come (Acts 1:7-8) through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts