The Mission of God in the Old Testament: Call to be a blessing

Exploring God’s Mission in the Old Testament: A Call to Bless Humanity Through Abraham, Israel, and the Fulfillment in Christ.

The mission of God is a central theme woven throughout the Old Testament. From the narrative of creation to the fall, and from redemption to restoration, God’s purpose is evident: to bless humanity and invite them into a relationship with Him. This essay explores the mission in the Old Testament, focusing on key texts such as Genesis 12:2-3 and Exodus 19:3-6, which highlight God’s redemptive purpose for Israel and, ultimately, for the world.

Genesis 12:2-3: A Promise of Blessing

The story of God’s mission begins against the backdrop of creation and the fall (Genesis 3-9), where sin disrupted God’s perfect design. Humanity faced judgment and separation, symbolized by the recurring word curse mentioned five times in these chapters. However, Genesis 12 marks a pivotal shift. God chooses Abram (later Abraham) and gives him a promise:

"I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:2-3)

In these verses, the word blessing is repeated five times, mirroring the earlier curses. This repetition emphasizes God’s plan to restore and reverse the effects of sin. Abram’s blessing was not just for himself but for a greater purpose—so that he could be a blessing to others. This foundational covenant reveals God’s heart to redeem humanity and bring blessings to the nations.

Exodus 19:3-6: A Nation Set Apart

The mission progresses in Exodus, where God redeems Israel from Egypt’s idolatry and oppression. Through the events of Exodus 1-18, Israel becomes a redeemed people—liberated to serve the true God. In Exodus 19-24, God establishes a covenant with Israel, making them a covenant people. Finally, in Exodus 25-40, God dwells among them, making them a people of His presence.

Exodus 19:3-6 encapsulates the purpose of Israel’s redemption:

"You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." (Exodus 19:6)

This calling defined Israel’s identity. They were to be a model nation, a visible example of God’s holiness and blessing to the surrounding nations. As priests, they were to live in consecration to God and mediate His blessings to others.

• Exodus 19: Israel’s vocation as a model people.

• Exodus 20-23: The law that shapes them as a model people (Deuteronomy 4:5-8).

• Exodus 24: Their consecration as a model people.

  
  

Israel’s mission was centripetal, designed to draw the nations toward God by demonstrating His character through their collective life. However, Israel struggled to fulfill this calling.

Israel’s Failure and God’s Faithfulness

Despite their high calling, Israel failed to live as a model nation. Ezekiel 36:16 highlights this failure:

"They profaned my holy name by the way they lived."

Israel’s disobedience led to captivity, and their unfaithfulness tarnished God’s name rather than glorifying it. The laws, the promises, the prophets, and even the sacrificial system—all pointed to God’s mission, but they fell short because the people did not fully surrender to their purpose.

The Fulfillment of the Mission in Christ

The Old Testament mission reaches its fulfillment in Jesus. He gathers all the threads of the Old Testament—the promises, the law, the prophets, and the sacrificial system—into Himself. Jesus embodies Israel’s mission perfectly, accomplishing what they could not.

• He is the blessing promised to Abraham, bringing salvation to all nations.

• He is the faithful high priest, mediating between God and humanity.

• He establishes a new covenant, forming a universal people of God.

The Old Testament culminates in Christ, where the mission is renewed and expanded. In Jesus, the mission moves from a centripetal focus (drawing nations to Israel) to a centrifugal one (sending disciples to the ends of the earth).

Conclusion

The Old Testament mission reveals God’s desire to bless humanity and restore His creation. Through Abraham and Israel, God initiated His plan to draw the nations to Himself. While Israel’s failure underscored humanity’s inability to fulfill this mission, Jesus brought it to completion. In Him, the mission is renewed, and the call to be a blessing takes on a universal scope. As followers of Christ, we are now part of this grand narrative, blessed to be a blessing and sent to bring God’s light to the world.

References

1. Bauckham, Richard. "Blessing the Nations: The Biblical Vision of Mission." International Journal of Frontier Missions 17, no. 1 (2000): 17-26.

2. Beale, G. K. The Temple and the Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2004.

3. Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1974.

4. Gane, Roy. Old Testament Law for Christians: Original Context and Enduring Application. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2017.

5. Kaiser, Walter C. Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a Light to the Nations. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2000.

6. The Holy Bible: New International Version. Genesis 12:2-3; Exodus 19:3-6; Ezekiel 36:16-23; Deuteronomy 4:5-8. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

7. Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1–15. Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 1. Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1987.

8. Wright, Christopher J. H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2006.