“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:6)

On certain extraordinary days, previously overlooked details captivate and calls me to worship: the first sip of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee; the sight of clay pots brimming with pinkish-­purple impatience; birds splashing in a patio puddle like children playing poolside. In this setting, I wait expectantly, anticipating God’s voice through Scripture. What sweet offering will surface today?

In the beginning of Genesis, I read of Abraham – still called Abram at this point in history -­ who has just blown it big by lying to Pharaoh. Cowering behind deceit and fear, he hands over his precious wife Sarai as if she were a sack of rancid grain. God quickly swoops down to the rescue, and Sarai is spared violation.

Later in the story, God tells him, “All the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever” (Genesis 13:15). Abraham has done nothing to warrant God’s benevolence. In fact, Abraham just made a horrific marital decision, failing miserably at keeping God’s commands. Yet, in spite of Abraham’s deficiencies, God extends gracious generosity toward his friend.

Abraham did not deserve God’s provision; neither do we. God’s response to Abraham is a reminder of his favor toward us. We do not deserve his forgiveness or his merciful kindness. We offer nothing as payment to God, and our good works and self-righteous actions do not make us worthy. He initiates, he rewards, he forgives. He makes the way for us to belong to him. Genesis lays out the gospel in those succinct words, “I will give to you.”

Good morning, indeed.