Day 7 – God’s Covenant with Abram - Genesis 15:1-21
Today we have a description of God’s second covenant. Note that God takes the initiative, reminding Abram of promises already made: that Abram will have many descendents who will possess a land. Yet, Abram, has a problem: he and his wife are already far up in years and bearing a child appears to be impossible. Abram even in the midst of his faith, questions God’s intent to fulfill the promise made. Once again, God recounts the promise, which Abram believes.
The description of the Covenant making is similar to how covenants were made between nations at that time. The sacrificing of animals and God walking between these sacrifices matches the ceremonies of diplomatic treaties in the second millennium BC.
Note details of the covenant: God makes promises. Although God points out that the fulfillment may take hundreds of years! How do we feel when God’s promises in our own life seem to never reach fulfillment? Ask God for patience.
What may seem impossible in your life right now? Have you shown faith, turning the issue over to God? Remember, even Abram approaches God with the seemingly unsolvable question about God’s promise. We can pray to God, asking questions.
(A side note: God revises this covenant in Genesis 17:1-22. If you have the time and inclination, I would recommend reading this passage. In many ways the covenant described in Genesis 17 is more relevant. And in this covenant, God renames Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah.)
In Christ,
Randy
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