September 3, 2020 (Thursday)
Abram has learned to obey without question. It seems this
may have been the easy part. After a variety of events we arrive in Genesis 15,
where Abram questions God. Let’s start with the promise God gives him, “After
these events, the Lord’s word came to Abram in a vision, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your
protector. Your reward will be very great.” [Genesis 15:1 CEB]
God promises to be his protector. This word can be
translated “shield” or “benefactor.” This would be a king offering sponsorship to
someone special. Abram might have
scratched his head in wonder. “But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you possibly give
me, since I still have no children?” [Genesis
15:2a CEB] How would his “reward be great?” He was already wealthy. God had
given him the land. But how wast this going to happen?
I like the way it reads in the CEB, “The Lord’s word came immediately to him…” [Genesis 15:4a] That seems to be the force of the
text. God’s response was immediate. God has initiated a conversation. It is a
test of sorts.
His challenge has been trusting God under difficult
circumstances. It seems to be his reoccurring weakness. God’s next step is, “Then
the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars
if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” [Genesis
15:5 NLT] God expands His promises. Not only will Abram be a blessing AND
inherit the land, Abram will be the father of an uncountable multitude of
people.
Abram seems to have no problem believing God. Setting the
stage for an astonishing theological truth, “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as
righteous because of his faith.” [Genesis
15:6 NLT] Let’s turn to Romans 4 to follow Paul’s line of reasoning.
In Romans 4:18 Paul notes “against all probability” (Wesley) Abraham believed. “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping…” [Genesis 15:18a NLT] Despite the fact he was
about 100, “Without
weakening in his faith…” [Genesis
15:19a NIV] Paul continues to layer the subject, “He didn’t hesitate with a lack of faith in
God’s promise, but he grew strong in faith and gave glory to God.” [Genesis 15:20 CEB] And again, “He was fully
convinced that God was able to do what he promised.” [Genesis 15:21 CEB]
That, my friends, is a jackhammer. Abram believed what humans would consider “impossible.” He’s faith was based on God’s promise. God’s promise is based on God’s character. God keeps His promises, it’s what He does because it’s who He is.
What is fun about Abram’s story in Genesis 15, is he takes
the initiative in the conversation and asks for proof. “But Abram said, “Lord God, how do I know
that I will actually possess it?” [Genesis
15:8 CEB] I can't imagine the courage to say to God, "prove it." The story continues as God formally establishes a covenant with
Abram, sealed with a sacrifice.
Tune in tomorrow as we watch as God formalizes this covenant and expands on when and how things will develop. For now consider his courage in believing, no matter how improbable. Consider his courage to ask God for proof.
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