Reading 7 - God's Covenant with Abram

(Click here to read Genesis 15)
Here we see Abram's faith faltering again, quite understandably. He isn't getting any younger and neither is Sarai and the promise of an heir, let alone countless descendants, seems as remote as ever.


God understands this: he doesn't (as we might) castigate Abram for a lack of faith, but reinforces his promise with a stunning visual demonstration of the night sky. This seems to strengthen Abram's faith a little, but then he has new doubts about his people (if there are any) will ever occupy the land of Canaan.


At this, God solemnly institutes a covenant (promise) with Abram, prophesying both national and personal events; the covenant is sealed with sacrifices on Abram's part and a miraculous sign from God.


Despite these 'wobbles', the writers of the New Testament hold Abram up as an example of faith; v.6 is quoted by Paul in both Romans (4:3; 4:18ff) and Galatians (3:6), and by James (2:23).  


Hebrews 11:1 tells us that 'faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', but God is gracious to Abram – and to us - and gives him some key experiences upon which to anchor his faith. I wonder how often Abram later reflected on that night under the stars, or the miraculous brazier moving between the pieces of the sacrifice and found reassurance in the remembrance.


There are times in our lives when we are particularly conscious of the Lord's grace and faithfulness. We do well to remember and cherish these moments, so that we can recall them in times of doubt and thus sustain and renew our faith.