Parasha Minute: Genesis / BreisheetSample

"From Promises to Covenant"

Adonai’s assurance, "Do not fear. I am your protector; your reward will be great." Avram (Abram) believed in Adonai in spite of unfulfilled promises. Avram pressed: Will he have a succession plan, an heir to inherit his name and an inheritance, a land to pass on? Adonai answered instructing him to prepare elements for a sacrifice. Avram trusted Adonai but what was the need for a blood sacrifice? At sundown, Adonai put him in a deep sleep. Then The Lord showed him his future—his descendants, a people in sin, oppression and slavery, who failed to make Adonai their only God.

When the sun set, a flame passed through the sacrifice sealing the contract between God and man. Despite man's commitment issue, Adonai proceeded with a covenant only He could fulfill. Points to Ponder: When there are delays to God’s promises, is He testing our commitment? The wait could be His way of getting us ready to receive from Him. Every opportunity comes with challenges, but despite our frailty God is strong.