Learning From the Old Testament Greats: Abraham – The Father of FaithSample

Day 4: God’s Covenant with Abraham  

Thoughts on the Passage

After the battle where Abraham and his men defeated a whole army, God takes time to reassure Abraham that He will protect him and also be the one who gives Abraham the reward he deserves. Abraham took nothing for saving Lot and the others, but God says He will make sure that a reward comes. Part of that reward is the promised destiny.

God not only promises it, but He makes a covenant – a blood covenant – with Abraham. A blood covenant is a special ceremony where animals are killed, cut in half and the two parties of the covenant walk between the pieces. There is blood on the ground. They step through the blood as they walk between the parts of the animals. Each side commits to keeping their side of the covenant, and the cost of failure in keeping the covenant is death. God goes through it as a smoking fire pot. Abraham does not. Instead God goes through again as a flaming torch on Abraham’s behalf. In other words, the cost of failure to keep the covenant by Abraham and his descendants will cost God. We know that is Jesus. He died on our behalf for our sin and failures. There was no way that Abraham could fully keep the covenant and God made a way for him.

God gives Abraham some special promises. The time of taking this land as an inheritance is many years away. The people of the land have not yet filled up their cup of iniquity. Abraham will live in peace and live a long life. His children will face wandering, come under slavery, but after 400 years they will return and claim this inheritance. It is a powerful promise. It a specific promise. It is a promise with many tough conditions. 

The promise will be fulfilled.

Application to our Lives

We like to quote the positive parts of God’s promises. Many come with tough prerequisites. Today, let God speak His promises over you. Receive all of the promises, even the parts that are tough to hear. 

Blood covenants have strong commitments. Look afresh at the blood covenant God has made with mankind to each of us.

Time to Pray

Father, today is a day where You have given strong promises. As I reflect on the promises, let me also reflect on the parts that may not be as easy to accept. Prosperity – but in alignment with our soul prosperity. Forgiveness - as I forgive others who sin against me. Joy – both in the good situations and the tough situations. There is so much that I need to remember. So help me receive Your promises today – all parts. In Jesus name, Amen.