January 21

January 21.

Abraham & God's Promise -- Abraham's faith in God & God's unilateral covenant.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Genesis 15

Reading 2: Jeremiah 34:18-20

Reading 3: Romans 4

Have you ever experienced something so amazing that it was hard to believe it? One time Jane and I were given a car late at night. It was parked outside our apartment, and the first we knew of it was when the keys and title dropped through the letterbox in our door. It was hard to believe initially, but that car was a great blessing to us early in our marriage.

Imagine how Abram felt when God made this one-sided covenant with him! Look up and see the stars - you will have that many descendants! You and I would have trouble believing that (given that Abram and Sarai were old and childless). But we are told, "And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith."

And then God shows Abram how he can be sure of this promise, utilizing a smoking fire pot and flaming torch passing between the halves of the animals God had commanded Abram to spread out before Him. This represented God making a covenant (it was the way important agreements were concluded in that society).

And for us also, faith is the key to receiving God's covenant love, forgiveness, and eternal life. We cannot earn salvation. We can only receive it by faith. It is a gift from God through Jesus.

Have a great day!

Mark.