4.8. ABRAM'S COVENANT SACRIFICE IN FAITH (Genesis 15)

This is the first time this phrase is used - the word was to come in various ways (Hebrews 1:1 ), and in the Word Himself. The word to Abram (Genesis 15:1 ) was appropriate to his need. He needed God as his shield from any avenging plot of the kings he had defeated (Genesis 14 ). He needed reward having turned down the worldly king of Sodom. The child of God need fear nothing except to offend the Lord.

Abram's question showed his attention was on his problem, "childless", not on God's promises. God tells him he is to have an heir of his own body (Genesis 15:4 ), that his descendants would be as numberless as the stars. (Genesis 15:5 ).

Verse 6 teaches Abram's justification by faith. He did not just believe the Lord, he believed IN the Lord to perform. He believed the fact that he would have a son - he acted upon that faith and gave himself to God. He believed in the multiplication that would result.

He believed in the Lord for his righteousness and it was accounted to him by the Lord (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:16-25 ). Abram was justified in believing what he heard (Galatians 3:5, 6 ). Abram's faith was a living faith issuing in devoted obedience (James 2:23 ).

In response to the question 'How shall I know that I shall inherit it (the land)?', (Genesis 15:7, 8 ), he is told to bring the offering for the covenant sacrifice (Genesis 15:9 ). The making of a covenant required the cutting of the sacrificial animals into two (Genesis 15:10 ), then the parties of the covenant solemnly walked between the two parts (See Jeremiah 34:18 ). God made solemn covenant requiring Abram's seed inheriting the land, solemnising it by "a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces" (Genesis 15:17 ). The covenant included from the river of Egypt to the river Euphrates (Genesis 15:18-21 ). A prophecy of the Israelites sojourn in Egypt that was to last 400 years (Genesis 15:13-14 ). But nothing would stop the fulfilment of God's covenant promise.

Her suggestion was in accord with the practice of the day (Genesis 16:1-3 ).

When in the flesh attempt is made to help God fulfil a promise, trouble ensues. Hagar's pregnancy caused her to adopt a superior air towards her mistress - Sarai grew angry and ill-treated her, and Hagar ran away (Genesis 16:4-6 ).

Wandering in the wilderness she was met by the angel of the Lord who made promises for her and her child and sent her back to Sarai (Genesis 16:7-14 ). What a revelation Hagar received. "You-are-the-God-who-sees." Genesis 16:13.

When Abram was 86 Hagar bore Ishmael, meaning 'God hears.' Hagar and her child are the picture of the old covenant, made at Sinai, the members of which are in bondage (Galatians 4:21-27 ). Abram's mistake was to cost Israel dearly. We are not the children of the old; in bondage, but, the New Jerusalem in heaven, the place where God lives, who adopts us into His family - where we enjoy freedom in Christ.

Genesis 17 is an important chapter. The Lord appeared to Abraham and renewed His covenant (Genesis 17:1-4 ). To emphasise this He changed his name from 'exalted father' to 'father of a multitude.' (Genesis 17:5 ).

As sign and token of the covenant, Abraham and all males in his house were to be circumcised (Genesis 17:10-14 ). Sarai's name, meaning 'my princess', is changed to 'princess Sarah' - it probably served to mark the occasion. (Genesis 17:15 ).

God is specific in His promise of a son for Abraham - Sarah is named as the mother (Genesis 17:16-17 ). The amazed laughter of Abraham rocks him, as he contemplates in his heart - a child of a man who is a hundred and Sarah that is ninety? God heard the thoughts of his heart. In asking these questions Abraham took into consideration:

Romans 4:19, 20 "And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God."

God first re-affirms Sarah to be the mother of the son of promise, and names the son to be 'Isaac' meaning 'laughter'. Proof indeed that the laughter of verse 17 sprang from exultant faith (Genesis 17:19-21 ). Ishmael is also blessed in answer to Abraham's prayers (Genesis 17:20 ). The Lord states His covenant is with Isaac, even the time of his birth is given (Genesis 17:21 ).

Obediently, Abraham was circumcised at 99 years of age (Genesis 17:23 ), accepting by faith the promise of Isaac. God had said it - that settled it. He fulfilled his part of the covenant - circumcision - he, Ishmael, all the men of his house (Genesis 17:25- 27 ). Like Abraham, our faith must rest in what God has said.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How appropriate do you understand the word of the Lord to be to Abram after the deliverance of Lot?(Genesis 15:1).
   • Have you found that after great victory, you need re-enforcing with a special word from God?
2. Do you, like Abram, find yourself taken up with the problem (his was being childless), instead of God's promises?
3. What significance has Galatians 3:9 in the fulfilment of the promise to Abram that his descendants would be as numberless as the stars?
4. Are you familiar with the teaching of Romans 4:16-25 on Abram's faith being accounted to him for righteousness?
   • Can you look at the difficulties which are in the way of fulfilment of God's promise to you, and be unwavering through the strengthening of faith?
5. How did God initiate and establish and assure and solemnise the Covenant with Abram that his seed would inherit the land?
   • What great prophecy was made concerning his descendants' deliverance?
   • What effect does such prophecy have on you?
6. While accepting that at least ten years had gone by since God first promised a seed to Abram, would this be sufficient reason to do what Sarai suggested?
   • Could fleshly attempt to help God fulfill His promise ever be right?
   • Do you know of examples of this practice?
   • Would you regard this tendency to be a dangerous one?
7. Why did Hagar adopt a superior attitude towards Sarai?
   • Did Sarai respond to, and treat her servant correctly?
   • Do you need to look again at responses and attitudes in the home?
8. When human relationships break down does God stop caring?
   • Are you surprised that wandering Hagar was found by the Lord?
   • What does the revelation Hagar received "You -are-the-God-who-sees" mean to you?
   • How did God correct the situation?
9. What covenant did Hagar and her child typify?
   • When we make mistakes do you think there are consequences to others?
10. What was the lapse of time between the matter of Hagar, and the Lord appearing to Abram in Genesis 17?
11. God, as the all-bountiful one, renewed His covenant with Abram. What new name did He give him and what is the meaning?
    • Have you noticed that when God renews a promise, He enlarges it? How is this shown in the change of name?
12. What sign did God require of Abraham that marked him as willing to do God's will?
    • Have you demonstrated your willingness to give yourself to God to make you fruitful?
13. What significance did the change of Sarai's name to Sarah have for her?
    • What specific promise did God give concerning Sarah?
    • Why was Abraham overcome with laughter?
    • What do you know from Romans 4:19-20 that confirms Abraham's laughter is of faith?
    • What is the meaning of the name "Isaac"?
    • By giving this name for the promised son, was God giving approval to Abraham's laughter as joyous, victorious faith?
    • When did faith in God's sure Word to you make you laugh?
    • Has this happened recently? Do you believe that God's people have reason to laugh today?