Day 6

By
Abraham, “father of a multitude"

Scripture

January 6—Genesis 15-17: Faith and Failure of Abram

Observation

God’s promises to Abram are now reaffirmed in the covenant that God makes with his faithful servant. The provisions include the promise that Abram’s own son would be his heir, even though he and Sarai are childless and beyond childbearing years. Abram weakens under the pressure of passing time and yields to Sarai’s suggestion. The result is the birth of Ishmael, a son whom God also promises to bless but who is clearly not the son of God’s promise. Despite his act of presumption, Abram receives a new sign of God’s faithfulness (circumcision) and a new name (Abraham, “father of a multitude”). And, Sarai to Sarah.

Application

Sometimes the obedient thing is to do nothing because obedience can take on many forms. Sometimes it is the obedient thing to sit still (as when Christ told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem, Act 1:4). More often, obedience demands some step of action. Noah picked up a saw and hammer (Genesis 6:14, 22); Moses climbed a mountain to bring back God’s words on two stone tablets (Exodus 24:12); Joshua led the nation on a seven-day hike around Jericho (Joshua 6:1-21)—all in obedience to the word of the Lord.
The same was true in the life of Abraham in Chapter 15, he obediently arranged the pieces of the sacrifice by which God ratified his covenant; in chapter 17, he carried out the responsibility of circumcising his entire household according to God’s command. While these acts of faith may not seem very spectacular, they became highly significant when performed in obedience to God’s direction.
So, what ordinary actions are God calling upon us to do today? We know He wants us to care for one another in loving kindness like in all situations we can apply "What would Jesus do?"

Prayer

Dear God, help us to be obedient in the ordinary details of life, for that is the path of our blessing. Let us not be weary in your call to an ordinary action as simple as writing a letter, visiting the shut-in, sharing a kind word or preparing a favorite dessert out of kindness. Help us soften our hearts in your son’s name. Amen!

 Abraham circumcising his entire household






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2018

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