“Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. (v. 6)
When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.” (v. 17) Genesis 15 (NIV)
[For the complete story read Genesis 15:1-17]
It was a nice day in Canaan. Abram was resting after he returned from rescuing Lot’s family and other captives from the Eastern Coalition of invading armies.
While he peacefully contemplates recent events and God’s goodness, God comes to him in a vision. In this vision, God follows the Eastern custom of covenant-making by passing between the pieces of Abram’s sacrifice. The power of God’s action did two things for Abram. First, it affirmed that Abram would produce children from his own body. Second, it changed God’s promise into God’s covenant.
We all need assurance of God’s word to us from time to time. Such assurances are often meaningless to those around us but are significant to us personally. Even Abram wasn’t totally convinced after this experience (see Gen. 17:17). And Sarah certainly didn’t believe (see Gen. 18:10-12). The important point for us is two-fold. One, do not doubt God. And two, no one else has to be convinced by our evidence. When we stop and consider it, the evidence is to assure the individual. It is significant for him or her alone. So then we shouldn’t expect others to get excited about it or accept it as anything important since it is meaningless to them.
Abram’s faith needed conviction, so does mine and yours.
Dear Father, thank you for all the promises in the Bible. Forgive me for my doubts. Deliver me from them, O Lord and give me the firm conviction that only you can. I am not looking for a sign, O Lord, I simply need assurance of your promise. This I humbly pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his promises and live with conviction,
Pastor Smith