October 19 & 20th, 2021 – Late Tuesday/Early Wednesday
“Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying,
‘As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you,
And you will be the father of a multitude of nations.
No longer shall your name be called Abram,
But your name shall be Abraham;
For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.'” ~Genesis 17:3-8
I’m sure that there are many different aspects of this passage that could catch our eyes, so to speak; there is definitely much that is addressed here. However, one particular theme jumped out at me, especially as I am seeking to focus the attention on the character and nature of the LORD as seen in Scripture. What was the theme this time? Well, just this: The LORD is the God who acts on His own will according to His own good, perfect, gracious, and righteous character.
Side note. I love how Abram falls on his face before the LORD (this passage is found immediately following the LORD’s revelation of Himself as Almighty God). This is the typical reaction of human beings when confronted with the authority, purity, and holiness of the Living God and…it is the right and reasonable action! You and I would have no less reverence, fear, and terror before this awesome and amazing Sovereign Lord!
Main point. Look at how many times the LORD tells Abram (now Abraham) that HE has done this, HE will do that, and HE will be this. I counted at least seven direct quotations by God regarding these things; He blesses, He promises, He covenants, He gives, and He has no variation or shadow of turning. Furthermore, the LORD changes Abram’s name to Abraham (later He also changes Sarai’s name to Sarah) in this passage; He speaks the future to Abraham, and He leaves no room for His words to fail. He speaks and acts with such authority because He IS the authority.
I don’t know about you, but I am overwhelmed and grateful when I stop and ponder such truths. The God who has rescued me and delivered me into His kingdom of light through the Lord Jesus Christ is the God who speaks and acts on His own will and according to His own good, perfect, gracious, and righteous character! What joy is found in remembering Him! What peace in the midst of the storm! What comfort in the midst of tragedy! What strength lies in waiting on Him!
Father, help us to entrust ourselves to You! Help us to rest in Your “unchanging grace” and to live submitted to Your sovereign authority over us. Thank you that You are the God who acts according to Your own will and nature!