Text: Genesis 15:1-18a

Rev Chance McMullin preached on The Lord’s Covenant with Abram

 

He begins by pointing out that we all have expectations. We have experiences and know of other’s experiences, and these experiences lead to expectations.

Abram, however, found himself in a situation with no expectations because this situation was brand new. A new journey. Abram didn’t know what to expect.

Rev Chance points out the context of the text: at this point in time, there was no such thing as Jews or Israelites. He went on to recount the story in context. Abram heard God’s call and continued towards Canaan where his father originally planned to go.

“When the Lord spoke-the journey began.”

With this calling was a promise:

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.[a]
 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 12:2,3

Rev Chance points out that in today’s text Abram is 75 years old. “Right now these things seem impossible.”

So how will Abram know that these promises will be fulfilled?

The Lord told Abram to bring him a sacrifice. Abram followed the Lord’s command, and “Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.”

In this deep sleep, the Lord confirms to Abram that these promises will be fulfilled.

Rev Chance explains that the torch passing through is a contract. If what the Lord has said doesn’t come true, then the Lord’s fate will be the same as the animal sacrifices.

So what is the Good News of this text? Our God keeps His promises.

While our promises may not be to be a famous name or a great nation, we are promised eternal life if we believe Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. This is good news because our God keeps His promises. We can count on God to fulfill his promises.