A word that was very big to us when we were little children was promise! I’m sure that it is also true in our day; either we promise that if you do better in school, or pick up all the toys, or come home no later than 5:30 pm., your mother and I will allow you to stay up later to watch TV! Our parents also were big on promises, if you eat all your supper I will give you the biggest piece of cake. Promises, promises, but promises are not necessarily the object desired; they are the means of receiving something we really want!

Our chapter for consideration this week is the fifteenth chapter of Genesis. We are told by the scholars of Genesis that this chapter may just be the most important chapter in the whole book! I have read this chapter over and over trying for the life of me to understand why they say this!

What I did learn was the problem that was seen as the problem here in the fifteenth chapter was a promise given to Abraham and his wife to move on and you will be blest with children. The problem of barrenness was not overcome, and because it had not up to this time, could lead to doubt. What Abraham and Sarah believed had not happened, which could be the beginning of not believing, of losing faith! Maybe what they thought was truly a blessing is nothing more than a pipe dream!

Let’s read what was promised; “Now the Lord said the Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will you bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.’” Genesis 12:1-2. It has all the sound of a promise; if you do this, then I will do that!

So God’s promise to Abraham & Sarah led to their pilgrimage of hope. To walk the walk of faith for you and me is to believe all that God has promised, and enjoy living in Him!

Prayer

Heavily Father, what You desire from us as Your children, is to live faithfully every day. Thank You, Lord, for life and eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.