What an odd conversation Abram had with his Heavenly Father!
In Genesis 17, the Lord appeared and restated his covenant with his friend. He would give Abram:
- A son
- Many sons
- Many kings
- Many nations
- Much wealth
- The land of Canaan
- Spiritual communion, protection, and blessings
- A barren wife who would soon conceive
- A legacy — through Abram and his household, God would bless all nations on the earth.
God then changed Abram’s name. From that point on he was going to be called “Abraham — Father of Many Nations.”
And what was Abram to do?
- He was to walk before God and be blameless. (17:1)
- He was to keep covenant with God by removing the foreskins of all males in his household. (17:10-15)
Disbelief: Abraham discounted the promise of the Lord.
Mockery: At first, Abraham fell on his face and laughed.
Folly: Then Abraham pitched an alternative plan to the Lord. He said something to the effect of, “God, instead of opening the womb of 100 year-old Sarah, let’s just let Ishmael be the promised one living before your face.” What foolishness!
Well, the Lord was not impressed with Abraham’s laughter, disbelief, and alternative pitch. God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son … and I will establish my covenant with him ….” (17:19-21)
God then went up from Abraham, and how did God’s friend respond? The answer is “beautifully.” At age 99:
That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him. (Genesis 17:26-27)
Repenting Obedience: Abraham did what was odd, inconvenient, unpopular, and painful. He kept covenant with the Lord who always kept His covenant with his friend. Abraham obeyed. He led his family in worship, and he did it “that very day.”
And so, today, I think I might like to follow Father Abraham.
As the Lord corrects my disbelief, mockery, and folly, as the Spirit circumcises my heart, I would like to do that which is odd, inconvenient, unpopular, and painful. I would like to walk before God, be blameless, keep covenant, worship, obey, and lead my household well.
I would like to do so soon — even “this very day.”
Unfathomable Grace 