Genesis 17

Genesis 17

Abraham's name is changed… "for I (God) have made you (Abraham) the father of a multitude of nations." This covenant is an everlasting covenant between God and Abraham, and Abraham's offspring. God is promising to always be their God (see 17:7).  The covenant isn't just with Abraham, but will be carried from generation to generation of his offspring.

As the covenant is being made, God tells Abraham: "I am God Almighty, walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly." The condition of the heart is very important for the covenant. Abraham's faith is what counted to him as making him righteous. It wasn't the circumcision. It was his faith. This everlasting covenant would be for his descendants, but it would only benefit those who walked humbly with God. God is choosing to bless Abraham. It isn't because Abraham is successful, but because God loves Abraham. Abraham chose to trust God and have faith. He had active faith where his life was much different than others, because he chose to believe and live based on his relationship with God. Active faith: this is what makes our lives look different from others!

Circumcision: as a sign of the covenant, Abraham and his household are circumcised as are the generations to follow. While Paul states through his letters that it is the heart that matters, not the actual act of circumcision. While following the letter of the law, circumcision is of great value, which is what the Israelites follow in the days to come (after Abraham). They followed the law, because Christ had not come yet. Circumcision is pointed out to be "a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not the letter. (Romans 2:29)" Galatians 6:15 points of what matters is being a new creation, not whether we are or aren't circumcised. What sticks out to me about circumcision of the heart is cutting off flesh. As a new creation, my goal should be to cut off the flesh. Seeking Christ, not sin! Seeking His Word, not this world! Walking by His Spirit, so that I don't gratify the desires of my sinful self.

Galatians 5:16-17 says: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

In keeping with the covenant God made with him, Abraham circumcised himself and his household. In keeping with the work of Christ on the cross and the resurrection, our goal should be to "let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.." (Hebrews 12:1) Putting everything aside to wholly follow God, leaving nothing to be a stumbling block, and ensuring our hearts are undividedly given to Christ!

Just as God made a covenant with Abraham, he made one with the Church also. With the new covenant, we are not under law but grace. God's grace is lavishly poured out to us! Salvation is a free gift: not of us, but of HIM! Hebrews 9:15 says: "That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant."