Genesis Series: Chapter 15

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

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CHAPTER 15

Abraham’s faith is put to the test, the promises are a long time being fulfilled. When Abraham and his wife who are both advanced in age, God renews the promise and seals it by a Covenant. According to ancient Covenant rites, those involved passed between the bleeding victims and called down upon themselves a similar fate if they broke their pledge.  Under the symbol of fire, it is Yahweh (God) who passes and He passes alone, for his covenant is a unilateral pact, a divine initiative. 

Abraham faith is a firm confidence in a promise which, humanly speaking cannot be realized.  God gives him the credit for this action.  Abraham is justified, he is made just and holy by this faith, which directs his conduct and is his principle of action.  

What happens to us when God puts our faith to the test?  Do we think that the promises of God are not being fulfilled for us?  Are we ready to throw in the towel with God?

But let us look at Abraham’s response since he is our father in faith.  He dialogues with God, asking questions and seeks answers. But he does not doubt, even though he does not understand how God’s promises can be fulfilled to him.  His faith therefore calls him into action and he lives by that faith.

God also asks us to have faith in Him, to trust Him and know that all is well. He also asks us to live in faith and for that faith to be alive and active.

There are many ways we can enliven our faith- prayer is essential- that dialogue with God regularly provides the opportunity for us to be open to what God is saying and for Him to nourish our faith.  But we must also enliven our faith and know it intensely if we are going to be able to live by its principles.

Why not check out your parish to see if they have a resource library with books and videos and tapes on faith related matters. Why not take up the challenge of identifying some area of faith that you want to understand more and be like Abraham and seek answers. Let us all keep nourishing our faith, seek answers and understanding and live by our principles of faith during this week.   

Why not set your faith on fire and make a covenant with the Lord on this issue.