WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Ask God to show you more of his faithfulness today and give you fresh assurance of his love. The promise doubted When God reassures Abram of his presence and protection Abram reacts with questions. And who can blame him? He is old. His wife is old. They do not have any children. His wealth will go to a trusted servant. Abram cannot see how God is going to keep his word. Do you detect a note of his disappointment with God? It is so reassuring to know that God can handle our biggest questions and doubts. The promise renewed God repeats his promise to Abram that his descendants will be his own flesh and blood, more numerous than the stars. Abram’s trust in God is reawakened and God counts that as key in his relationship with Abram and with every human being since Abram (Ephesians 2:8). Are you able to believe God today? The promise confirmed In ancient times a treaty between nations or a pledge between individuals was solemnised in a ritual involving the shedding of blood. God, whose word alone can be trusted (Psalm 12), condescends to solemnly bind himself to his promise. Usually both parties walked between the carcasses, but God alone takes the full initiative here – this is a unilateral agreement that God alone will fulfil. God has made another covenant in blood: Jesus, God’s son, says: ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins’ (Matthew 26:28, NIV) Respond: Worship the promise-making, promise-keeping God. http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-03-23