God’s Promises to Abraham

Have great faith in God, obey HIM and be blessed.

In Genesis 12 to 18 and 21 to 22, God made promises and a covenant with Abraham, who was originally named Abram. God gave a land to Abraham and his descendants to inherit, and would multiply him exceedingly. His name would be great as he would be a father of nations. His wife, Sarah, who was originally named Sarai, would bear a son, and she would be a mother of nations. The covenant is about circumcision, to be kept by Abraham and his descendants after him throughout their generations.

To receive the land granted by God, Abraham must leave the original dwelling place and journey with his people and all their possessions. It takes great courage to leave the comfort zone. Abraham didn’t doubt God but did so accordingly.

Nothing is impossible for God. Therefore, Sarah gave birth even she had passed the age of childbearing. Isaac was born when his father was 100 years old. Abraham’s faith is so great that he passed the test given by God as he fears God and didn’t withhold his only son, but was willing to do what the LORD commanded – offer Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham understands everything belongs to God and HE comes first. Abraham lives in full obedience and trust to God without violation and complaint. His faith was confirmed and God gave him bountiful blessings.

God also promised Abraham that it would be fine to send Ishmael (his seed) and Hagar (the bondwoman) away. The lad and his mother would live in the wild and God would multiply him exceedingly.

Abraham glorified God and expressed his thankfulness by building an altar to the LORD every time. He did his duty faithfully to keep the covenant with God. Abraham, Ishmael his son and all the men of his house were circumcised. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, Ishmael his son at thirteen, and Isaac his son eight days old according to the covenant.

Abraham is an excellent example to show us how a flesh can be righteous, have great faith in God and keep the covenant loyally. He delights God by exercising his free will to obey HIM without unbelief and complaint, no matter how tough the circumstance is. He believes in God’s plan and HIS justice. God shows HIS great love toward him with abundant blessings. How harmonious Abraham’s relationship with our LORD is!

Let’s pray to God:

O Lord, my God, thanks for Your mercy, generosity and loving-kindness. You are full of goodness and we have the great honor to keep Your covenant (established by Jesus). Please strengthen our faith and help us resist all temptations that are ready to tear us away from You. Pray that we have full trust and belief in You like what Abraham did, and be able to do what You command without refusal, negligence, hesitation and complaint. Thanks for all Your blessings and helps. Amen.