Living by Faith

It’s for good reason that we read of Abram and Sarai in terms of faith. When they were childless and beyond child-bearing age, God called them out of their homeland to found a great nation. God promised them a land when they were nomads wandering in places occupied by other people.

They simply went, trusting in God’s promise.

But somewhere along the way their quiet confidence was shaken. Abram finally spoke up, expressing doubts. So God made a covenant. The ritual for its making was mysterious, even eerie; but the details of nighttime and human sleep are sure signs of God’s presence and activity, essential for the covenant.

Let’s remember that there is nothing inherently holy about a covenant. It’s a common thing even today-a solemn agreement outlining the rights and obligations of both parties. Because of God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ, we, too, are a covenant people.

But this new covenant explodes the standard definition. In our covenant, the Lord does it all because the Lord must do it all. God forgives sin and promises the “feast to come.”

It’s all about God’s promise, and our trust, just as it was for Abram and Sarai.

O God, sustain us by your life-giving Word, Jesus Christ. Amen. — CR