Genesis 15 records a defining moment in Abram’s (who has his name changed to Abraham) life. God encounters Abram and promises, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ In chapter 12 God had promised Abram to bless his children but Abram remains childless and in chapter 15 when God repeats his promise, Abram reminds God of this discrepancy. God tells Abram to count the stars, as that is the number of offspring he will have. We read,
“6 And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.”
Paul argues that Father Abraham was not justified because of the act, the work, of circumcision, but by this moment of trusting God’s promise before he was told to circumcise the males in his house. Abraham is the father of all people who believe God’s promises, not just the Jewish people who are biologically related to Abraham. When we believe in God’s promises given through Jesus, we become children of Abraham.
Even as Paul argues that all people, not just circumcised Jews, are children of Abraham because of faith. Christians might be called to task for believing they are saved because of baptism or because of confirmation or because of belonging to a certain church. None of those things mean much unless the person has a relationship with the identity they claim through a ritual.
Relationships are not just defined by some ritual like saying, “I do.” Relationships grow, have seasons of highs and lows, and remain intact when we are silent and when we are out on a date, chatting. Relationships are not just a piece of paper. Abraham believed God. Is there a defining moment when your relationship with God began to grow? Perhaps spend some time now thanking God and renewing that covenant in your heart. Blessing as you reflect on moments of being blessed.
On the Way to Wonder 