Last weekend we were at a wonderful wedding in a beautiful country church. We parked the car some distance away and walked along the lane to the service. Just as the bride and groom made their way back down the aisle the heavens opened. Unprepared for the downpour our entire family sought shelter under one rather small Cath Kidston umbrella. The umbrella provided wonderful protection for those of us underneath it – but no benefit at all for those outside of its protection who arrived back at the car in a somewhat bedraggled state!
Genesis 17 reminds us of the protection and blessing that is available to those who choose to place themselves under the protection of the covenant.
The concept of covenant is fundamental to both Old and New Testament, in describing God’s relationship with his people. In the ancient world covenant described the terms of a treaty between two neighbouring states. The more powerful King (the ‘Suzerain’) would offer protection and blessing to the less powerful King (the ‘Vassal’) who in return would pledge faithfulness, loyalty and exclusive reliance on his protection not only for himself but on behalf of his descendants.
In v1 God appears to Abraham and initiates the covenant. He makes it clear that in return Abraham needs to pledge obedience, ‘the obedience that comes from faith’ (Romans 1 v5). Circumcision is given as the outward sign of the covenant, not just for Abraham as an individual believer but for his descendants and future generations.
The glorious truth is that we are inheritors of this promise under the New Covenant.
Today let us choose to be obedient and wholehearted in our commitment to him, placing ourselves under the umbrella of His protection provision and blessing.
Gen 17 v1 ‘I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless.’
(homegroup member)