November 27, 2007

 

Genesis Chapter 15

 A Picture of the Living Word

To receive the greatest possible blessing from this Bible study, please take a moment to read the passage.

 For a Printer friendly Page Click Here 

         Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, the ability to communicate is such a precious gift, but awesome responsibilities accompany it. Grant me wisdom to listen twice as much as I speak. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

 

 

          Introduction:

 

Every time I said the big “n” word—no—in the beginning of Rachel’s quirky teen-age years, she had folded her arms and flopped on the couch in contempt.

“I know you hate me.” She tried to punch my buttons.

With a gentle touch, I lifted her head and looked her square in the eye. “You know that’s a lie. Now, say, I know you love me, Mom.”

She sighed and while wrinkling her nose, repeated the sentence.

Every time she tried the routine, I insisted that she told the truth. Why? If we repeat a lie often enough, we begin to believe it to be true. I would not allow my daughter to think for a single minute that I hated her. Eventually, it became almost a game and she couldn’t say she hated me or I hated her without laughing, because she knew the outcome. However, the lesson taught her to tell herself the truth.

The enemy is the father of lies seeking whom he may destroy through deceit. And his subtlety necessitates constant reminding that God’s word is true.

 

           The Lesson:

           

            Although we know him as the father of faith, Abram needed reminders of God’s promises and encouragement along the way just as we do.

            In the first verse of chapter 15, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. God knew Abram’s need of assurance. “The word of the Lord” is a phrase often used in the Old Testament, especially in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, to verify that God gave His message to His people.

            Davar, the Hebrew word translated “word” in this passage, and logos, the Greek word translated “Word” in John 1:1, mean the same. These nouns have stronger meanings when applied to Deity than simply stating a message or statement. It denotes the creating, illuminating, controlling, sustaining mind of God. Jesus is the Word of God personified.

            The Word of the Lord said, “Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.” Abram was not doubting God’s promise at this point, but simply attempting to figure it out in his own finite mind. God told him not to fret about what was to take place. Then God reminded Abram that He was his shield—protector, refuge—and his exceeding great reward. David understood this concept: My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever (Psalms 73:26 KJV). Some commentaries translate the phrase “exceeding great reward” as “your reward shall be very great.” However, the thought seems to specify that God or the Word of God is in Himself Abram’s reward. Ultimately, is that not what we as believers are seeking? Our treasure, our reward is Jesus Christ, not temporal possessions. To say I am your shield and your reward shall be great does not fit the implications here.

            Verse 2: Abram addresses God as LORD. The basic meaning of the Hebrew word Adon or Adonai is Master, which, in the Old Testament, is applied both to Deity and to man. When applied to man, it may refer to either master or husband. Both these relationships exist between Christ and the believer (Even the Scribes and Pharisees called Him Master, John 8:3 & 4. Paul refers to Christ as the husband and the church as the bride 2 Corinthians 11:2). Two principles are implied with the usage of master and servant: (1) The master’s right to expect obedience, (2) the servant’s right to direction in service. Combining Lord with God emphasizes the authority we should reverently ascribe to the Almighty God and His sovereignty we should humbly submit to.

            The First Blood Sacrifice Covenant: The phrase “sealed in blood” or “written in blood” originated from Genesis 15:7-21. The cutting in halves of the sacrifice denotes the end of existing lives for the sake of the new bond. The shedding of blood testified to the irrevocable covenant between the two parties. In ancient times, it was customary for both parties to pass between the pieces sacrificed or for the inferior party only signifying his loyalty to his superior. However, in this instance, God voluntarily lowered Himself before Abram to establish the covenant. This indicated that God took full responsibility for its administration. No requirements were demanded of Abram. He simply believed. (Spirit Filled Bible page 27).

            This passage brilliantly illuminates Jesus’ covenant established on the cross. We see Jesus in the sacrifice as His flesh was torn and His blood shed to seal the covenant between Almighty God and sinful humanity. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:13-15 NKJV).

            We observe Christ as God passes through the severed pieces voluntarily walking the path of the inferior party signifying His loyalty to those who willingly accept His promises. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV).

            In these verses, we see that Jesus has taken full responsibility for the administration of the covenant between Him and the believer. No requirements are placed on us, but that we believe God’s word concerning Him and that we love one another.

           

           Conclusion and Challenge:

           

            I believe the Bible is the infallible word of God, every word will be fulfilled, and Jesus is coming soon as is recorded. Yet, doubts seep through the recesses of my mind like the subtle game Rachel played. I run to the Word for comfort and reassurance opening the Bible and reading, studying verse by verse the promises of God’s eternal love and plan of salvation. At those times, it doesn’t matter which book or which chapter. I’m there for a refresher course to confirm His infinite mercy and grace. Every page reveals God’s sovereignty and His ability to do exactly what He says He will do. Paul said, For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV).  

 

          Start a Ministry

 

            Start a new ministry. Print some business cards with a picture of a penny and the slogan “In God We Trust.” Under the slogan write: But are we trusting the one true God? If you like, place my website on it or yours or your church’s site. Hand them out—with your tip a restaurants, to passers-by, to cashiers, put them in all your outgoing mail. Pray earnestly for our nation’s revival.

            If you don’t have a computer or time to make cards, but would like to invest in this ministry, write to me via e-mail and I’ll send you some-FREE.