Genesis 15:1-21: Covenant

When God promises Abram descendants as numerous as the stars and land for generations to come, Abram sees none of it. No child. No land. Just words. So Abram asks the honest question: “O Lord, how am I to know?” God responds not with more words but with action. He enters into a covenant—a ritual where animals are cut in two and the participants walk between the pieces, calling down a curse upon themselves should they break the agreement. Abram doesn’t walk through. God alone passes between the pieces.

It’s God’s way of saying: “If I break this promise, may I be torn apart. And if you break it… I will take that curse too.” And that’s exactly what happens at the cross. In Jesus, God’s own flesh, the very Lamb of God, is torn apart. His pierced hands hold up the entire weight of a broken covenant. The flaming torch and smoking fire pot reappear—not in ritual, but in reality. Jesus is the fulfillment. The blessing promised to Abram. The guarantee that God’s promises are never just empty words.

So if you find yourself questioning God’s promises, wondering if you’ve been forgotten, or are feeling the burden of trying to make your own blessing, then look to the cross. There you’ll see God and God's answer to your questions:“Even if it costs Me everything, I will be faithful to you.” 

In Christ,

Pastor Nick

PS If you haven't yet picked up your copy of the "People of the Promise" Reading Journal you can download it HERE!