The Watford Church of Christ Podcast
We are on a journey to that future life exploring the incredible plans God has for us on earth to love Him and to love others. Join us on this journey!
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.Episode 30Today we finish chapter 17“On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day. And every male in Abraham’s household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him.” (Genesis 17:23–27 NIV11)What are we seeing here? A well developed spiritual character in action.Abraham is quick to respond. He gets on with things "on that very day". Not only is he urgent, but he is thorough. He circumcised "all" and "every" man. It is not often that urgency and thoroughness go together. Abraham in this area, like so many, is uncommon.Why is he so balanced? We can only attribute it to his relationship with God. He does all he does because, "God told him". Devotional thought for todayHesitancy is not part of spiritual character. We shall see this illustrated in dramatic fashion in Genesis 19 with the wife of Lot. The person I'm reminded of is Zacchaeus.“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”” (Luke 19:8 NIV11)He was urgent and thorough - going beyond what was expected of him. He acted, "here and now".Is there an area of your spiritual life where you are currently hampered by hesitancy? Is there an apology to make to someone you lead or live with? Are you putting off confessing sin? Are you delaying offering forgiveness towards someone? Are you holding back from serving someone that God has put into your life?Resolve to be both urgent and thorough.Prayer point for todayAsk God to help you take action and complete what he has given you to do.If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 29
Today we continue in chapter 17
“Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. “I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.” When He finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.” (Genesis 17:15–22 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God can handle our incredulity.
Abraham already knew he would receive a son, but he did not know it would come through Sarai. She, like her husband, is renamed. Both versions of the name mean 'princess', so nothing fundamental has changed, but it is probably symbolic of this new revelation.
Abraham's response? To laugh. God's response to his laughter? To carry on with business.
It seems that everyone gets a blessing. Sarai, Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael. God is not mean with dishing out his blessings!
Devotional thought for today
Isaac's name means "laughter". In laughing at God’s promise, Abraham confirms it without realising what he was doing. I too might well have laughed. What about you?
Some things God tells us appear ridiculous. That we can have the peace that passes understanding? Are we going to have the joy of the spirit? That we can be confident of our salvation? That we will be give us strength to love our enemies?
Which of the promises of God do you find most difficult to accept? The ones which make you laugh in your heart, even if never out loud?
It may not be a sign of great faith when we laugh, but it is honest. God can handle our laughter, our incredulity, our honesty.
At the end of this paragraph God just takes off. He does not attempt to persuade Abraham out of his doubt, but simply tells him what he will do. It should be, and indeed was enough for Abraham. Let God's word be enough for you and me.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you trust his promises - every one of them
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 28
Today we continue in chapter 17
“God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. “This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. “And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. “And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a servant who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants. “A servant who is born in your house or who is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised; thus shall My covenant be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. “But an uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”” (Genesis 17:9–14 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The expectations of God are meaningful and manageable.
God has just presented Abram with a comprehensive and inspiring set of blessings. The verses following are his longest speech in chapter 17 . The theme is not hard to discern. He mentions "covenant" and "circumcise" over and over again.
When God makes promises to humankind, he does not do things by halves. A previous example of something so significant might be what happened after the flood.
““It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. “When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”” (Genesis 9:14–16 NAS95)
On that occasion God provided the sign himself. This time he expects Abraham to partner with him in the sign of circumcision.
Devotional thought for today
Is Abraham's responsibility difficult or easy? Well, there was some pain involved, and the whole episode cannot have been exactly pleasant. However, considering the grandure of the promises, Abraham’s role is miniscule!
God expects that Abraham will follow through on his part of the covenant. But his part is hardly worth comparing to God's.
What is our part of the bargain? To live faithful to Christ.
“And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (Hebrews 10:38–39)
We are called to live by faith. Just like Abraham. That face results in a life which pleases God. Sometimes living this way is difficult. But it never even begins to match the depth, breadth and height of the glories of God's gifts to us.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you gladly embrace a life of faithfulness, even if it is costly
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
Saturday Jan 23, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 27
Today we start chapter 17
“Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. “No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. “I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. “I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”” (Genesis 17:1–8 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? A watershed event.
Chapters 12-16 all point towards this moment.
In the preceding chapters, the land becomes 'this land', then, 'all the land which you can see' then 'from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, and now, 'I shall give to you . . . the whole land of Canaan as a permanent holding'.
Abraham was told he would become a “great nation.” Then his descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth; then as many as the stars, then too many to count, now a 'multitude of nations' and 'kings shall be descended from you'.
Small wonder that Abram falls flat on his face!
The Word Biblical Commentary notes this:
"From this point in Genesis, divine speeches become rarer and little new content is added to the promises, but the fulfilment of these promises becomes more visible."
Devotional thought for today
In some ways God is acting here rather like a parent. He is setting out the future of his 'son'. Indeed, he is naming him. The meaning morphs from "the father is exalted" to, "the father of a multitude".
Why he is chosen for this is hard to say. The same question arises for you and me. Why did God choose to reveal himself to you, and not your sister, your Uncle, your school friend, your work-mate?
We may never know in this life. But, that is not meant to stop us rejoicing.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Peter 1:1–2 NIV11)
We have been chosen by Grace, and appointed for obedience. For what purpose? So the world will know. Gods purpose for Abraham was never that his relationship with Abraham should be exclusive. Rather, it was intended to be as inclusive as possible.
Rejoice you are chosen, and rejoice that you are free to invite others to be chosen.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you rejoice at being chosen, and to rejoice at the opportunity to invite others to be chosen
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 26
Today we finish chapter 16
“The angel of the LORD said to her further, “Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. “He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees”; for she said, “Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.” (Genesis 16:11–16 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? When we feel seen by God we are given the courage to live by faith.
God gives wonderful promises to Hagar. How does she feel? She feels seen. The way it is expressed is almost like an astonished question, "He sees even me - even me?"
The well called 'Beer Lahai Roi' means, “well of the living who sees me”. The name is a reminder of the caring God Hagar encountered in her times of desperation.
Devotional thought for today
When we feel seen by God, we live by greater faith. It is interesting that the one person in this narrative who is a model of faith is not Sarai nor Abram, but Hagar.
She listens to the Lord, feels seen and heard by him, and obeys him. She goes back to the household of the one who abused her (by no means does this imply there are any extenuating excuses for domestic violence, by the way).
She trusts that God will sort out a messy situation. She has a confidence that God is with her.
What helps you to feel "seen" by God? What convinces you that he is paying attention to you, personally, all the time?
Just before giving his followers the words of what we now call "the Lord's prayer", Jesus says this:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7–8 NIV11)
He knows what you need. We have the right to ask him for our "daily bread". He will give to those who make requests (Matt 7:7,11).
Do you want greater faith? The place to begin is discovering how to feel seen by God.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to give you the assurance that you are seen
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 25
Today we move further into chapter 16
““Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” Then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, “I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.”” (Genesis 16:7–10 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God goes looking for the lost.
The angel of the LORD or the angel of God are mentioned a total of 69 times in the Old Testament. Mostly from the books of Genesis to Judges.
The angel of the LORD appears at moments of personal crisis in Genesis (Gen 21:17; 22:11, 15). He either is the LORD in human form, or speaks for God and with his authority.
Devotional thought for today
How did Hagar feel? We will get a better picture of that tomorrow. But for now, let's think about what we're learning about God.
Firstly, he goes looking for the lost. Just like God in Genesis 3. Just like Jesus, Luke 19:10. He wants to create connection and offer support where it is most needed.
Secondly, he is personal. Notice that he uses Hagar's name. Her husband has not used her name, nor has her mistress. This is the first time her name is used in the chapter. Hagar now knows she is not nameless and insignificant, but known and loved.
Thirdly, he is corrective. He sent Hagar back to the way she came, in a direction she does not want to go. He knows what's best for her.
Fourthly, he is visionary. He tells her of wonderful blessings to come.
Which of these four aspects of the angel of the LORD connect for you the most? We see all of them in Jesus. Which passages in the New Testament come to mind when you think of these characteristics of Jesus?
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you yearn for a better understanding of him and a deeper connection with him
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 24
Today we move further into chapter 16
““And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me.” But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.” (Genesis 16:5–6 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The consequences of impatience.
Sarai feels wronged. The word for "wrong" can be translated "violence". It is the same word used to describe what was going on that caused the flood (Genesis 6:11,13). Hagar might be giving her former mistress a hard time, but it cannot possibly as bad as all that!
Sarai now treats Hagar "harshly", a word used to describe the experience of the Israelite slaves in Egypt (Exodus 1:12). Hagar is from Egypt (16:1). Hence, we have a frightening prefigured reversal of the oppression prophesied in Genesis 15:13.
Devotional thought for today
Some kind of combination of hurt, anger, disappointment and resentment has twisted Sarai's heart. Her behaviour is out of all proportion to her treatment. Rarely has the phrase, "be careful what you wish for" been more apt.
When we manipulate circumstances in our favour, we invite all kinds of 'demons' into our heart.
The Word biblical commentary put it this way:
"...the first scene ends in total disaster for all concerned. Hagar has lost her home, Sarai her maid, and Abram his second wife and newborn child."
Is there any area of your life at the moment where you are struggling with impatience? Here is a scripture for you to meditate on today:
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to grant you the patience you need in the specific areas where you feel impatient.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 23
Today we start chapter 16
““Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had borne him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight.” (Genesis 16:1–4 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The consequences of impatience. How does this play out? First of all, let's set the scene.
Abram is more in the background in chapter 16. The women take centre stage. The implication is that Abram is willing to wait, whilst Sarai is not. However, Abram agrees with his wife's plan. A plan which reminds us of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. The same Hebrew word for 'listened', 'shamar', is used in Genesis 3:17 and here. Things did not turn out well then, and they do not turn out well now.
Surrogate motherhood for rich women was not unusual in the culture of the day. However, the outcome makes it clear that God's people should not take their cues from the norms of society.
Devotional thought for today
We will tackle the theme of impatience in another podcast, but, for today, let's talk about cultural assimilation.
However distasteful we might think of it today, Sarai's solution would have made perfect sense to her friends and extended family. Surrogate motherhood and polygamy were, if not the norm, certainly not unusual.
Paul wrote about the temptation to fit in:
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2 NAS95)
Is there any place in your life where you're tempted to compromise? Is there any current challenge where you are tempted to cut corners to get what you feel you deserve or need?
Sarah uses Hagar to get what she wants. Hagar gets more than a pregnancy. She also gets an attitude. This will not end well.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to give you sufficient insight to notice when you're been conformed to the world, and sufficient courage to resist its gravitational pull
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 22
Today we pause for a moment before going onto the next chapter
In chapter 15 Abram is significant, but God is the focus. He is the one taking initiative, giving a vision, answering questions, dealing with doubts, giving instructions, causing Abraham to fall into a deep sleep, making the covenant and walking between the carcasses.
God is the shield, the reward, the one to bless Abraham and his descendants.
What of Abram? Commentators have pointed out that he fulfils three functions which are very significant in the history of Israel. He is priest, prophet and king.
The Word Biblical Commentary puts it like this:
"In these scenes Abram is portrayed not merely as the archetypal Israelite who has faith in God, but as a conquering king who has been promised victory over his foes and a great territory. As often noted, there are many resemblances in the form and content between the covenant with Abram and that with David (2 Samuel 7). However, the paradigmatic character of the father of the nation is also seen in the way he is viewed as a prophet enjoying a vision (v 1) of God and insight into the future (vv 13–16). Finally Abram appears as a sort of priest: the description of the bird-rite suggests it, and the mention of his sacrifices and altar-building points in the same direction. Within the OT these same features reappear in the figure of Moses, and the NT sees our Lord as prophet, priest, and king. In exercising faith, the people of the new covenant both imitate Christ and also walk in the footsteps of our forefather Abram."
Devotional thought for today
Christians today have similar identities and functions.
“[He] has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:6 NIV11)
Who are we?
“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” (1 Peter 2:9–10 NAS95)
We are a priesthood serving our heavenly father. We are royal because we are related to the king by blood. We are profits in that we are declaring and proclaiming the will of God to the world.
How is it possible that we - weak, sinful, flesh-bound - are able to inhabit such an identity and exhibit such activities? It is because we have "received mercy".
Prayer point for today
Ask God to fill you with gratitude for his mercy, and ask him to help you to fulfil your functions as priest, prophet and royalty
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Sunday Jan 17, 2021
Sunday Jan 17, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 21
Today we move further into chapter 15
“It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.”” (Genesis 15:17–21 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God cursing himself. I had better explain that!
The smoking oven and flaming torch remind us of the pillar of fire which accompanied Israel in the desert. Here the presence of God is moving between the slaughtered animals. The events recorded are taking elements from common covenant rituals of the time.
When a covenant was made it was said to be "cut". The blood of an animal or animals was shed by cutting them. People making the covenant committed themselves to keeping the agreement at the expense of shedding their own blood. Sometimes as the covenant was spoken the person speaking held a knife to the throat symbolically saying to the other person, "If I break this covenant you have the right to cut to my throat."
Devotional thought for today
We will see a further development of covenant in chapter 17. In that situation Abraham has something to do (circumcision). Here, he simply arranges the materials, and God is the actor. He is the one moving between the animal carcasses and, in a sense, calling a curse upon himself if he does not carry out his promises to Abraham.
What does this remind us of? Surely Jesus on the cross. One who allowed himself to be cursed so that we could be blessed.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE” —” (Galatians 3:13 NAS95)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to fill you with gratitude at the cost he was prepared to pay so that we could be set free.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm