“When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram…” — Genesis 15:17-18
Genesis 15 shows an amazing covenant ceremony between God and Abram. God directs Abram to bring a heifer, a ram, and a goat. He is to cut each of them into two pieces and lay the sides opposite each other. This was a traditional covenant ceremony in the days of Abram. When two parties were about to enter into a contract, they would cut an animal (or animals) in two. Next, both parties would walk between the halves.
It would signify how serious the contract was because they were shedding blood. Additionally, it was like swearing an oath and a curse on themselves. Moreover, it said, “If either of us breaks this covenant, let the promise breaker become like these animals — killed and cut in two.” Undoubtedly, it’s sobering imagery.
God’s Promise
God initiates a promise with Abram in this ceremony. His promise has a few parts. First of all, Abram will have many descendants. Secondly, Canaan will be his. Finally (and most importantly), the whole world will be blessed by Abram’s offspring — Jesus Christ.
The most astounding thing in the Genesis 15 ceremony is who God allows to pass through the cut-up animals. Remember, this person ratifies the covenant and bears the possible curse of breaking the contract. Abram falls into a deep sleep, so he is merely an observer of the ceremony. Astonishingly, God alone (in the form of a smoking firepot with a blazing torch) passes between the sacrificed animals. By doing this, He surely tells Abram (and all who hear of this amazing covenant) that the promise depends on Him alone. He completely takes Abram’s (and our) capability to uphold his end of the bargain out of the equation.
The Promise Keeper
This ceremony and God’s ownership of the burden naturally point to the ultimate covenant ceremony. Indeed, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God’s promises to man (from the beginning) have always been between the Father and the Son. This promise says, “I will make a way for man to have right standing before me.” He placed the responsibility on His own faithfulness to keep the covenant.
This truth should definitely bring us a lot of comfort. Without a doubt, we don’t have to earn God’s approval. Our righteousness doesn’t depend on our ability (or inability) to live perfect lives before a Holy God. Like Abram, we only have to believe God’s promise and rely on Him to keep His covenant. Praise Jesus that “the righteous shall live by faith.”
Grace and peace,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor