Genesis 15: A Divine Promise Retold

Have you ever wondered how a promise can shape the course of history? Let's delve into the ancient tale of Genesis 15, a narrative that dramatically unveils the promise of a divine covenant. In the aftermath of significant events, Abram finds himself in a vision, a divine encounter with the Lord. Fear not, Abram, the Lord soothes. I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward. Despite this assurance, Abram is troubled. He is without a child, and the steward of his house, Eliezer of Damascus, stands as his only heir. Abram shares his concern with the Lord. You've given me no offspring, and a servant born in my house will inherit my estate. The Lord, however, reassures him. This man shall not be your heir. Your very own son will be your heir. Then, in a moment of divine theatrics, the Lord directs Abram's gaze towards the heavens, challenging him to count the stars, if he could. So shall your offspring be, the Lord promises. In response, Abram places his trust in the Lord, a faith that the Lord acknowledges as righteousness. The Lord then affirms his identity as the one who led Abram from Ur of the Chaldees, promising him the land as his inheritance. Abram, seeking assurance, asks, Lord God, how am I to know that I will possess it? The Lord instructs him to bring a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon. Abram does, as instructed, dividing the animals but not the birds, and fends off the birds of prey that descend upon the carcasses. As the sun begins to set, a deep sleep falls upon Abram, and a great darkness envelops him. The Lord reveals to Abram that his descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be enslaved and afflicted for 400 years. But the Lord also promises judgment upon the nation they will serve, and guarantees their eventual liberation with great wealth. The Lord continues, As darkness fully descends, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appear, passing between the divided animals. On this day, the Lord makes a covenant with Abram, promising his descendants lands stretching from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates inhabited by various tribes. So, Genesis 15 is a story of divine promise and covenant. It highlights God's enduring commitment to Abram and his descendants despite their future hardships. It reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of divine reassurance. It is a testament to God's overarching plan for his chosen people. This video was made possible by Michael Hopkins, founder of Jehovah's House of Saints Homeless Mission. For more information visit JehovahSaint.com