Genesis 17:23 - Faith that takes risks
Scripture:
Genesis 17:23
23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who
were born in his house and all who were bought with his money,
every male among the men of Abraham's household, and
circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day,
as God had said to him.
NASU
Thoughts:
The Lord now establishes the covenant of circumcision with
Abram (now called Abraham):
Genesis 17:10-13
10 "This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me
and you and your descendants after you: every male among you
shall be circumcised. 11 "And you shall be circumcised in
the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the
covenant between Me and you. 12 "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. 13 "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.
NASU
Abraham's obedience here is a picture of a faithful servant
for at least 2 reasons:
1. It is immediate (verse 23b)
2. It is complete (verse 23a)
This is such a faith-full exercise. He believes God in what
he should do. But he also is trusting God to protect him and
his nation in their obedience. For all the men to undergo
this painful ritual at the same time, none of them will be at
full strength to defend the nation from attack. God will need
to be their defense.
It is one thing to say that we believe in God, it is quite
another to believe to the point of taking a risk. Abraham
held nothing back and was blessed by God. If we are honest
with ourselves, where is our obedience? Is it immediate as
Abraham's was? Is it complete? Or are we hoping to only do
some of what the Lord is impressing on us, and not to trust
Him completely? Oh the simplicity and joy of a life in
obedience to God. Let us strive in the power of the Spirit to
be faithful Christians.
Prayer:
Help me to believe the things You tell me, and respond. I
tend to be slow in my responses. I want to believe and please
You.
Amen