Holy Devotion
Bible Devotional
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

 
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