Abraham – Leave It Up to Me (God)!

Abraham – Leave It Up to Me!

>>> Read Genesis 17 <<<

 

The path of faith for Abram began when the God of Glory called him to leave his homeland and family – but Abram failed to stay on the path when he settled down in Haran with his father (evidence that he failed to acknowledge the separated relationship that he was called to). Then, we find him in Egypt counting on the world to satisfy his needs in time of famine – he did not yet understand that God was a trustworthy friend.

 

Next, we see Abram demonstrating faith when the kings flex their earthly muscles against their neighbors. God reveals Himself as the Most High God (El Elyon), possessor of heaven and earth and Abram has a spiritual victory when he responds to God by refusing the world's riches. Later, God appears to Abram in a vision and reveals Himself as Abram's Shield and Great Reward, assuring Abram that he will have numerous seed. God explains to Abram that suffering will be required of them in order to enter into the promise.

 

Genesis 16 records the sad account of Abram and Sarai devising their own solution to the problem of old age and barrenness. God does not speak in this chapter, for Abram has chosen to depend upon human resources to accomplish God's purpose. In fact, God was silent for 13 years. During this time, Abram developed deep affection for his son and Sarai had to contend with Hagar. Finally, when there was no question that Abram and Sarai's bodies were dead as far as producing offspring, God comes to Abram reaffirming that His purpose will be accomplished according to His power.

 

God broke His silence with the words, "I am El Shaddai (God all sufficient) walk (habitually) before Me with integrity (blameless, having nothing to fill the heart except God Himself)." When a believer truly knows God, he will say with the Psalmist:

 "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Ps 62:5-6).

 

El Shaddai is the name God presents when He comes to His people to enrich them – to make them fruitful; God All Sufficient satisfies and strengthens His people. Strength is necessary because fruitfulness is connected with chastening. We're not talking about judgment, but a purifying that leads to greater fruitfulness as with Job in whose story we see this name used 31 times (ref C.I. Scofield). In this wonderful revelation, Abram does not offer sacrifice or make a request of God; instead he falls down on his face – a posture that acknowledges his nothingness. Now that Abram understood his own weakness and inability, he was ready to allow God All Sufficient to act in him, for him and through him.

 

The revelation of God as Abram's shield and exceeding great reward (chp 15) disclosed what God was for Abram - this caused Abram to think of himself and what he would receive from God. He felt confident in God's love and was therefore able to pour out his needs and desires. However, Abram has had enough schooling – it is time for him to walk in the knowledge that he has been given. Prostrate on the ground, he listens,, for God is revealing who He is in Himself.

 

In this revelation, Abram's attention is directed toward El Shaddai rather than himself and his needs. As God tells this old, old man who has an old, old wife (see vs 15-19) that they will be "multiplied exceedingly," and will be made "exceedingly fruitful," all the years of instruction come together for Abram.  As a further indication of what God will do, He changes Abram's name (which means exalted father) to Abraham (father of a multitude), and Sarai's name (my princess) to Sarah (a princess). El Shaddai, the One who satisfies, strengthens and makes fruitful – commits Himself to be the God of the promised seed. Kings will descend from Abraham and Sarah; furthermore, God's covenant is an everlasting covenant – the fruit of Abraham's faith will go on forever!

 

Now God gets very specific in the details of His promise to Sarah. He declares her child's name even before conception takes place, and puts the date of his birth on the calendar!  However, God requires something from Abraham. He expects Abraham and every male in his household to be circumcised. This rite speaks of Abraham's responsibility to, and faith in, God; it speaks of death to the flesh and accountability to God. Abraham demonstrates his faith by obedience to God as he himself, and every male who is with him, is circumcised.

 

Abraham understood that Isaac would be the son of Promise, but he loved Ishmael and wanted blessing for him as well. God did promise to bless Ishmael, but there would be no covenant for him. With the promises made clear, the covenant sealed and the sign of obedience in place, the root has been planted. It would grow into a people who would be set apart to God – set apart from the other nations and from the ways of the world. In essence God has said, "Leave it all up to me, everything will exceed your expectations!" That sounds so simple, doesn't it?                                                    LJ 10/09