Pastor Scott
Jonas
Genesis
15-17
Abraham and
the Covenant
Open your bible and cell phones to
Genesis chapter 15. Last week, we
studied the story of Abraham and Lot separating, the Mesopatamian kings
capturing Lot and his family. Abraham
took 318 men and defeated the Mesopotamians and brought back his kin. On the way home, a mysterious King and priest
of the God most high named Melchizedek, a Christ figure, blessed Abraham and in
return, Abraham gave him a tenth of all he owned.
Today we are going to talk about
abraham and circumcision. That’s right
circumsicion. As God says in Genesis 15
verse 1 ,”Fear Not.”
One of the things I love about the
Bible is that it is raw and real. The
Words of God do not hold back. This is a
crucial part of the story of salvation.
We need to be grown ups and study all of scripture. Even the parts that make us cringe. Being uncomfortable can lead to spiritual
growth. But we also need to laugh when
we read scripture. Circumcision is weird
and hilarious.
Do we have any Jim Gaffigan fans? The comedian said
“In the bible Abraham circumsized himself, I can’t even get
to the bank before it closes.”
Abraham did it. God
told him to do it. I would have loved to
have overheard that conversation.
“Abraham!
Oh hey God how are you doing?
I need you to do something for me.
Oh sure God anything for you.
I need you to circumsize yourself
I think we have a bad connection.
Before God calls Abraham to circumsion there is same more to
the story.
Abraham was 75 when he was called by
God and given the promise of Fathering a great nation. Its has been years, Maybe Abraham is wondering how this promise
is going to be fulfilled.
God appears in a vision and says”Fear not Abram I am your
Shield; your reward will be very great.”
Abram “You have given me no offspring, My servant will have
to be the heir of my household.”
God “You very own son will be heir. Count the stars. So shall your offspring be.” He believed the Lord.
The Lord then gave a visible sign to the promise.
He told Abraham to bring him a cow, a goat, and a ram. Abram cut them in half. A deep sleep fell on Abram. He saw that his offspring will be sojourners
for 400 years but they will receive the land promised to you.” Then a torch and a fire pot passed between
the cut animals.
Sara has seen no visions.
She tells Abraham to have relations with her servant. Abraham is now 85 years old. He does as she says. The servant, Hagar, conceives and grows
irritated at her boss, Sara. Sara deals
harshly with Hagar, causing Hagar to run away.
The Angel of the Lord, who might be Jesus, finds Hagar and consoles her. He says return to your mistress and submit to
her. Your child is not the chosen one
but he is part of God’s plan. Hagar
returns to Abraham and Sara and Ishmael is born.
When Abraham is 99 years old, the Lord appears and
establishes a covenant.
God part- I will make
you a father of a nation. I will make
you fruitful. Kings will come from you.
I will give you the land of canaan. I
will be your God throughout the generations.
Abraham part- You shall be circumsized, every male. This is the sign of the covenant. 8 days and older. Keep my covenant.
God’s part- I will give Sara a son. His name shall be Isaac and he will be the
father of 12 princes. Sara will give
birth next year.
Abraham laughed. It’s
amazing that he can laugh after being told to circumsize himself. I’m not sure I would have heard anything
after that.
Those challenges in the Bible really took a leap in
difficulty. Don’t eat this apple. Build me a boat. Cut off part of your manhood.
What if I build you two boats?
Abraham circumcised himself, Ishamael and his whole family
and household.
Cimcumcision was transformed into Baptism because of
Christ. Col 2:11
Similarities Both
establish the covenant between God and his people.
God’s part-
He makes you a child the promise, a child of God. He will make you fruitful. He gives us not just the land of Canaan, but
the ends of the earth. He is our God.
Our
part- Go and make disciples, baptizing
them. The water is a sign of the covenant.
We are to baptize those 8 days and older. We are to hold onto the promise.
Difference- Women
receive the sign of Baptism.