Reassurances and Promises for Abraham (Genesis 15)
Abraham had heard God clearly and believed, and he knew that God was going to make of him a great nation. But like so many believers who have chosen to follow God obediently, Abraham came to a point in his life when he needed some assurance.
First, the Lord gave Abraham what we might consider a general reassurance, telling him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great” (Genesis 15:1).
But Abraham needed something more specific, more concrete. “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don';t even have a son? Since I don';t have a son, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no children, so one of my servants will have to be my heir” (15:2–3).
God';s answer to Abraham';s specific question was itself direct and specific:
Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own to inherit everything I am giving you.” Then the Lord brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, “Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that — too many to count!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:4–6)
Now God could have just told Abraham to just trust, obey, and wait for further instructions. But note as you read this passage that He gave Abraham exactly what he asked for, namely some specifics when it came to His promises. Also note that God gave him a concrete illustration of His promises: that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars shining in the nighttime sky.
One of the foundational truths of the Bible — that of the vital importance of faith for those who want to please God — is spelled out in the life of Abraham, of whom the book of Genesis tells us, “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith” (Genesis 15:6).
After receiving such promises, you would think that Abraham would be willing to wait as long as it would take for God to move on his behalf. But as you will see in the next chapter of Genesis, Abraham made the mistake of moving out ahead of God.
Study Questions
Read Romans 4::1–22. What does this tell you about the basis of Abraham';s relationship with God?
Read Galatians 3:7.. Who does God count as the true descendants of Abraham (in other words, God';s chosen people)?
