Observations as I follow God through the Chronological Bible

Genesis 15[1]

After God promised to reward Abram, they had a long conversation. The roots of Abram’s faith remain shallow. Everything God promised since Abram arrived in Canaan is contingent on a child. At this point, a servant will inherit Abram’s wealth and Sarai is past the age of childbearing. “What can you give me since I remain childless…” eighty-five-year-old Abram complained.[2]

An honest question prompted an honest answer. God assured Abram that his servant would not be his heir, “but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” Abram had an immediate son on his mind. God had a future son on his mind. God’s son, Jesus, is the only one God could give everything without showing partiality.

He had promised to make Abram a blessing to all families of the earth, but he did not need Abram to father a son. He needed Abram to father a woman who would give birth to God’s son. To reinforce how many people God wanted to bless he brought Abram outside and challenged him to do the impossible. Count the stars in the sky.

That night Abram gained insight into the vastness of God’s plan and set aside his doubts. He choose to believe God will make a way to include everyone in the fulfillment of his promises. God credited that kind of faith as righteousness. Abram was willing to wait and willing to share, and that made Abram a righteous man.  

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[1] All scripture quotes are from the NIV Bible unless otherwise noted.

[2] Genesis 15:2-3