READ:
Genesis 15:5-21
When the sun went down…
there appeared a smoking
oven and a burning torch that
passed between those pieces.
-Genesis 15:17
In the ancient Near East a treaty between a superior (a lord or
king) and an inferior (his subjects) was called a suzerain treaty. The
ratification ceremony required animals to be sacrificed and cut in half.
The animal parts were then arranged in two rows on the ground, forming an aisle
between them. As the suzerain walked between the halves, he was publicly
declaring he would keep the covenant and would become like the slain animals if
he failed to keep his word.
When Abram asked God how he could be sure His promises would
come to pass, God used the culturally significant symbolism of the suzerain
treaty to affirm His promises (Genesis 15). When the burning torch passed
through the pieces of sacrifice, Abram understood that God was declaring it was
His job to keep the covenant.
God’s covenant with Abram and His assurance of its completion
extends to followers of Christ. That is why Paul repeatedly refers to
believers as sons of Abraham in his New Testament writings (Romans 4:11-18;
Galatians 3:29). Once we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, God becomes the
keeper in our covenant of faith (see John 10:28-29).
Because God is the keeper of our salvation, with renewed
confidence in Him we trust Him with our lives. –Randy Kilgore
He will never fail us, He will not forsake;
His eternal covenant He will never break.
Onward then, and fear not, children of the day;
For His Word shall never, never pass away. – Havergal
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Our salvation is secure because
God does the holding.
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator’s Love Always
Unity & Peace
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