Text by Krisha Saliendra
Read:
s
Genesis 17:1-5, 9-11, 23 (NASB)
Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me and be blameless. I will make My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall you be named Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you.
Then Abraham took his son Ishmael, and all the slaves who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on this very same day, as God had said to him.
Reflect:
The redemption plan of God was revealed to man when He called Abram (Genesis 12:1-3). “And [Abram] believed the Lord, and [the Lord] counted it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)
God promised Abram that he will have a son and sealed His covenant with him when He asked him to offer animal sacrifices (Genesis 15). Although Abram and Sarai believed God’s promise, they struggled with waiting. Thus, Sarai offered Hagar to Abram, and Ishmael was born.
After thirteen years, God appeared to Abram again and sealed His covenant with him through circumcision. He revealed to Abram that He is the Almighty God (17:1). He restated His promise by giving Abram a new identity as the father of a multitude (17:5). Then, He instructed him to circumcise every male in his household, including himself, as a sign of the covenant between them. (17:10)
Upon hearing the voice of God, Abram, with his face fell down, responded in humility and worship (17:3). He listened attentively and followed God’s instruction that very same day. (17:23)
The covenant of circumcision between God and Abraham foreshadows a greater covenant that says, “the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:6)
What did God promise to you and your household? What is your attitude while waiting? Do you try to fulfill God’s promise your way? How do you respond whenever He reveals Himself to you? What is He telling you to do?
Respond:
As we celebrate Father’s day this June, let us remember that we have a good Father, who knows our needs even before we ask Him. He keeps His promises to those whom he called according to His purpose. And He made an eternal covenant with us sealed by the blood of Christ. We just have to respond in humility and total surrender.
Our heavenly Father calls us to listen to His voice, obey His teachings, and follow His Son, Jesus-Christ, our Lord and Savior. As we say Yes to Him, we enter into a covenant that promises eternal life with Him.
Would you also lead your household to that covenant that separates us from the rest of the world just as Abraham did?
Growing up in Sunday School is the reason why Krisha decided to become a teacher. She has been teaching in Sunday School since she was 12 and six years ago, God allowed her to teach in a Christian school in Taguig. Her heart goes out for the young generation, that their ways will be made pure by the Word of God (Psalm 119:9), just as God has preserved her through His Word.
AUTHOR: Krisha Saliendra