“The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said unto him, ‘I am the Almighty God; walk before Me and be thou perfect.'” Genesis 17: 1-2
Dear Ones:
We are apt to think that age is a very limiting factor with respect to the blessing of God. In the case of Abram, the contrary was true. Why? Because the issue is NOT that of age, but of FAITH in the faithfulness of God according to the revelation, promises, and purposes of God. Let’s look at this meeting with God and Abram.
First, we notice that God chose the moment of the revelation. God brings Abram, at a specific point in time, face to face with the impossible. How could a man as old as he was, be fruitful, and that, exceedingly? The timing was impeccable. Abram had NO other recourse than to believe God for the impossible.
Secondly, God declares to Abram: “I am the Almighty God.” (v.1) These simple, yet specific words, are essential to believe God for the impossible. In Romans 4:20, we read: “He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. And being FULLY persuaded that, what He (GOD) had promised, He was able also to perform.” (v.21) Why was Abraham able to believe God to do the impossible? It was the specific revelation that God was ALL-MIGHTY.
Thirdly, this specific vision of God was essential if Abram was to believe God to enable him to OBEY the words of God: “Walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” (v.1) Abram’s faith was his alone. The power to live and walk before God was personally, individually founded in the great faithfulness of God to provide all that was needful to do so.
Lastly, we note that God will make a covenant with Abram, change his name from Abram to Abraham (…father of many nations). He will reiterate the extent and effects of the promises: “….I will make thee EXCEEDING fruitful.” (17:6-7) This covenant with Abraham, which had its origin in God, and “out working” in the life of Abraham, will begin with Abraham, and continue throughout generations to come. For He “…will be their God.” (v.8)
As for us, we know that have been called into fellowship with Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:9) We have been called to bear much fruit, fruit that shall remain. (Jn. 15) We are called to believe God for the “much more,” even the “exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think.” In order to do this, we too must worship God, and see Him as the ALMIGHTY, for whom nothing is impossible. We too must have an individual, specific faith in the Almighty God, and thus, be committed to walk before Him with all of our hearts. And lastly, we must be those who refuse to look at the impossibility, but rather, glory and rejoice in the power, authority, and faithfulness of God, who only does wonderful things in answer to prayer and faith. Then, God will, in His way for His glory, make us “exceeding fruitful.”
Dear Father, open our eyes to see, and to grasp, that You are the Almighty God. Give us to understand our singular, and specific commitment to walk uniquely before You with all of our hearts…and give us grace to DO so. Then we shall be strengthened to trust You for the wonderful thing, even the impossible thing, and this, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad