Genesis 17:1-27 – New Stuff

Read Genesis 17:1-27

This is the 3rd time God brings up his promise to Abram. Yet this time it seems it seems imminent. Abram was given a new name to commemorate the occasion. We’ve talked about God’s timing before, and this is surely a nail-biter – when is God going to complete what he promised? Would it have been better had God not told Abraham about the promise the earlier two times? Perhaps God was teaching Abraham patience as well as obedience.

In today’s reading God also makes a new declaration of his expectations for “his people” going forward. Circumcision is introduced as a way of physically setting the Jews apart. It was a requirement for all males, even those in Abraham’s household who were not his heirs. It is a ritual that continues even today, and not only in the Jewish community. For those first Jews to be circumcised, mostly adults at the time, the pain would likely have been horrible. An act of obedience to their God.

This was a sacrifice, but a small price to pay in exchange for the blessings of God. So, too, for us today. We need to sacrifice a little of ourselves to make way for God to act in our lives. When we think of it like that, it is much easier. When we allow God to be the master designer of our life, good things happen. God has already prepared a place for us to serve here and in his kingdom, we just need to be ready.

Sarai, or Sarah, was also in on this covenant. She would be the one to bear Abraham’s son, Isaac. God’s covenant would be fulfilled through Isaac, although Ishmael would also be blessed because Abraham asked. As I understand it, many Arabs believe they are sons of Ishmael. Of course, the Jews hail to Isaac. Both are living in the land God promised to the descendants of Abraham. How cool is that!

So how does this speak to you today? Take a moment to reflect on that. Do you feel like God is asking you to do something that is beyond your ability? Are you struggling with new “stuff” in your life? Think of Abraham and Sarah getting used to their new names. At last they can look forward to a son in just a short time. It has been years since God first made his promise to Abram. Thirteen years since Sarah tried to take matters into her own hands with Hagar.

Here’s a beautiful song that helps us while we are waiting on God. Listen here to While I’m Waiting

Accepting new things means change, and many people have a hard time with that. I admit I may sometimes be just the opposite, yet there are times when my comfort zone is my favorite place. I love new adventures and experimenting with new things. I suppose that’s why when David said we could retire early to Mexico or continue working for 6-8 more years, I jumped on the opportunity to do something really outside of the box! The pieces fell into place beautifully, and here we are.

So take time today to check in with God and ask him what new “stuff” he might have for you. Then pray for the help to succeed!

Let’s pray. Lord, you have placed me in a place that is new. So many unknowns face me yet I feel your peace. I am waiting to see what you have in store for us here. May my patience grow day by day as I continue to serve you as I wait. I want to be obedient to your plan for me, Lord. I love running this race with you by my side. In Jesus’ name. Amen.