The final scene in the life of Abraham is the story of how a wife was found for his son, Isaac. In his final words, Abraham reiterates his faith in the divine promise that had inspired the entirety of his life. As Abraham passes from the scene, the next generation takes their place in the great story of salvation, a further testimony to the faithfulness of God to bring every one of his promises to fulfillment.

When God made his covenant with us, he swore an oath by his own self that he would guarantee it. His promise does not perish when people do. And here we see that Sarah’s death in fact leads to the firstfruit of inheriting the land, albeit through the purchase of a burial place.

Now that Abraham has seen God begin to fulfill his great promise to him, God puts Abraham's faith to the ultimate test. Will Abraham go on believing that God can do even greater things or will he find himself tempted to settle for less? On the other side of this test of his faith, Abraham's relationship with God deepens, and God's promise to Abraham does as well.

God's great promise to Abraham now begins to take shape with the birth of his son, Isaac. But the joy of the moment is tempered by the danger represented by his other son, Ishmael. Abraham would have to go on believing that the God who had entered into covenant with him would somehow bring resolution to the ongoing conflict between hope and despair.

For a second time, Abraham, in fear for his life, identifies Sarah as his sister rather than his wife. And for a second time, his deception puts everyone in jeopardy. Salvation comes only because of God's intervention, and the dangerous nature of Abraham's prophetic calling becomes clearer than ever.

The account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah warns of the judgment of God against all human wickedness. But in its context within the Abrahamic narratives, it also brings the Christian into the challenge of discerning what is just, of needing to learn the way of God more accurately. The reason for this is clear: God intends to bring his righteousness into the world through his people.

God's promise to bless Abram and also the world through Abram would be fulfilled through a very specific son of Abram and Sarai who had not yet been born. At his advanced age, it all seemed so impossible to Abram, but God gave him a sign to remind him of what he had been promised. Though believing the promise continued to be a challenge, Abram accepted the covenantal sign and continued to hope in the fulfillment of what it signified.

After living for a decade in the promised land, Abram's wife became impatient with God and his promises to them. The resulting story is a tale of violence and oppression inflicted against a vulnerable Egyptian slave woman. But God intervenes to demonstrate that he will not let any injustice prevail against his mighty promises of freedom and redemption.

Yahweh gave Abram great promises that he now guarantees with a covenant. Abram, having played a kingly role in Genesis 14, now is seen playing prophetic and priestly roles in Genesis 15. Yet the only perfect king, prophet, and priest is Yahweh himself who commits to keeping both sides of the covenant. Such a commitment all but guarantees the mystery of his own death in order to keep the covenant with his people.

The life of faith cannot be separated from the realities of life. Here we find Abram, our exemplar of faith, engaging in international affairs and bringing justice and rescue to the needy and the oppressed. He receives a blessing from the mysterious king of Salem, but refuses to be compromised by the sinister king of Sodom. Abram demonstrates the impact that the family of faith can have on the real-life issues that threaten the world today.