The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Today we move further into chapter 15

“And He said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it.” He said, “O Lord GOD, how may I know that I will possess it?” So He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, and laid each half opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds. The birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.” (Genesis 15:7–11 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? God helping our struggles to believe him.

In the previous verse we see that Abraham's willingness to trust God is accredited to him as righteousness. Yet, oh so humanly, Abram still has questions. The issue is not so much will it happen, as how.

We will look at the implications of the covenant tomorrow, but for now we will reflect on a couple of things.

Why are these animals asked for? It might be a little speculative, but it is possible that God is prefiguring the sacrifices that will be expected later – Leviticus 19:2-3. Perhaps they represent the three generations who will be oppressed in Egypt (v16).

Abram chasing away the birds of prey might symbolise him protecting his relationship with God, or, also perhaps, preserving the purity of his relationship with Yahweh by keeping the pagan influences at a distance (Ezekiel 17:23; see also Ezek 31:6, Dan 4:12, Ps 104:12 where the birds represent the Gentile nations).

Surely God does not need to feel any under any obligation to answer this question. However, he accommodates Abram. Abram is asking for a sign. God does not see this as a lack of faith. It turns into an opportunity to affirm the covenant.

The way to greater faith is through our doubts. The path to greater confidence in our salvation is through our fears. Whilst it is true that Jesus rebuked people for a lack of faith, and for giving in to fear, he did not give up on those who doubted and were afraid.

Later, when his followers looked back on those experiences, they were able to see God with them in their challenges.

When Thomas met Jesus he said, “Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:28 NIV11). His doubts and fears were put to rest by the presence of Jesus.

Any doubts and fears you may have at the moment will not be resolved by a change of circumstances, or intellectual gymnastics. They will be made useful by taking them into the presence of Jesus where he can give you his affirmation.

Ask God to help you take your doubts and fears into his presence.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Today we move on to chapter 15

““After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:1–6 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? That there is no 'rightness' with God without wholehearted trust. But, when we make a decision to trust our heavenly father despite the challenges surrounding us, and the lack of tangibility to his promises, it delights the heart of God.

In this section of scripture Abraham is fearful, has questions and doubts. Yet God does not hold this against him since, once reassured, Abraham decides to confirm his allegiance to God, described here as faith. Such faith is "reckoned" as a righteousness. In other words, he does not earn it or qualify for it, but God recognises his trust and decides to grant him 'rightness' with himself.

According to the Word Biblical Commentary,

"The verbal form Nmahw (waw + perfect) “he believed” probably indicates repeated or continuing action. Faith was Abram’s normal response to the LORD’s words."

This is not a one-time decision, but a further decision in line with his habitual way of responding to God. The more we trust God, the more we trust God. Deciding to go God's way becomes a habit over time. In a sense, faith is about character as much as it might be about actions.

We will never display perfect faith in this life, But we can grow to have a faithful character by decisively choosing God's way again and again.

Reflect on times when you made faith-filled decisions that were difficult but for which you are grateful now as you look back. Do you have a decision of face to make now?

Ask God to help you develop a habitual faith-filled life.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Today we move further into chapter 14

“The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”” (Genesis 14:21–24 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Integrity inspired by security. Abram is generous because he knows God has his back.

Abram allowed Lot the pick of the land, and takes the same approach here. The king of Sodom is rude and ungrateful, but Abram does not take it personally. He allows him to go away with more than he deserves. As their rescuer, Abram presumably had a right to both the people and the property that he had recovered.

The contrast with Melchizedek is stark. The king of Salem offers, while the king of Sodom demands.

Abram demonstrates what it means to be content with whatever the Lord supplies. He trusts that God will look after him. He does not have to take from others, nor demand for himself. We gain great peace of spirit when we give up our 'right' to demand what we deserve.

John the Baptiser was asked what a Kingdom perspective would be. He replied,

““Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”” (Luke 3:14 NIV11)

Paul let it be known that being content is something we can learn,

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11–12 NIV11)

And the writer to the Hebrews tells us the grounds of our contentment:

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV11)

You and I might never be perfectly content whilst in this life, we are human after all, but we can grow in contentment. Do you feel content? Would your friends characterise you as a person who is, generally speaking, content?

Ask God to help you trust him for the strength to be content.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Today we move further into chapter 14

“Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all.” (Genesis 14:17–20 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Spiritually minded people notice fellow spiritually minded people. They are aware of those with whom God is walking and through whom he is working.

We don't know much about Melchizedek. His name might mean, "My king is righteous". The key point is that he is a non-Jew noticing that God is with Abraham. He observes that God is with the one he has chosen. As such, he prefigures Abimelech (21:22), Rahab (Josh 2:11), Ruth (1:16) or Naaman (2 Kgs 5:15), the Magi (Matt 2:1–12), centurions (Matt 8:5–13; Mark 15:39; Acts 10), or the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:26–30).

A question we often ask as Christians is how we can show that we have a relationship with God without being showy about it? How do I let my light shine without turning the spotlight on myself?

A key text in this regard is what Peter writes:

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV11)

I suspect he is remembering what Jesus told them on the mountainside:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV11)

Paul expressed something similar when he wrote to the Romans:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 NIV11)

If we live a life of integrity with the Lord, courageous in righting wrongs whilst generous in spirit, the world will notice. That is how Abraham lived in Genesis 13 and 14.

Ask God to help you live with compassion and courage, letting your good deeds speak for you.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Today we move further into chapter 14

“And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar — four kings against five. Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom. Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.” (Genesis 14:8–16 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Compassion inspiring courageous action for the undeserving.

Abram is not responsible for his nephew. Lot is an adult. He has made his choices freely. He has moved from nearSodom (13:12) to in Sodom (14:12). No one can blame Abram for this. Anyone could forgive him for allowing Lot to reap the consequences of his choices.

But Abram is made of different stuff.

Do you find it hard to have compassion for the undeserving? Even more pertinently, do you find it hard to take action, and make sacrifices on behalf of those who are undeserving and in trouble?

Abraham risked the lives of his fighting men. He risked the loss of their work in his fields and businesses. He risked the wrath of a victorious army and an alliance of conquering kings being visited upon himself.

And all for the sake of an ungrateful, foolish nephew.

How like Jesus! This is who Paul is thinking about when he tells us,

“in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3–4 NIV11)

In our natural state, “we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (Eph 2:3), But we have been "shown mercy" (1 Tim 1:16). Why?

“so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16 NIV11)

If this is how we have been treated, let us be inspired to treat others likewise.

Ask God to help you treat the undeserving with compassion and courage.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

• Extension to lockdown is next phase of God refining us as people and a church

• How will we respond to not being able to see parents, relatives, homeschooling, no hugs with friends, no church services together etc?

• Conflict with relatives; wars etc. (following on from famine)

• How is his faith expressed and evidenced?

• In meekness - remember Sermon on the Mount from one year ago?

• He's been humbled in Egypt

• Consistent devotion

• Final recorded conversation with Lot

• Living by sight, not faith

• Like Jesus

• When you are generous towards other people

• Promises more expansive: "all...you see"; dust; forever

• Lot near (Gen 13:12), now in (Gen 14:12)

• Strength and warmth. Jesus - grace and truth.

• Prepared - 318 men trained, equipped and ready

• Handles his ingratitude and arrogance well, "give me...". Very strong in the Hebrew.

• When you fight for the benefit of other people

• In prayer

• Each God-like act brings a blessing from God (13:14-17; 14:19-20)

1. Meek in dependence on God

• People who's faith inspires them to live this way change the world and leave a spiritual legacy

1. What do you find attractive/unattractive about meekness?