God's Covenant with Abram

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 -- Week of 3 Epiphany, Year 2

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 945)
Psalms 45 (morning) 47, 48 (evening)
Genesis 15:1-11, 17-21
Hebrews 9:1-14
John 5:1-18

I've never noticed it before, but in the dramatic account of God's covenant with Abram, Abram never walks through the sacrifices. This covenant binds only God, not Abram. It is a unilateral, one-sided promise from God to grant Abram both land and descendants.

The convenant ceremony is very ancient, one might say, primitive. Animals are split in two, and the parties to the covenant declare their the intention of their agreement. Then the parties walk through the middle of the animal carcasses, communicating physically the understanding -- "May I be cut in two like these animals if I do not fulfill my obligation under this agreement."

Abram prepares the animals and fights off the birds of prey. When it is dark, "a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces." These are the signs of God's presence. God walks between the animals and makes a covenant with Abram, communicating, in essence, "May I be cut in two like these animals if I do not fulfill my promises." God speaks to Abram of the gift of the promised land. Nothing is asked of Abram in return.

It may be that Abram's faith, his trusting in God's promise was good enough. Abram trusts; God covenants.

I'm reminded of Paul's theology of justification by faith. God gives salvation, a relationship of intimacy, as God's gift to us "while we were yet sinners." All that is necessary for us is to accept the gift -- faith, or trust.

Lowell

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About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

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The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas