“On that day theLORD made a covenant with Abram.” (Genesis 15:18)
Abram believed God’s promise, that he would have a son and offspring, as many as the stars, even though his wife was barren and the couple were in old age. His belief in God’s word was, “accounted to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Yet Abram did show some uncertainty over the inheritance God promised him and his heritage. He wanted additional assurance. Therefore, God condescended and made a covenant with Abram. This consisted of cutting some sacrificial animals in half and laying each half on either side of a walkway.
A Suzerain-Vassal covenant was between two parties of unequal stature. The suzerain having high standing, such as a king, while the vassal held the inferior standing. To seal the deal, the vassal would walk between the halved animals. This signified his full commitment to the covenant. If he didn’t fulfil its terms, he would end up like those pieces – cut in two. Death was the penalty for noncompliance (Romans 6:23).
It was a horrifying scene. There was blood and vultures swooping down to consume the dead prey, which Abram had to chase away. With darkness and dread settling in, the drained patriarch was overcome by a deep slumber. Then came two great light sources, a burning torch and a smoking oven, passing through the separated carcasses. But as the vassal, Abram should have walked through the pieces first. Yet the Bible only mentions these two light sources walking through them.
Who is represented by the burning torch and smoking oven? God Himself (Exodus 19:18). He knew Abram could not live up to what was required of him, as none of us can because, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, God would assume the responsibility for the covenant’s fulfilment and take the penalty for mankind’s failure (John 1:29).
The Lord “made a covenant with Abram.” The word made should be rendered cut. It is translated that way in other Old Testament passages. One such case is Daniel 9:26, which foretold the time when “the Messiah would be cutoff,” pointing to his future sacrificial death. This was fulfilled on the cross. With intense agony Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). What happened? In all eternity, the Son of God was totally one with the Father. Sin separates and as Jesus bore our sins he was violently ripped apart from the Godhead. The unimaginable happened. God was cut off from God!
This was the length in which God would go to fulfil the covenant. And he did! Abram had the promised son and through his lineage came the Messiah. Salvation came through the death and resurrection of Christ. And by it we know this: God is faithful to His promise, no matter the cost to himself.
God’s word is certain, guaranteed and proven! We can fully trust God, as did Abram. Believe He loves you and has given you salvation through Christ. And your faith will be accounted to you for righteousness.
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