Year 7, Day 14: Genesis 15

Theological Commentary: Click Here

I think it is interesting to look at a person’s priorities in life.  We all have them, there’s no use denying it.  We all have things that make us tick.  We all have things for which we strive.  What’s neat about humanity is that these things are all different for each person.

Let’s look at Abraham.  God comes to him and says, “I am going to cause you to prosper.”  Do you notice Abraham’s response?  He immediately asks God what good it will do if he doesn’t have an heir.

Naturally, we need to understand the ancient mindset.  First of all, wealth wasn’t evaluated using bank accounts or even coins.  Wealth was evaluated by the size of your herd, the land you controlled, and the number of servants and slaves for whom you could provide.  Wealth was also determined by how many children for whom you could provide.

I firmly believe that when Abraham asks God about an heir, it isn’t an emotional plea for children.  I don’t honestly think that he is feeling sad because he is not a father.  I think that Abraham is evaluating God’s promise to him and realizing that when it comes to children, everyone will consider him poor because his lack of children demonstrates a possibility that he can’t provide for them.

For the record, I also wonder if this isn’t why God gives Abraham only one child.  God needs to give Abraham an heir, of course.  But could He also be keeping him humble by only giving him one as a check on his prioritization?

In the end, do notice that Abraham believes God’s promise.  God exposes Abraham’s character, potentially even a flaw.  God and Abraham even have a legitimate dialogue about God’s promise.  God accepts Abraham's critique, even!  But Abraham still believes.  Abraham trusts.  This is the important part of the story.  God comes to Abraham and Abraham listens and believes.

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