Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

“…what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son?” This was Abram’s response to God telling him in a vision he would be Abram’s protection, and his reward would be great. Have you ever responded to God like this? There are moments when we hear the promises of God from scripture, prayer, or from the mouths of others and rather than simply believe, we express what we do not yet have or what we really wish we had. If you have done this then rest assured, you are not alone nor lack for good company. Abram, the father of the nation of Israel, first expresses doubt when God makes him an astounding promise.

Have you ever heard a person talk about a difficult conversation they had with another person and marveled at a comment made? For me, the first question I always have is, “What did you do?” Well to hear Abram ask about a son when God has promised to be his protection makes me want to turn to God and say, “What did you do?” What God did is equally astounding. His response, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That is how many descendants you will have!” To we uninitiated in ancient near eastern ways, God is saying, “You haven’t seen anything yet, Abram.” He then invites him into a transformational relationship.

I want to say to you today, God is not put off by our questions, our fears, and even our doubts. In fact, faith and doubt often co-mingle and cohabitate in our lives. God’s invitation met Abram precisely in his place of greatest desire. How often do we malign our desires as unimportant or even unholy? Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “what do you want me to do?” This is not an arbitrary question but one that invites an answer.

Abram wanted God’s protection and favor, but his heart desired a son. God’s desire was to bless Abram to a far greater extent than he could ever imagine. “Can you count the stars? Can you imagine the descendants I can give you?” Notice he never asked Abram to trust him but rather invited him to join in making covenant. Have you told God what your hearts desire is lately? God might just be ready to bless you to a far greater extent than you could ever imagine.

Author: John Prichard

Other Lenten readings for today:

• Philippians 3:17-4:1
• Luke 9:28-36