Watford Church of Christ's video: Why would God curse himself Genesis 15 Malcolm Cox

Introduction God more a focus than Abram What's going on?! Chapter 13/14 context: Reconnection with God after Egypt Generosity with Lot Courage to rescue Lot Melchizedek / King of Sodom Explanation v1 God shows his approval of how Abram handled Lot's complaint, his need to be rescued and the demands of the king of Sodom. Shield - You do not need to shield yourself. Abram is a warrior for Lot, but God is a warrior for Abram. Reward - "I am your reward" Abram successful in business, but success with God is a greater reward vv2-3 Typical way to solve inheritance when no heir Is he accusatory, or expectant of God to sort it out? vv4-6 God does not rebuke Abram for his question - nor the later one (v8) It's as if God is agreeing to partner with Abram to sort out the problem "will not...but...": Very definite, specific, almost commanding. There is no doubt what God has in mind. From your body Stars - uncountable, majestic, beautiful "believed": Faith, trust, rightness with God - credited, not earned The 'believed' does not indicate flawless faith, but a trajectory of faith, an habitual faith About faithfulness to a relationship, not morals Picked up by Paul: Galatians 3:6–9 Don't rely on your ancestry or circumcision Don't rely on church membership, baptism Trust in God Lays out fundamental way God relates to humankind: trusting relationship. Both parties committed. Humans to do what they can. God to do what only he can. v7 This land, specifically YHWH - Exodus connection (1 of only 4 times God refers to himself with this 'name') v8 Not, "will you", but "how"? God does not rebuke Abram for his question here either, but sees it as an opportunity to affirm the covenant The "how" not really answered by God vv9-11 Leviticus - sacrifice “and he said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a calf, a bull, for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without defect, and offer them before the LORD. “Then to the sons of Israel you shall speak, saying, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, and a calf and a lamb, both one year old, without defect, for a burnt offering,” (Leviticus 9:2–3 NAS95) 3 years - 3 generations in Egypt Gentiles - birds (Ezek 17:23) Protecting honour of God / his relationship with God v12 Like Adam (Gen 2:21; sleep) and Sinai (Deut 4:11; fear) Deep sleep protective of Abram "Cut" a covenant Sheep's throat cut: Alalakh 18thC BC “Abban (King) swore to YarimLim (vassal) The oath of the gods And cut the neck of a lamb (saying): "(May I be cursed) If I take back What I gave you." If ever in the future YarimLim sins against Abban If he lets go of the hem of Abban’s garment And takes hold of the hem Of another king’s garment He shall forfeit his cities and territories.” DJ Wiseman, ‘Abban and Alalakh’ JCS 12 (1958) 124-129 vv13-16 400 years - four generations Shalom - first appearance in scripture v17-20 Theophany - like Exodus (Ex 14:19-20; pillar of fire), and Sinai (Deut 5:23; fire on the mountain) God is present and personal Covenant - "cut"; curse; made from the stronger to the weaker - very familiar and very strange First mention of covenant in connection with Abram God placing himself under a 'curse' Unique - no example of greater party taking on role of lesser party. Discussion Section 1: God What do we learn about the heart of God? Willing to pay any price to reassure us What do we learn about the way God relates to us humans? He accommodates us Discussion Section 2: Abram What do we learn about the heart of Abram? Trust builds as life goes on Decides to trust What do we learn about the way for us to relate to God? Enter the mystery willingly Might be strange, but wonderful Conclusion What does this mean for us? God has a bigger vision that we can possibly conceive - and all connected to his desire for us to know him, enjoy him, by healed and live in his love We have doubts, questions and confusions - soem God answers now, some he acts on, some he asks us to trust him for. He accepts our habit/attitude of trust as an invitation to welcome us into his love He will pay any price to bring about our healing - even to the extent of causing a curse to fall upon himself - Gal 3:7-14 Galatians 3:7–14 Let's pray before we take bread and wine....... Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). God bless, Malcolm