Abraham is called the father of us, believers. However, in many instances, we can see him asking questions. C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," talks about how God changes our "selves" into a new creature – not like a slow horse learning to perform well, but more like a normal horse changing into a winged horse. In the transformation process, Abram, like all of us, started slowly but submitted himself to become a new person. From asking questions to the father of the believers, in Genesis chapter 15 verse 8, Abram wonders, "How can I know that it will be mine?" God patiently makes a strong covenant with him, asking Abram to bring a cow, a goat, a ram, a dove, and a pigeon, cut them in half, and sacrifice them. By sunset, a smoking fire-pot and flaming torch suddenly appear and pass between the pieces of the animals, signifying that the Lord is committed to keeping his promise to Abram. The supernatural flame which is from God moving through the flesh that is cut half signifies that if the promise given by the promise giver is not fulfilled the same will be done to him.
God slowly reveals his plan for Abraham's generation, including a blessing of a large land and a tough time of slavery in Egypt. When faced with unpleasant events, we should not get alarmed but understand that it is also God's plan with a purpose behind it. In times of questioning our growth in the Lord, we should recognize that we are in the process of becoming a new creature, a new winged horse, in C.S. Lewis's language. The growth might seem funny at times, but God is capable of blessing and transforming our lives, just as he did with people like Abram. Let us be patient with ourselves, remembering that the Promise Maker proved in Abraham's life that He is a faithful God who keeps his covenant with Abraham's generation.May we be ready to grow supernaturally, and may God work in us and in our generation, just as He worked in Abraham's.
Dear God, thank you for blessing Abraham, making a covenant with him, giving promises, and fulfilling them. We pray for the transformation of our faith, that we may continue to mature into the new creation you intend us to become. Thank you for all the plans you have for us and our generations. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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