Confusion and Repetition

   We saw in Genesis 12 how Abram was promised a nation. Remember he had no children so the idea of him birthing this great nation was preposterous. Now in Genesis 15, Abram receives a vision. And in this vision God is conversing with Abram. And he says that He is Abram's shield and reward. This reward is for Abram's faithfulness and Abram knows exactly what the reward is: a nation. God had protected Abram from the War of the Kings (Genesis 14) and Lot was rescued from his capture. So God tells Abram that He is the shield that has protected Abram, and for his faith he will receive his reward. Abram replies, "I have no children, are you saying that my servant, Eliezer is to have the children and through him I have a nation?" God says "No! It will not be a child of your servant as an heir, but your child, Abram you will have your own child!" Then in Genesis 15:5 we see that Abram believed God! What faith this Abram had, he had faith that he would have child even though he was old and his wife couldn't have children!
   God had reiterated this promise to Abraham, and it was fulfilled later on. God also promised and prophesied of Abram's children being enslaved in Egypt. So God not only told Abram of his nation, but of some of the events that would unfold through history.
   These things have happened, and we know that the promises God made were completed perfectly. We can also trust that promises from God given today are also going to be completed in this day and age. God is a trustworthy God!
   - Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton