Abraham Doubted God?
A Tim Keller Sermon Summary
God told Abraham (1) he should leave his home land, without telling him where to go; (2) He would make him a great nation, without telling him where this nation would be; (3) all people would be blessed through him, without telling him how he could have a child at his old age; and (4) to sacrifice his child, without telling him why (Genesis 12, 22).
Each time, Abraham believed God (Genesis 15:6). He trusted and anchored himself in God’s words, not his own abilities, possessions, relatives, friends, or looks.
But Abraham did struggle in his faith. For example, he asked God how he could be sure of His words (Genesis 15:8). God told Abraham to get a few animals. At once Abraham knew God intended to sign a contract with him (Genesis 15:9-10). In their culture, to seal a deal, both parties each got an animal, cut it into pieces, and grouped them into two columns; and then both walked between the columns, showing symbolically the party breaking the deal to be cut into pieces (Jeremiah 34:18-20).
In this case, it was different. A blazing torch passed between the two columns. The torch signified God, as in Mount Sinai and the pillars of fire in the desert. The process represented God making a deal with Abraham (v17-18). But only God walked between the columns, meaning that if Abraham failed, God would take the punishment of being cut into pieces. God’s action enabled Abraham to live a life of faith.
Keeping His promise, God took the curse for our sins; Christ was ripped into pieces and was cut off from God the Father (Mark 15:33, Isaiah 53:8).
We worry, disobey, and doubt God. We think if we trust all the way, we will miss out.
Like Abraham, John the Baptist also had doubts. John asked Christ whether He was the one. We can do the same. We can ask God, “How can we know you will follow through?” “How can we know we wouldn’t let you down?” Then, listen to His response.
Remember that Christ already paid the price, by Himself.
May we believe Him and anchor in His words. May God be our shield and our reward (Genesis 15:1).
Summarized from a Tim Keller’s sermon, titled, “Abraham’s doubt and trust”:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/abraham-and-the-torch-5860/
Each time, Abraham believed God (Genesis 15:6). He trusted and anchored himself in God’s words, not his own abilities, possessions, relatives, friends, or looks.
But Abraham did struggle in his faith. For example, he asked God how he could be sure of His words (Genesis 15:8). God told Abraham to get a few animals. At once Abraham knew God intended to sign a contract with him (Genesis 15:9-10). In their culture, to seal a deal, both parties each got an animal, cut it into pieces, and grouped them into two columns; and then both walked between the columns, showing symbolically the party breaking the deal to be cut into pieces (Jeremiah 34:18-20).
In this case, it was different. A blazing torch passed between the two columns. The torch signified God, as in Mount Sinai and the pillars of fire in the desert. The process represented God making a deal with Abraham (v17-18). But only God walked between the columns, meaning that if Abraham failed, God would take the punishment of being cut into pieces. God’s action enabled Abraham to live a life of faith.
Keeping His promise, God took the curse for our sins; Christ was ripped into pieces and was cut off from God the Father (Mark 15:33, Isaiah 53:8).
We worry, disobey, and doubt God. We think if we trust all the way, we will miss out.
Like Abraham, John the Baptist also had doubts. John asked Christ whether He was the one. We can do the same. We can ask God, “How can we know you will follow through?” “How can we know we wouldn’t let you down?” Then, listen to His response.
Remember that Christ already paid the price, by Himself.
May we believe Him and anchor in His words. May God be our shield and our reward (Genesis 15:1).
Summarized from a Tim Keller’s sermon, titled, “Abraham’s doubt and trust”:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/abraham-and-the-torch-5860/