Recap:
An Unlikely Encounter
In the stillness of the night, where dreams often mingle with reality, a peculiar event unfolded. It was that twilight hour, technically morning but still very much night in the minds of those who cherished their rest. A quiet presence stirred the room. There, before the sliding glass doors, stood a figure—my wife, alert and watchful.
“They’re back,” she announced, her voice cutting through the shroud of sleep.
For context, the past year had seen an ongoing struggle against unwelcome nocturnal visitors: raccoons. Living on what might be considered the third floor, thanks to a basement below, we had grown accustomed to the sounds of wildlife. It began with innocent birdseed left out on our little deck—a seemingly harmless gesture. But the raccoons found it, and a battle ensued, a battle we were not winning.
The raccoons scaled the drainpipe with audacious ease, as if mocking our attempts at deterrence. While I remained oblivious to their antics, my wife, Kia, possessed an uncanny ability to detect their presence. And so, there she stood, vigilantly in front of the door.
“You know when you’re really tired, and time seems to warp, slipping through your fingers like sand? That was me. I fell asleep, awoke, and fell asleep again, losing track of seconds, minutes, or even hours. But each time I awoke, there she was—unwavering, a sentinel in the night.”
“What are you doing?” I finally managed to ask.
“They can see me,” she whispered back, her plan unfurling in those few words.
In our possession was a BB gun, and Kia had become something of a sharpshooter—our very own Annie Oakley. Her strategy was simple yet cunning: wait for the raccoons to avert their gaze, then strike with precision. She was poised for action, waiting for the perfect moment.
Again, time danced its mysterious dance, and I awoke to the sound of the door slashing open, a cacophony of metal and movement. The house quivered as she pursued the intruders with determination, firing shots that echoed into the night.
In reflecting on this unusual episode with my wife and our furry nemeses, a realization dawned. Life, after all, is an adventure, and in marriage, we embark on this adventure together. Partnerships, as the Bible illustrates, are a tapestry woven with stories—some hilarious, some profound, all significant.
The scriptures speak of marriage as a covenant, a word often heard within church walls but sometimes misunderstood in its depth. Covenant signifies partnership, a union far richer than mere contractual obligation.
Contracts and Covenants
We live in a world dominated by contracts. They are everywhere, from the fine print of mortgage agreements to the complex terms of sports deals. Consider the example of a sports contract—say, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. A 10-year deal worth half a billion dollars is a staggering commitment, yet even such monumental contracts are fraught with clauses and conditions. They can be terminated, renegotiated, and, ultimately, broken.
This is not so with a covenant. God’s dealings with humanity are founded on covenants, not contracts. A covenant is an unbreakable partnership, a promise imbued with divine fidelity.
As we explore the concept of covenant, we turn to the life of Abraham, a man whose journey epitomizes this sacred bond. In Genesis 12, we find the beginnings of a profound partnership between God and Abraham. It’s a story of promises and dreams, of faith and fulfillment.
The Covenant with Abraham
The first of the Old Testament’s four major covenants begins with Noah, followed by Abraham, Moses, and David. Each covenant carries unique promises and responsibilities.
In Genesis 12, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and venture into the unknown. This is the first step of faith in a journey that would transform not only his life but the course of history.
The Lord said to Abram: “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.”
This departure marks the beginning of a covenant—a partnership—with God. In this divine partnership, Abraham is called to act, to trust, and to move forward. In return, God makes extraordinary promises:
“I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
The essence of this covenant is a promise that extends beyond Abraham, reaching across generations to bless the entire world.
A Dream Fulfilled
God’s promises are personal and profound. In the 21st century, we often struggle to grasp the notion of divine promises in our own lives. We know of promises like salvation and eternal life, yet we may wonder: What has God promised me, individually?
Reflecting on my own life, I recall a high school exercise that asked us to envision our futures. My dreams were simple yet significant: marriage, children, a career as a teacher. These dreams were deeply rooted within me, woven into the fabric of my being.
The promise of God often aligns with the dreams He plants within us. Abraham’s name, meaning “exalted father,” was a prophecy fulfilled in his life. The covenant expanded his dreams, transforming him into a father of nations, a blessing to all.
God’s promise to us is similarly expansive. The dreams He instills are not mere fantasies; they are divine promises awaiting fulfillment.
Faith and Fulfillment
Abraham’s journey was marked by challenges, tests of faith, and moments of doubt. Yet he held fast to God’s promise, convinced of its certainty.
In Romans 4, we read:
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”
This unwavering faith, counted as righteousness, serves as a beacon for us. Are we fully convinced of God’s promises in our own lives? Are we prepared to trust Him, even when the path is uncertain?
The Binding of Covenant
The narrative of Genesis 15 unveils the depth of the covenant between God and Abraham. God instructs Abraham to prepare a covenant ritual, a symbolic act involving the sacrifice of animals. This was a practice familiar in ancient cultures, a tangible sign of commitment.
As the sun set, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between the divided carcasses. It was God Himself sealing the covenant, declaring His faithfulness to Abraham.
In this act, God communicated an eternal truth: even when we falter, He remains faithful. His promises are unyielding, His love unfailing.
Fast forward 2,000 years, and we encounter another moment of covenant—a moment etched in history. On a cross, amidst a scene of blood and sacrifice, Jesus declared God’s ultimate faithfulness. Through His death and resurrection, we are invited into a new covenant, sealed not by the blood of animals but by the blood of Christ.
Romans 8 proclaims this unwavering love:
“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love—neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow… nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In this covenant, we find assurance that no matter our failures or doubts, God’s love endures.
Identity in Covenant
The story of Abraham illustrates a journey of transformation—a journey mirrored in our own lives. God gives us new identities, names that reflect who we are in Him.
As Abraham became Abraham, the father of many nations, we too are given a new identity through Christ. Galatians 3 reminds us:
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus… There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. You are all one in Christ Jesus.”
We are not stepchildren, nor are we second-class citizens in God’s kingdom. We are full heirs, true children of God. This identity shapes our lives, giving us purpose, belonging, and a future.
Embracing the Promise
Today, whether you find yourself in a place of doubt or faith, God’s promises remain steadfast. He invites you to embrace the dreams He has placed within you, to trust His faithfulness, and to live in the fullness of your identity as His child.
For those who have already entered into covenant with God, may you be reminded of His promises. Let them be a beacon, guiding you through the challenges and triumphs of life.
And for those yet to enter into partnership with Him, know that the invitation stands open. Through Christ, you can become a child of God, heir to promises beyond imagination.
As we bow our heads in prayer, let us seek God’s guidance, trusting that His promises are true, His love unwavering, and His covenant eternal.
Group Questions:
Icebreaker Questions:
- Unlikely Encounters: Can you share an unexpected or humorous encounter you’ve had with wildlife or nature? How did it turn out, and what did you learn from it?
- Partnership Adventures: Describe a time when you teamed up with someone to tackle a challenge. What did you learn about partnership and teamwork through that experience?
Scripture Discussion:
- Genesis 12:1-3:
- “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you…”
- How do you think Abraham felt when God called him to leave everything behind?
- What steps of faith is God calling you to take in your own life, even if they seem uncertain or daunting?
- Romans 4:20-21:
- “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise…”
- How can Abraham’s faith inspire us in our current circumstances?
- Are there promises from God that you are holding onto right now? How can you strengthen your faith in them?
- Romans 8:38-39:
- “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…”
- What does this passage mean to you personally?
- How can you remind yourself of God’s unyielding love in times of doubt or fear?
- Galatians 3:26-28:
- “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus…”
- How does knowing you are a child of God shape your identity and sense of purpose?
- In what ways can this identity transform how you view yourself and others?
Covenant and Contract Discussion:
- Understanding Covenant:
- How would you define the difference between a contract and a covenant?
- Why do you think God chooses to make covenants with us rather than contracts?
- Covenant with Abraham:
- What stands out to you about the covenant God made with Abraham?
- How does this Old Testament covenant point to the new covenant we have through Jesus Christ?
Personal Reflection:
- Personal Promises:
- What dreams or promises do you believe God has planted in your heart?
- How can you discern whether these dreams align with God’s will and timing?
- Living in Covenant:
- In what ways do you experience God’s faithfulness in your daily life?
- How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God, reflecting the covenant He has made with you?
- Partnership in Marriage:
- How can the concept of covenant enhance and strengthen the partnerships in your life, particularly marriage?
- What practical steps can you take to nurture and grow your relationship with your spouse, family, or close friends?
- Embracing Identity:
- How does understanding your identity as a child of God impact your relationships, decisions, and outlook on life?
- What are some ways you can live more fully in the identity and promises God has given you?
Application and Prayer:
- Action Steps:
- What specific steps can you take this week to embrace and act on the promises God has given you?
- How can you demonstrate the covenant love of God to those around you in practical ways?
- Prayer Time:
- Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His unyielding love and faithfulness.
- Pray for each other, asking for strength to trust in God’s promises and live out your identity as His children.