Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Story Continues

Genesis 26:1-6, 12-33
The covenant first established between God and Abraham (Genesis 12:1-7) was not limited to one generation. “[The Lord said to Isaac], ‘Reside in this land as an alien, and I will be with you, and will bless you; for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will fulfill the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, and will give to your offspring all these lands; and all the nations of the earth shall gain blessing for themselves through your offspring…’" (Genesis 26:3-4). Indeed the wording of the two covenants is nearly identical and the intent of each is the same.

The God of the parents continues to be the God of the children. The God of the past continues to be the God of the present (with a promise for the future). From the very beginning God has kept the long view, has looked ahead and invited the chosen people to look ahead as well. We cannot outgrow God, nor does God remain locked in a particular historic context. Ultimately, then, our lives should be focused on God and not the institutions or cultural patterns that we hold so dear. They will come and go just as generations of humans slowly march past. Even the church has a limited lifetime. But God keeps abreast of it all, and God remains current no matter what. The story will continue to unfold, and only God knows how and when it will end.

Prayer: Lord, you have blessed us throughout history with the knowledge of your presence. Continue to walk beside us and those who will follow, that your will may be done in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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