“And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”” – Genesis 15:8 

Scripture reading: Genesis 15:6-21

Yesterday we revelled in the blessing that Abram was counted righteous by faith. Today, as we follow Abram further, he has another question for God: “But how can I know?” Maybe you’ve asked the same. We need to know.

God graciously gives Abram the answer—through a covenant ceremony. Animals are cut in two, and a pathway of blood is prepared. This was the formal “cutting” of a covenant—a binding relationship. Both parties would normally walk the path, declaring: “If I break this covenant, let me become like these carcasses.”

Understandably, this would have overwhelmed Abram. He knew he could not keep such a covenant perfectly. Neither can we. The pathway of blood pictured the curse we all deserve.

But here’s the wonder: God causes Abram to fall into a deep sleep. Abram doesn’t walk through the pieces. God alone passes through. God is saying, “I am so committed to My promise that I would rather be torn apart than break My word.”

All of this is fulfilled in Jesus. At the cross, He walked the pathway of blood. He became the curse for us, so we could receive the blessing of Abraham. He was “cut off” so we could be brought in.

So how can we know? By looking to Jesus. God keeps His covenant forever. He has staked His own life on it. These things are written so you may know. And we know, “so-that” the world may know.

Suggestions for prayer

Bring your doubts and uncertainties to God. Thank Him for the certainty found in Jesus’ finished work. Pray this blessing would be confirmed in worship today and overflow through us to others.

Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.