Genesis 17:9 Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.
I wonder if today’s covenant had anything to do with Abraham’s doubt. I’m not saying I blame him for doubting. He is 99 years old, was promised by God to be father of many, and is only, currently, a father to one, who was conceived because Sarai took matters into her own hands thirteen years earlier.
Genesis 17:10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.
Could this covenant of circumcision be a physical sign given by God to Abraham so that even though God’s timing is so very different from Abraham’s, Abraham now has this physical reminder of the promise to help sustain him? I truly have no idea, though I can see it as a potential act of grace and compassion.
Genesis 17:11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.
Precious Savior, Forgive me that I have doubts like Abram, worries about promises You have made, freak outs about timing that doesn’t materialize on my timeline. Thank You for loving me through my doubts. Thank You for Your acts of grace, mercy, compassion. Always. Amen.
Genesis 17:12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring.
Have a blessed day.