[Genesis 16-17]

H – Genesis 17:1–2, “[1] When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, [2] that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 

E – The God of Countless 2nd Chances!

As I read through the story of Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) if find myself asking the same questions they asked God and thought to themselves when they were told they would be used to multiply the earth and build nations in their old age: What? How? When? Yet, we have the privilege of knowing God’s response through His Word; “nothing is to hard for Him” (18:14). This was His plan and it was not to be improvised. 

However, after the “WHAT?” of Abram and Sarai, they took matters into their own hands. Sarai gave her maidservant Hagar to Abram. They conceived and Hagar bore a son and named him Ismael. There is now jealousy and contempt between Hagar and Sarai. And, now the story seems like a soap-opera. But, God never wavered away from His desire. He could have easily wrote Abram and Sarai off and used somebody else. But, He didn’t. That was not His sovereign plan. Abraham and Sarah was His plan. And for Abraham and Sarah to be His plan there was implemented MERCY. 

After blatant disobedience, God gave them a command. These commands of obedience have been consistent throughout history. I believe because it was given to the patriarch of God’s children, the nation of Israel to be past from Abraham throughout the generations. 1) walk before God, 2) be blames, 3) lead others to do the same. 

1. Walk Before God. To walk with someone means that you are associated with someone. It’s a personal implication of being in a tight relationship with another. Can you hear God? Hey Abram! You made a mess, but come walk with me, I want to be in a constant relationship with you. Wow!

2. Be Blameless. To be blameless means to be free of guilt. It’s a picture of one not taking action to be blamed. You could say it is doing the right thing because it is the right thing. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about doing the wrong thing or being blamed. 

3. Lead Others to do the same. Abrahams biblical mandate was to obey God and lead the generations to do the same. It is a picture of discipleship. A leader, leading others to pursue after another. Abraham was to lead others to pursue after God.

These commands lead to two outcomes. God tells Abraham: 1) I will confirm my covenant with you, and 2) I will greatly increase your number. Here, however, a conditional dimension is explicit, indicating that this covenant will benefit only those who walk before God and are blameless (17:9). In other words I have the blessing of His covenant when I obey Him.

A – Today we have the same commands: walk with Him, be blameless, and lead others to do the same. Even if I mess up today He is the God who’s mercies are new every morning. So, I make a daily conscious decision to wake up, walk with Him, be blameless, and lead others to do the same. 

What a wonderful day to walk with the God of 2nd Countless Chances. 

R – Lord God, thank you for being the God of countless second chances. Thank you for desiring a relationship with me. Thank you for using me despite my past failures. Thank you for mercy, grace, and the gift of redemption. Lord, help me to believe your promises are yes and amen. Lord help me, through your Spirit, to constantly walk with you, blameless in your sight through the blood of Jesus, and lead others to walk with you as well.

In Jesus Name!