READING: Genesis 16-18, Matthew 5:38-6:15
The Lord appeared to Abraham as He prepared to teach him about covenant circumcision. God would make of him a great nation, and he would be the “father of many nations” (Gen 17:5). God would give His people a land, and He would “be their God” (Gen 17:8). Prior to these events, however, God appeared to Abraham and challenged him, “Live in my presence and be blameless” (Gen 17:2).
Those words directed to Abraham ought to challenge us as well. Some versions of the Bible state Genesis 17:2b a bit differently, but the sense of lifestyle obedience is evident in all of them: e.g., “Walk before me, and be blameless” (NAS, ESV); “walk before me faithfully, and be blameless” (NIV). Just as Enoch (Gen 5:22-24) and Moses (Gen 6:8-9) walked with God, Abraham was to do the same. God established His covenant with Abraham, but He still expected Abraham’s life to evidence his relationship with his Creator. He was to strive to live a blameless life—one impossible to live apart from God.
Abraham’s response to God’s Word to him was quite appropriate: “Then Abram fell face down” (Gen. 17:3). When a holy God makes Himself known to us and promises His presence, falling down in worship is our only real option.
I challenge all of us (beginning with me) to take these steps today: Worship God for who He is, fall on your face before Him, and commit yourself to walk before Him faithfully and obediently today. Let nothing get in the way of your following Him as His disciple.
Prayer: “God, keep me faithful and blameless today. I belong to You.”
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 19-20, Matthew 6:16-7:6