April 20

And it came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. Genesis 15:17.

Abram had asked God how he could know that God would honor His promise for Abram to inherit the land. God immediately replied and asked for the sacrifice of a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. They were sacrificed, cut in two, and placed on opposite sides of the blood path. Abram then saw a smoking oven and a flaming torch pass down the blood path between the pieces of animals. Abram was seeing the oven, symbolizing the purifying heat that removes the dross of sin, and the Holy Spirit who will guide and sustain us through these trials. In effect, God Himself was walking the blood path. Yes, Abram had his guarantee.

Often we are the same way. We question if God is serious about undertaking the life-changing task of molding us into the image of Christ. But I imagine we are really asking if we ourselves are serious about it. In the face of all that God has already done, we are indeed brash in our questioning attitude. But God can handle it!

Thank You, Lord, for all that Your mighty works have done. You have said that the path to salvation is one of blood sacrifice, and that was all fulfilled by Jesus at the cross. I can only tremble over Your word and deeds. Simple man pales in comparison. Yet You have chosen us before the foundation of the earth. We are in awe of You. Thank You for loving us. Amen.

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