Daily Bible Reading - July 2020 God's Life-Giving Word of PromiseSample

July 4

Introduction

God initiates a covenant with Abram by means of an ancient ritual. Land and descendants are promised to Abram, and the Egyptian oppression and enslavement of Abram’s descendants is foretold.

Scripture Reading 

Genesis 15:1-21

Today’s Key Verse: Genesis 15:6

Abram put his trust in the LORD, and because of this the LORD was pleased with him and accepted him.

Reflect

Today’s reading describes an ancient covenant ritual in which animals were cut in two and the covenanting parties walked between these parts to signify that, if either party violated the covenant, they would suffer the same fate as the animals. However, when God uses this ritual in the covenant with Abram, it is only God (as indicated by a smoking fire pot and flaming torch) who passes between the split animals. Thus the ritual takes on the form of a royal grant, in which a king rewards a vassal with land because of the vassal’s loyalty. How is this demonstrated in God’s covenant with Abram?  In the promises made to Abram, today’s reading reflects a three-part pattern – God’s promise, Abram’s protest or questioning, and God’s reassurance. See if you can identify this three-part pattern in verses 1-6 and again in verses 7-21.

Pray

God of promise, in you I place my trust. In faith, I know you have accepted me and blessed me with your everlasting love. Guide me by your Word. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who prepare legal documents.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Genesis 16:1-16: Hagar bears Abram a son.