The Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant

By Olya Lambert

The story of Abraham has always been fascinating to me. It resonates with me on a lot of levels. I feel a kinship to Abraham. (Clearly, not because of a life long struggle to get a male heir. Lol!!!)

In the land of the Chaldeans Abraham was nearly sacrificed as a boy. After a lifetime of being married and finally getting a son, the only thing he wanted, Abraham was asked by the Lord to give him up. This story, despite the sacrifice not being required after all, makes every parent shudder!!!!

Does the God of Abraham we worship require a sacrifice of us? Or are we exempt? Why have Christians in many places during the last two millennia have had to suffer persecution and even die defending their faith? Are we better or different in some way? Are we entitled to comfort and convenience, popcorn and Disney plus, while they suffered losses and privation?

Would WE be willing to sacrifice what we enjoy? Our lifestyle, careers, accomplishments? Would we be willing to sacrifice for the Lord what we hold dear? Reputation, status, good name? Church membership? Access to holy places? And why is that unreasonable, if that’s what you value most!??!?

I can just hear a unison of voices saying that He DOES NOT ask us to sacrifice ANY of those!!!!! But ... does He? Or perhaps, just because He hasn’t yet, doesn’t mean He won’t... Isn’t He the same? And isn’t He “the way”? After all, the Lord does “try the faith of His people” and does ask for the “sacrifice of all earthly things”. The only question then is, are we His people?

 Here’s what Joseph had to say on the subject:

“Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things.” Plain and simple.