Anchored in God’s Promise

“When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” Hebrews 6:13–18

On Sunday, we discovered God’s intention to graft in humans to become part of his family. It is humbling to see that what God intends, He anchors, even when His people tremble. Weren’t you surprised how, through broken families and generations, God found a people for himself?

When we read the story and genealogies of Christ carefully, there is something striking about God. He makes promises, and He also secures them Himself. Christ became the fulfillment of the covenant God made with Abraham and David.
In the Bible, a covenant is a binding agreement. Examples include Abraham and Abimeglech (Genesis 21), Laban and Jacob (Genesis 31), David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18), and marriage (Malachi 2). We were taught on Sunday that in the Old Testament, these agreements were often sealed by the use or mixing of blood.

So God made a covenant with Abraham that involved three things: He stated it (Genesis 12), confirmed it in a symbolic signing where God alone passed between the sacrificed animals (Genesis 15), and gave a sign for it (the circumcision in Genesis 17). Abraham’s covenant promised a nation, a land, and that all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham. It was unconditional, and God bound himself to it. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham as a sign of the promise.

From this, another covenant: the Davidic covenant promised David a house, a kingdom, a kingly line, discipline for sin without rejection, and ultimately an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7). Do you notice neither covenant has yet been fully completed, which shapes how the future is often interpreted in the Bible?

Our text this morning, is referring to Genesis 15, and we observe Abraham slept while God walked alone through the covenant pieces. It shows that God’s commitment to His word does not rise or fall on human perfection. Abraham doubted, improvised with Hagar, and yet God still pressed His purpose forward. With David, the covenant carried both honour and honesty. God promised a throne that would endure, yet He also said there would be correction when David’s line sinned. God’s faithfulness does not erase discipline, and discipline does not cancel love.
However, both covenants whisper the same truth: God binds himself to his plans long before his people look ready. This asks us to consider how many times we treat God’s promises as if they depend on human strength, mood, or consistency. Abraham learned that obedience matters, but God’s faithfulness is the foundation. David learned that calling is not comfort, but it is permanent when God speaks it.

So, where have you quietly assumed that God changed his mind about you? Where have delays or mistakes made you think the promise expired? If God alone walked through the animals, the invitation today is clear: stand where you are, align your life with his plans, and actively cooperate with the God who binds himself to His word as he continues to write your future.

Father, thank you that your promises are steadfast and unchanging. You alone secure your word, yet You call us to walk faithfully, obey your commands, and trust your timing. Please forgive us for the times we have doubted, acted in impatience, or tried to take matters into our own hands. Teach us to wait on you, to honour your ways, and to respond in obedience even when we do not yet see the fulfillment of your promises. Strengthen our hearts to trust you completely, knowing that your covenant love is sure, your discipline is for our growth, and your plan is perfect. May we live in faith, not presumption, and reflect your glory in our lives as we stand in the hope of your promises in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kay Alli