December 13: The Third Sunday of Advent
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” Then Abram fell on his face . –Genesis 17:1-3
Abram had developed a little habit of talking back to God. In chapter 16 the Lord comes to him and says, “Fear not, I am your shield and very great reward.” You’d think that would elicit a very humble, “Thank you,” but Abram protests a bit: “Oh Lord, what can you give me? I don’t have a son.” God is patient, reiterates the promise, Abram believes, and is then justified by God through faith alone. Wow!
Then in the Lord’s incomprehensible generosity, he repeats and somewhat expands the promise of the land to Abram. Again, gratefulness is in order, but Abram doubts aloud, “Oh Lord, how can I know you’ll do this?” Then we are treated to one of the top five most glorious scenes in scripture. This is where God calls covenantal curses upon himself to assure that Abram and his true children will inherit nothing less than the New Heaven and the New Earth. Upon the cross we see that those curses were upon the Lord, not because he didn’t keep his promise, but because we broke it. Wow!
Chapter 16 is the Sarai and Hagar incident, which was a really bad deal. However, apparently Abram has grown in grace a ton through it because several years later in the passage above, God comes to him again and commands him with promises. This time, at ninety-nine years old, Abram has the proper response: verse 3, “Abram fell on his face.” The Lord is long-suffering, merciful, patient, and loving with sinners he’s making into his sons and daughters…even if they don’t get it until they’re ninety-nine years old.
And that’s the gospel. Come hear it preached and enacted in the supper with Jesus this third Sunday of Advent.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates!
Jesus Comes with Clouds Descending
Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder
Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (on Reformed Treasures) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15.
Visitors are always welcome!