Covenant and Doubt, a Reflection on Genesis 15:7-12, 17-18

We have heard the promises, but we are living with the realities. Sometimes, we doubt. Sometimes, we despair. During Lent, we are looking toward Easter, but we are living during Lent.

Abraham had heard promises, had responded to them, but Abraham had doubt. In his doubt, the Lord came to him in a vision and spoke to him, renewing the promise of a son.

Abraham was able to believe God's words.

The Lord continued to speak to Abraham. First, the Lord reminded him of promises already made. Abraham responded by once again expressing doubt, "How am I to know that you are going to provide what you have promised me?"

The answer seems strange to us moderns. God told him to get some animals, cut them in two, lay the parts on the ground, then walk the path between the two halves. No matter how literally we may interpret the scriptures, we probably won't do that today. Yet, the memory of this ritual can have meaning for us.

Not abiding by a covenant does split the parties.

After the sun went down, a flaming torch still provided light. In that light, the Lord renewed the covenant with Abraham.