Lesson from our Session…………………………..
(Genesis 15:9) He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
To make His covenant the most firm or unbreakable covenant possible, God told Abram to bring Him several animals. The valuable domestic animals would have been used because of the importance and value of the contract.
God also included a turtledove and a young pigeon. Later, doves and pigeons were used by the poor to fulfill God’s law when making sacrifices to God. God was making His covenant with all of Abram’s descendants, both rich and poor. Rich and poor alike among Abram’s descendants would possess the Promised Land.
Later, God gave His law through Moses to protect the rights and property ownership of the poor among Abram’s children, the Israelites. When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple on the eighth day, we know they were among the poor because Luke wrote, “And they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons’” (Luke 2:24).
Lesson: In His goodness, God often affirms His promises to His faithful children (vss. 8-9)
Reflection: God does not need to repeat Himself but often does for the sake of us. Through His Word and the providence of life, He reminds us that He is in charge but more is committed to our redemption. Patience is the spiritual discipline of waiting for His affirmation.