Nougat 22

There is a difference between a promise and God’s Promise. We were perhaps told growing up that a promise is a comfort to a fool; probably because the author had experienced several broken promises ratified in the heat of the moment. God’s promises however have long term value, even centuries later. Today’s Holy Nougat is one such.

“This means that children born by natural descent ⌞from Abraham⌟ are not necessarily God’s children. Instead, children born by the promise are considered Abraham’s descendants.” Romans‬ ‭9:8‬ ‭GW‬‬

There is no question here – the reference is to Ishmael and Keturah’s bunch. And, though it may seem hard, the fact is – the covenant ratified between God and Abram was clearly One Child’s inheritance. It is Abram and Sarai who complicated matters with the introduction of servants to the mix. I for one, would argue that it was Not Hagar or Ishmael’s fault; but based on the way the covenant was ratified…

Aside from the spiritual implications of this, I wish to pause briefly to note this as a clear lesson for our natural, earthly relationships. Unless our tradition actually accommodates this; extended family that is created by extramarital involvements can create havoc in the home. And the long-term impact is not always solely affecting the ir/responsible parents. It often impacts the children. Unfortunately, human selfishness tends that-wards.On the spiritual plane however, we note that the ‘inheritance’ is not restricted only to Isaac’s literal bloodline.

For, membership in the family of God is marked by Faith. Faith of the Jews that the inheritance is theirs (and theirs alone) regardless of the current nature of their relationship with God. But also Faith of the Gentiles that we prepare to eat the leftovers; recognizing that God rewards those who diligently seek God’s face. And; our adoption, perhaps better described as ‘Our Legitimacy’, is ratified by Christ’s blood, the Seal of our inheritance.

This is best understood when we revisit the prayer of John 17; where Jesus seems to remind God of their own covenant. Verses 4-6, 9 and 12 outline a plan that was crafted IN Heaven; and effected ON Earth for our benefit and God’s glory.

(A quick visit (again) to Genesis 3 suggests that it was made in response to that fated moment when Adam; like his great … great grandson Abram did centuries later; opted to make a decision contrary to the plans made with God. [It is the root of our Sin Problem y’know – our proclivity to do our own thing]. And it cost him; and us).

Jesus statement reminds each of us that Faith involves Waiting on God’s Timing, rather than jumping ahead of our future and God’s plans. It also confirms the Nougat in that we not only See where we fit in the equation; but also we have the Assurance that BY Faith; we each have access to the Promise.

Of what Promise do we speak?

God Promised Abram descendants as numerous as sand on the seashore. With the Promise came the assurance of inheritance of Canaan Land, as well as the heir coming by way of Sarai (see Genesis 17:2,6-8,15). It is After this promise was ratified that Abram and Sarai’s names were changed. And it’s After you and I accept and live by the Promise that our nature and names are changed (Christ-ian followers of Christ; or People of The Way). It is not a Promise to be taken lightly, just because it doesn’t seem to have yet been fulfilled. Let’s consider ourselves blessed to have access and to ready ourselves for the fullness of time.

Take courage; God’s Promise is still true.

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May all we seek be found in Christ