Genesis 17:3-8

My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations

The second stage of the covenant

Already Jehovah, the Covenant God, had appeared thrice to Abram.

1. Simply to assure him that he should be blessed, and become a blessing Genesis 12:7).

2. To give him the promise of a numerous progeny, as the dust of the earth for multitude (Genesis 13:16).

3. To repeat this assurance, but now likening the number of his seed to the stars of heaven (Genesis 15:5). This third vision was confirmed by a solemn sacrifice. In it God stands clearly out as the contracting party, conveying certain blessings to Abram, and requiring the performance of no distinct conditions on His part. Now the covenant has moved forwards another stage, and Abram is to take his own part in it by receiving the appointed sign--“the sign and seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised” (Romans 4:11). This second stage of the covenant was marked--

I. BY MORE DEFINITE AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL PROMISES. This law of progressive revelation has an illustration in the case of Abram. The original promise is renewed, but spread more out into details. Consider these promised blessings--

1. In their natural greatness. Though they have a higher meaning and importance, yet there are aspects of them which belong entirely to this present world.

2. In their spiritual significance. Their ultimate reference is above and beyond the things of time and sense. The sands on the sea shore, and the multitude of the stars, speak to us Christians of the number and extent of the true Church of God.

II. BY A CHANCED NAME. Abram had reached a new stage in his history, and this is indicated by a new name. With God, names are not empty designations, but represent the truth of things. To Abraham it was as a new life to find the promises growing more clear, the gifts of God’s goodness more palpable and evident.

III. BY SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT ON THE PART OF GOD. God is the fountain of the blessing, and the sole proposer of the terms. His covenant is the only foundation of all our hope. We can look for nothing but what is thus assured to us. To believers in covenant, God conveys the riches which are in Christ. They are bound to a life of faith and love, and He engages Himself to impart His fulness,

1. This should excite our gratitude.

2. It should stimulate our faith.

3. It should excite our reverence. (T. H. Leale.)

The ratification of the covenant

I. GOD’S TREATMENT OF ABRAHAM.

1. His revelation of Himself.

2. He changes the names of the patriarch and his wife.

3. An enlarged promise.

4. The promise of a son to Sarah.

5. Yet Ishmael is remembered for good.

II. ABRAHAM’S CONDUCT.

1. He readily entered into the covenant.

2. He instantly submitted to the prescribed rite.

3. He included in the covenant all whom he could influence.

III. APPLICATION. God proposes to enter into covenant with us. He has given His Son as a sacrifice for our sins, and made us the most gracious and abundant promises. Now, we are required to take up the covenant and accept the conditions of it.

1. Look at the covenant on God’s part.

(1) He reveals Himself to us as the Almighty. Think of His greatness and power.

(2) He gives us a new name, He calls us His sons. He changes our nature, and makes us partakers of His own.

(3) He appoints us the sign and seal of baptism and the Lord’s

Supper, in token of our covenant relation to Him.

(4) He then lays upon us His great and holy command, in keeping of which we shall realize perfect safety and immortal blessedness.

2. Our duty.

(1) We are to walk before God, the Almighty.

(a) Remember His presence.

(b) Seek His guidance and approval in all we do.

(c) Look to Him for protection and reward.

(2) In this way we shall be perfect. Sincere and upright. Happy.

Safe. (The Congregational Pulpit.)

God’s everlasting covenant

I. THIS COVENANT IS THE SHEET ANCHOR OF CHRISTIAN FAITH. No fear of defeat or failure.

II. THIS COVENANT IS A PERPETUAL COVENANT. “Everlasting” is the period of its duration. It is for all ages, all dispensations, all believers in all the world to the end of time.

III. THIS COVENANT WAS MADE WITH ABRAM AND HIS SEED AFTER HIM. Parents do not make enough of it, or plead it with sufficient faith and persistency.

IV. THIS COVENANT IS GOD’S EVERLASTING ARM UNDERNEATH THE SAINT. Away, then, with fear. (J. M. Sherwood, D. D.)

Faith in God’s naked word

The more entirely thou canst rely on God’s naked word and promise, the stronger is thy faith; for then thou trustest Him on His own credit, without any bond from another; and this is faith indeed. He that walks without staff or crutch, is stronger than he that needs these to lean on. (W. Gurnall.)

Distrust of God’s promise

The awkwardness of our hearts to suffer comes much from distrust. An unbelieving soul treads upon the promise, as a man upon ice; at first going upon it he is full of fears, lest it should crack. (W. Gurnall.)

God talked with him

I. SATISFACTORY COMMUNION. The Rev. James Owen, of Shrewsbury, being asked, when on his death bed, whether he would have some of his friends sent for to keep him company, replied, “My fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ, and he that is not satisfied with that company doth not deserve it.”

II. DEGREES OF COMMUNION. Some value the presence of their Saviour so highly that they cannot bear to be at any remove from Him. Even their work they will bring up, and do it in the light of His countenance, and, while engaged in it, will be seen constantly raising their eyes to Him, as if fearful of losing one beam of His light. Others who, to be sure, would not be content to live out of His presence, are yet less wholly absorbed by it than these, and may be seen, a little farther off, engaged here and there in their various callings, their eyes generally upon their work, but often looking up for the light which they love. A third class, beyond these, but yet within the light-giving rays, includes a double multitude, many of whom are so much engaged in their worldly schemes, that they may be seen standing sideways to Christ, looking mostly the other way, and only now and then turning their faces toward the light. (E. Payson, D. D.)