God’s Sign of Salvation - “The devil tempts us to hope in things that we can do.” I read that quote this week and it struck me that this is exactly the temptation that Abraham faces in Genesis 17. In this passage, God breaks a 13-year silence to reaffirm his covenant with Abraham. In response, however, Abraham laughs at God’s promise and puts his hope in Ishmael, his son by Hagar, Sarah’s slave. He was tempted by what he had done when God called him to trust in his work for Abraham. Do you find yourself tempted to trust in your own efforts, abilities, and works instead of the promise of God? I know I do. That’s why God gives us signs and seals of his promises. For Abraham, it was circumcision. For you and me, it is baptism and the Lord’s Supper. This week, we turn to Genesis 17 and see how God renews his covenant with Abraham (and with you and me) with God’s sign of salvation. Genesis 17.
