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blood covenant

Genesis 15:8-10
"8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
9 And He said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not."

This is a gruesome scene that looks bizarre to our modern eyes. God is directing Abraham to sacrifice these animals, placing each half opposite the other along a path. Ancient eyes would recognize this setting immediately, it's the stage for a blood covenant. Where the loosing party would walk between the slain animal bodies saying; "If I do not fulfill this covenant, I will be sacrificed like these animals." It's brutally blunt in its meaning. We can only imagine the thoughts going through Abraham's head.

God is keeping His promises, His plan is unfolding in the life of Abraham. Abraham had questions and GOD answered them. God tells Abraham; his descendents will be like the stars in the sky, and this land is your land! From this moment it is another fifteen years before Isaac is born to Sarah, he is the true heir to Abraham's legacy! Out of this bloodline the twelve tribes of Israel are born and ultimately our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

These daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg Texas. You can watch it here...
https://www.youtube.com/live/OoJmYunkLBM?feature=share
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