A One-Sided Deal

(God) said to (Abraham), "Bring me  a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."  He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two." -Genesis 15:9-10

If you read on for the next several verses, you will know that Abram does not ask God why he wants the animals and God does not instruct him what to do.  I know if God asked me to gather up a few animals, my reaction would not be to cut them all in half!  But because of the time and place of this bible story, Abram knew exactly what God was asking of him.  This was the way they made deals - or covenants - in those days.  This was like a handshake, pinkie swear, cross-your-heart-and-hope-to-die kind of deal taken to the extreme so that both parties understand the seriousness of the promise.  Once the animals were cut in two, both parties would walk between them to show their agreement to the covenant. So this was nothing new to Abram.

However.  The story takes a bit of a turn.  Verse 17 says, "A smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces." The firepot and flaming torch are a sign of the presence of God.  God passes through the animals alone.  Abram promises nothing.  God promises all. 

Grace upon grace upon grace.  Even then.

Faithful and Graceful God,

I am so grateful that your love and grace does not depend on anything I promise or agree to.  You just do it.  Amen.