INTRODUCTION: In Genesis 15, we noted that God's covenant with Abraham was an unconditional one. This is again illus- trated in Genesis 17. Neither Abraham's failings, nor unbelief, nor the passing of time had changed God's intention to keep His word.

I. THE BACKSLIDER REBUKED - verses 1-2.
When Abraham was eighty-six years old Ishmael was born. This child was the product of unbelief and fleshly wisdom. For thirteen years after this, there is no record of God communicating with Abraham. The greatest blessing in life is to fellowship with God, but sin and carelessness can cause saints to miss out for even prolonged periods of time. Christians can fall into open sin for a time (Solomon, David), or just suffer from long periods of spiritual drought (Lot).

Thankfully these times are never permanent. God always brings the erring sheep back to a closer communion. Finally God rebuked Abraham and restored him to fellowship [Psalms 23:3, Hebrews 12:6].

Notice God's opening words:
A. "I am the Almighty God." - God is here rebuking Abraham for his lack of trust in God's power. It was this doubt that led to the marriage with Hagar. The Almighty does not need the help of worldly wisdom and schemes.

B. "Walk before me, and be thou perfect." - There is no doubt that this was intended as a rebuke for his sin thirteen years before.

C. Verse 2 - God let Abraham know that the passing of thirteen years had not hindered His plan. God allowed Abraham and Sarah to grow older that His power might be more magnified in Isaac's birth [Romans 4:18-20].

II. THE COVENANT RESTATED - verse 8.
As God spoke Abraham fell on his face. This was an act of humility and contrition. As he was bowed down the Lord continued to speak and restate the former promises. Is it not striking how many times God explained the covenant to Abraham [Genesis 12:1-3; 6-7; 13:14-17; 15:1-5; 18-21]? Do we not also see this in the New Testament? Is it not also a testimony to the slowness of the human heart to believe and also to the intention of God to keep His word?

Note also the many signs and seals God gave of His promises. In our lesson Abram's name was changed to Abraham, which meant "Father of many nations." What a name for a ninety-nine year old man who had not yet fathered the promised child. Only God can make such promises. As we contemplate these things are we not convinced of how much God loves to find faith in the hearts of His children? Is not this why He deals with us on the basis of promise? Our very salvation is received by belief in the gospel promise. Nothing glorifies God like faith.

III. CIRCUMCISION - verses 9-14.
The token of the covenant with Abraham's physical descendents was to be the circumcision of the male children. Any without this were to be cut off from the covenant people. The question as to why circumcision was chosen as the sign of the covenant is rather difficult. We do know that circumcision was often used as a picture of spiritual repentance and submission to God [Jeremiah 4:4; Deuteronomy 10:16 and 30:6]. Perhaps the idea was that as depravity is passed on through human procreation so there is the need for future generations to be cleansed of God. (In the New Testament we read of men who taught that circumcision was part of salvation. They failed to note that Abraham was saved by faith years before his circumcision.)

IV. SARAI RENAMED - verses 15-18.
The Lord here explained that the promised seed would come through Sarai. She was the one who had thought the Lord needed help [Genesis 16]. Now thirteen years later God affirms that Sarai is to be a mother. As a seal of this God changed her name to Sarah which means Princess. Abraham's laughter in verse 17, was probably the result of amazement rather than unbelief. His request in verse 18 was a result of his natural love for Ishmael. He did not want Ishmael to be passed over in God's plan. Should not the prayer of verse 18 be in the heart of every Christian parent?

V. GOD'S FINAL WORDS - verses 19-22.
Three things were explained to Abraham before the Lord departed:
A. Regardless of how unbelievable it may seem Sarah will have a son. This son is to be named Isaac which means "laughter." This would be a reminder to Abraham of God's power and faithfulness [verse 17].

B. God's covenant would be with Isaac, the child of promise, not with Ishmael the child produced by fleshly wisdom.

C. For Abraham's sake Ishmael would be blessed. There is power in the intercessions of God's people [Compare verse 18 with verse 20].

VI. OBEDIENCE - verses 23-27.
Abraham's obedience to God was immediate and total. Think of the trial this must have been for Abraham at his age. Hundreds of others were also involved. Only great faith could make possible this obedience. Truly Abraham had been spiritually restored.