A Promise with Many Purposes

Scripture: So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." Then Abram brought all of these to Him and cut them in two and laid each piece opposite the other, but he did not cut the birds in half. ... When the sun went down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot with a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great Euphrates River." Genesis 15:9-10,17-18

Observation: In the passage with the most detailed information about Abraham's future inheritance of the land, there is this confusing offering. God asks for three animals and two birds. Abraham prepares them and leaves them out, then that night the Spirit of God walks between them all. God then declares Abraham will receive NOT just the "promised land" but effectively the entire middle-east. Based on the river boundaries, this includes AT LEAST parts of eight modern-day countries, and perhaps as many as 15. These 15 countries today represent the heart of all modern religious conflict in the world - a conflict that is primarily centered around Islam versus Israel (though now progresses to a more global version that is seemingly Islam vs. everything).

We then see over the next few chapters, two sons born. The oldest will be blessed by God, will be the founder of many nations, but will NOT be the covenant son of Abraham. The youngest will be blessed by God, will be the founder of ONE nation, will be the bringer of blessing through kings to the world, and WILL be the covenant son of Abraham. However, we also know that one nation will NOT possesses all this territory promised Abraham, but rather only a small portion. Meanwhile the older son is typically considered the father of the other nations, or at least the line through which Islam identifies its connection to God.

And the offering of Abraham ... it is divided into two pieces, and the Spirit of God walks between all the pieces.

So I openly wonder ... did God always intend for their to be two sons, with two portions of reward, who would be divided one against another?

Application: I can of course answer that question. God did know there would be two sons, he knew he would reward both, and he promised all that to Abraham. However, his master purpose was to create a covenant people through whom his son Jesus would come and bless the world with the gift of eternal salvation.

As Christians, I think we struggle with the idea that God could be working toward multiple outcomes in situations in our lives. God is SO huge that he can work toward the long-term, multi-millennial outcome of billions of people, while executing on his "redemption of the entire world" plan simultaneously. So of course he can address our daily challenge at work, and our problem with our family, and struggling health, all through one or two actions.

God promised a land to Abraham, and perhaps meant it specifically for the chosen people of the Jews AND for 14 other people-groups almost continually at conflict with the Jews. So when God shows blessing or direction in my life, it would be foolish to think it is for one and only one purpose or outcome.

Prayer: Lord, it has been a year since your guided me to leave a long-term job and make a change. I heard your call and understood the goal. I know there must be MANY objectives for why I am now where I am. Please continue to lead me in doing your will daily, here in my holy vocation, and guide me to each and every purpose you have for me, for others, and for your loved humanity. Amen.