This chapter is rendered the more memorable in that it contains the substance of the Covenant of Grace which, though here represented as made between God and Abram, yet in reality forms the outline of that everlasting Covenant made with the Lord Jesus Christ for all the spiritual seed of Abram.
"As for Me, behold My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4).
Reader! do not overlook the expression. God calls it His Covenant.
Yes! a Covenant ordered in all things and sure must be God's.
And it is the happiness of His people that He who hath made it, undertakes for its accomplishment; Jeremiah 22:40; Isaiah 54:10.
Under this verse it may not be remiss to remark that Abram had more children naturally considered than any of the other Patriarchs; and spiritually, who shall number them? cf. Romans 4:16; Revelation 7:9.
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"Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee" (Genesis 17:5).
The name Abram signifies a great Father: and Abraham, the Father of a multitude.
It is pleasing to observe that the Gospel Church when married to the Bridegroom hath her name changed: cf. Isaiah 62:2-4.
And is not every individual believer the same? cf. Revelation 2:17.
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"And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee" (Genesis 17:7).
Reader! pause over that very precious word in this place, everlasting, and then read it afresh; and beg the Holy Ghost to write it on your heart.
An everlasting Covenant founded in divine love, established in divine mercy, and secured in everlasting faithfulness.
Oh! how delightful to the view of a poor perishing sinner; cf. Isaiah 54:10.
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My Christian Brother! Are you included in this blessed Covenant?
Have you the marks and characters of it?
Can you say as Paul did, We are the true circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh?
Pause over the question!
And oh! that a gracious God may grant you an answer of peace.
If this be your portion, then you need nothing more to make you happy.
For God saith to you as to the Patriarch: I will give you the land wherein you are a stranger.
And where is that but Heaven?
Dearest Jesus! hast Thou not taken possession of it in the name of Thy people?
And hast Thou not promised that Thou wilt come again and receive them to Thyself, that where Thou art, there they may be also?
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