The early church is challenged to answer, who is part of our group? What defines being part of this? Previously you had to be Jewish. Now a non-Jew has heard the name of Jesus and professed faith, is that person “in?”
Contracts are agreements between two people or parties that are created to protect each signee. A covenant is an agreement between two people or parties that is meant to protect the other person. In Genesis 15 God formally makes his promise to Abram, and makes clear the terms of what it will take to uphold the covenant. God reminds Abram (and us) that much in this world is far more about God and less about us.
After some time Abram and his nephew find themselves in a place of conflict. So they are given a choice, options of how to move forward. The choice seems clear from a human perspective, but sometimes God’s wisdom is not the same as human wisdom, and His plans do not match ours.
As Abram traveled, his family drew the attention of other nations, as they would pass by and through. Abram felt a tension that we all know well. Do I need to take matters into my own hands or do I wait for God’s guidance on this?