“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). In this brief statement by God, we find important truth that provides fundamental insight into God’s dealing with each of us.
First, the One who spoke to Abram was Almighty God. This One is God alone and worthy of all worship. There is no other God. The prophet Isaiah records God’s testimony of Himself. “I am the first, and the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6). Furthermore, this One is not merely God, but Almighty God the Creator of all things. Again, Isaiah records, “I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded” (Isaiah 45:12). The command to Abram was warranted on the basis of God’s own Person. This remains true for each one of us today.
The command that followed contained both a relational aspect as well as a behavioral aspect. God told Abram “walk before me”. Abram was called by God to live his life as an actor on a stage before an audience of One. Every portion of his life came under this Divine scrutiny. This is the relational element of the command. Abram had other relationships – wife, concubine, servants, etc. But this relationship to God must surpass and govern every other relationship. This was God’s command and His expectation for Abram. He had brought Abram into an intentionally personal relationship with Himself.
Living his life before Almighty God necessarily carried with it imposing requirements. The word “perfect” here does not mean that Abram was to be sinless for “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). It does mean that his life was to be so ordered as to please a holy God. A holy God can require no less. Peter spoke of this expectation which has not changed with time because God does not change. Peter wrote, “…but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy” (I Peter 1:15-16). A relationship with God requires behavior that is fitting a holy God. For Abram, this necessitated a life of faith and God “counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). All those who know God must reflect His holiness in their conduct. It is man that must change, not God.
God’s plan for mankind has not changed since his dealings with Abram. This great God still desires a personal and intimate relationship with men and women characterized by holiness. To this very end God sent his Son, Jesus Christ. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (I Peter 3:18). Consequently, God will indeed dwell in relationship and fellowship with all who humbly turn from their sin and trust Christ as their Savior. Isaiah assures us this is so, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). God Himself is the dwelling place of those who humble themselves before Him.
From the Chaplain 