How Deep the Father's Love For Us

When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces. On that day, the LORD made a covenant with Abram...

Genesis 15:17-18a (NRSVUE)

When we look for expressions of God’s love, we may not always go to the early chapters of Genesis. However, God’s covenant that He made with Abram is one of the most beautiful, and ultimately prophetic, examples of God’s love. Indulge me as we explore some history.

In the Ancient Near East (the geographical area in which most of the Old Testament takes place), there was a common treaty known as the “Suzerain-Vassal” treaty. A “suzerain” was one, usually a king or ruler, who was able to hold power and influence over the “vassal,” or a smaller, weaker nation or people group. These treaties, or covenants as they were also called, were made for the vassal to swear loyalty to the suzerain, and for the suzerain to offer their resources and, more importantly, protection to the vassal. 

While there were a few different ways these treaties could be codified, nearly all included a process like that which is described in Genesis 15:9-21. I encourage you to review that brief passage, and by doing so you’ll see that several animals were split in two in order for one party of the treaty to walk between the animals while the other party observed. Walking amongst the split animals wasn’t just for fun, however. This action, which sealed the Suzerain-Vassal treaty, was symbolic of a powerful statement.

The one walking amongst the slain animals was saying, “Should this treaty be broken, by either of us, let what has happened to these animals happen to me so that things can be set right between us.”

Sound familiar?

When He was making this treaty, God knew that humanity would fail. He knew humanity wouldn’t fail just once, but again, and again, and again. God, as the suzerain, the powerful one, chose to walk amongst the animals. God, the almighty creator of the universe, chose to say, “Should this treaty be broken, let this happen to me.” What an unfathomable, inconceivable love the Father has for you and for me.

We know that God made good on His covenant even though we were the ones who broke it. He sent His son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to love us, serve us, and ultimately die a horrific death on the cross. God meant it when He made His covenant with Abram. While we have failed to keep up our end of the treaty, He hasn’t. How deep is His love for us.

While its not an ancient hymn, Stuart Townend’s words in “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” ring timeless, especially when considered in light of the Genesis story.

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.

Know that the promise of love and protection that God expressed to Abram in ancient days is the same promise He gives to us. Know that God never fails to keep His promises. Know that God’s love is deeper than pain, loss, or our failures.

Know how deep the Father’s love for us really is. 

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