First Lesson: Genesis 17:1-10, 15-19

Theme: A covenant established by God "out of the blue"

Exegetical note
Despite the number of problematic elements that this passage presents to the modern Christian interpreter (e.g., the specifics of bloodline and place, the prescribed rite of circumcision), the heart of the story is the "everlasting covenant," a concept that transcends Judaism. Of particular importance here is that God is in charge of both establishing the covenant and setting its terms. There is no sense of Abraham’s initiative, much less of his earning or deserving it; indeed, it comes to him with no prior warning.

Call to Worship
Leader: People of God, we have been called into a special relationship with God.
People: YES! WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW COVENANT IN CHRIST.
Leader: …