Falling At God's Feet

Yearly Reading: Genesis 16-19

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." Then Abram fell on his face; Genesis 17:1-3a NRSV

I am struck by the image of this ninety-nine year-old man falling straight down to the ground. He gave the only response possible to the God who called him to a covenant relationship. There was no bowing or genuflecting but straight-forward humility. Abram had absolute recognition of something greater than Abram. Abram succombed to the awesomeness of the deity. Abram was able to participate in complete worship of God.

I suppose many of us could imagine a time in our own lives where we have fallen on our face. But I doubt many of us could claim that it was at the feet of God. Embarrasment rather than absolute worship would probably be the image for most of us.

However, Abram falls at God's feet after God has appeared to him, told him who God was, instructed Abram to walk before God and be blameless or righteous and promised an agreement that would be applied to Abram and future generations - which God promises will be numerous. Abram doesn't just fall God's feet when God appears. Abram falls at God's feet when he hears of God's desire to be in a relationship with Abram.

I think we need to be willing to respond to God in such a wholehearted way. We need more falling at God's feet. After all, God desires a relationship with all of us.

God, we fall face down at your feet. We worship you, we honor you, and we bless your holy name. We recognize the holy relationship to which you call each of us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims