We have a unique encounter with Abram and God in this chapter. It has all of the characteristics of a mystical experience as defined by William James in his classic, The Varieties of Religious Experience.
It is ineffable. When we read this encounter, we are left saying, "What just happened?" It seems weird. It must have been hard for Abram to describe to his offspring who passed on the story.
It is noetic. Abram's precluding question to this experience was, "how am I to know that I shall possess (this land)?" After the encounter, we see God confirm upon Abram a surety of knowledge of ownership even though the lands were occupied by others.
It is transient. This encounter doesn't last long and is unique. Abram doesn't speak of it being repeated although it may have been ritualistic to pass between the pieces as Jeremiah 34:18 states, "And those who transgressed my covenant and did not keep the terms of the covenant that they made before me, I will make like the calf when they cut it in two and passed between its parts". This may have had the intent of keeping a person honest as they pass through two halves of a (formerly) living creature. Thus shall happen to me if I break the covenant.
It is passive. A mystical encounter may leave one feeling as if they were in the grip of a superior power. Abram certainly felt this way following his encounter with God.
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Fire has been included in mystical experiences
likely since its development. We still light candles
as a part of worship today.
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Abram's assurance also brings with it a foreshadowing of suffering. His descendants will be slaves in Egypt for 400 years. This reminds us that the human experience includes great blessing but also great difficulty.
When Jesus is asked to heal a Roman centurion's son, he is sent a message by the officer that he need not come to the house. He believed that Jesus could heal him from a distance. Jesus responds that he hasn't seen this kind of faith in all Israel!
It would be nice for us to put away our doubts but the more common experience is that we all have them. Mystical experiences do not come very often to us. Sometimes after we have them, we may even doubt ourselves later. Did we really have an encounter with God or was it just a dream?
As we continue in Lent, may we recognize that our own insecurities may be the author of our doubts. May we rest in Christ with assurance today.
Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief! Amen.
Prayer from Mark 9:24.
Photo from angela c. via Flickr.com. Used under the Creative Commons license.
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