“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...” —Genesis 17:1
John Sailhamer—an OT/Hebrew Scholar—says that a literal translation of the Hebrew in this verse would be “I am God Almighty [El Shaddai] walk before me and you will be blameless.”
Walking before God Almighty is the pathway to blamelessness. But what does that actually entail?
It entails a great many blessings. As we walk before Him, he justifies us in Jesus Christ. Abram was justified by faith in his greater son, Jesus (Gen. 15:6) and we are justified by faith in his greater son as we “walk before Him.” It is interesting that God emphasizes the relational aspect of our Justification before Him. He wants us to “walk before Him.” How freeing is that? He doesn’t say “work for me,” he says “walk before me.” So today I’m just walkin’ before him and trusting that he is making me blameless.
It also means knowing Who we're walking with and confessing when we sometimes stray. When I sin I say, “Father I’ve been walkin’ before you and you just saw that. I confess that I need Jesus—please forgive me.” To this confession He replies, “I know. I saw it, my Son is still your forgiveness, He is still your righteousness and he is pleading your case.”
Walking before Him also affords us the knowledge that He sees everything in our path, even when we can't. When I’m in a particular situation that requires guidance I say, “Father, I’m walkin’ before you and I need your wisdom.”
Walking before Him means including Him in our lives, maintaining constant communication, being present with Him in every moment. In some ways, it looks a lot like a play-by-play. Sometimes I just say “I love you” or “You’re awesome” or “Your creation is breathtaking” or “Jesus, I like this Steak… thanks.” And as I walk before Him—even in the most simple or “insignificant” of ways—I’m blameless in the sight of God Almighty.
Let's walk before Him. Right now.
