Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. He journeyed on by stages from the Negeb as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had made an altar at the first; and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. Genesis 13: 2-4, NRSV
Gracious God, we are so thankful that whenever we gather around Your Word, You are there to meet with us. Please remain with us we pray; in the name of Jesus; Amen.
Today we continue our journey with Abram. The last thing we saw him doing was calling upon the name of the LORD around the altar that he had built. Soon after he arrives in Canaan, the land is affected by a famine. Let us observe the steps Abram will be taking from this moment onward.
1. “…Abram went down to Egypt to reside there…” (Genesis 12: 10). God had promised Abram that He would take him to Canaan, and God had kept His Word. Now Abram is faced with a problem. He obviously has not asked God for instructions. He decides that he will go down to Egypt. Proof that he is doing this on his own, is his concern for his safety. One lesson that I have found very helpful, is to remember that when God makes a promise, He keeps it! God had promised to make of him a great nation. Surely, He would not allow him to die of hunger! When we begin to doubt God in one aspect of our lives, doubting him in the other aspects, is not that difficult. Abram now says to Sarai:
2. “…Say you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account” (13). It is hard to believe. God has told Abram that He would bless him; and that anyone who cursed him would be cursed. Yet Abram looks to his wife, for salvation – even though it may be at a great loss to her! In other words, Sarai, was to take the place of the Savior! After all, isn’t that what Christ did? He put Himself at risk, in order to save us! But do not become discouraged men, all of us, both men and women, would do well to heed this warning: When in danger – look to God! The help of human beings is futile!
3. There is good news! Because God loves us, with an everlasting love, He will not forsake us! God led him back, “to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had made an altar at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord” (13: 4). What a wonderful Savior is Jesus our Lord! Sometimes we just need to go back where we first met the Lord, and gather strength from the experience! Have there been times when you have wished for a second chance, an opportunity to start over again; to try and get it right this time? I know I have. And although this does not always literally, happen, the Savior is always willing to take us back, and try us one more time!
He is not only a God of second chances, but of several chances as we will see. Let us not become discouraged! God thinks you are o.k.! By His grace you can be, and in His strength, you will be! Please join me again tomorrow to continue the journey. It most definitely will get better!
Until then, be blessed!