Abraham's Saga part 2

Genesis 13:1-18

We’re not told that the Lord God sent him to Egypt; only that he went there because of the famine, was thrown out, lock, stock and barrel, or in Abram’s case family, livestock, silver and gold; he was very rich, seemingly more so than most of us could ever realize.

First Altar

            Abram’s first altar was built as he passed through Sichem in the plain of Moreh after God had shown him his promised land for the first time. Gen.12:7

Second Altar

            Abram built this altar at Bethel after he left the plain of Moreh, before he went into Egypt because of the famine in the land.. Gen.12:8-10

Third Altar

Immediately after being literally run out of Egypt Abram went back to Bethel where he’d built the second altar. Sometimes we need to return to where we know, without a shadow of doubt that we heard from Him. It’s vital to know God’s leading to avoid avoidable calamity.

 Abram’s altars testify that he was a man of faith and worship; not just at the sacrifice of Isaac but his entire life was marked with worship and faith. Worship also includes seeking direction from the Lord, [Lord, what should I do? or When…? or. Where? How?]. Our spirit will give witness of the Spirit’s leading. But, sometimes we stumble along in our pride and arrogance all the while on the wrong track.

A critical decision

            Abram’s sustenance was beyond our comprehension and so it also appears his nephew, Lot, was very rich. So great was their substance that they couldn’t live together anymore. So great was their wealth the land could not support them both, plus their hired help were fighting. It’s not a pleasant thing to be fighting with your neighbors, especially when you’re related to them.

            So Abram, being the man of God, proposed a solution to Lot. He gave Lot first choice of the land. A true man of God must be able to make tough decisions regardless of the outcome and regardless of what his flesh is craving. Lot chose what appeared to be the choicest land and left Abram with “second best”. However, first appearances are not always what they appear to be, plus neither Abram nor Lot knew what the future held.

            The difference is that the land Lot chose, the plain of Jordan, was inhabited by some of the most wicked and vile people in the world, at the time. If you recall in ch.9 Canaan was cursed by Noah, the Canaanites were the descendents of Canaan, and Canaan had a despicable sin nature of the sexual variety. A curse for violation of a sexual nature is an abomination unto the Lord, and carries the baggage of disrespect; being cut off from society and many diseases are directly related to sexual improprieties. In 1Cor.5:1-5 Paul admonished the church at Corinth to excommunicate with the fellow known to be discovering his father’s nakedness.

Separation

            First Abram was called out from his homeland, Haran, now he has to separate from Lot, his kinfolk who went with him from Ur. If a man wants God’s promised blessings, God will cause a separation to lead you closer to your promise. Remember, the land could not sustain both families, not exactly rocket science to Abram and Lot. It was not only Abram and Lot, but the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also contending for survival.

            It wasn’t until Lot went his separate way that God spoke to Abram and showed him the land He had promised him. The promise was not for Lot, but for Abram only. Too many people want to lay claim to that which is only promised to His people! Even today, there are numerous people laying claim and fighting over that which was only promised to Abram.

The land and the seed

            After his adventure to Egypt and back, he has to take a walk—a long, long walk. He walked the length and breadth of God’s Promised Land. Are you willing to take a walk for God’s promise?

            Then God reveals how large a family (posterity) Abram will have—like the dust of the earth so no man can number them. That’s where you and I come in, as a part of Abram’s seed. It is estimated that the holocaust exterminated approximately 6 million Jews. And yet they were not annihilated.  It is my guess that there are more Jews living today, throughout the world, than at any other time in history, not including Christians.

            Whatever God has for you—it is only for you! Never give up until you’ve received your promise.

Fourth Altar

            In Hebron Abram built his fourth altar to worship to the Lord God after walking the length and breadth of the land. I think Abram was in awe at the size of God’s Promised Land which prompted the third altar. When we stop to think about it all of God’s provisions and promises are awesome to us!

            Here we see Abram’s faith in traversing the land on foot. There weren’t any motor vehicles in those days. Everything was by camel and foot.

            I wonder if you and I would be so awe struck as Abram if we had to drive the land in our luxury motor home.

Altar Significance

Abram’s altars were significant in several ways:

·         They were a place of worship

·         A place of praise

·         A place of seeking direction

·         A place of solitude, being alone with the Lord God. Nothing can replace being alone with Him. It is here that the worldly noises are silenced and His voice and leading becomes crystal clear.

·         A place of refreshment and renewal

·         They signify Abram as a man of worship and obedience. To what do your altars speak of?

Faith Building Practice and Review

1.    What is the significance of the altars?

2.    Can you resonate with Abram’s altars?

3.    Is your life marked by worship?

4.    What can you do to change your worship patterns?

5.    Could not the Lord God provide for Abram and Lot despite the famine? Explain.

6.    Like Abram, have you ever encountered difficulty while obeying Him to the point that you were temporarily sidetracked? Explain.

7.    What did you do? Panic? Worship? Explain.

8.    Which of God’s persona can you see in this chapter? Explain.

9.    Do you worship the same God today as Abram? Explain.

10. What have you learned about God that you didn’t know before? Explain.

Knowing God

A brief [not complete, add to the list] synopsis of the persona of God:

·         Love

·         Gracious

·         Merciful

·         Righteous

·         Longsuffering

·         Gentle

·         Faithful

·         Compassionate

·         Forgiving

·         Friend

       The ultimate goal of Bible study is to know God and not to merely memorize Bible trivia. As you study, identify the attributes of God. For instance: make a note when you read of God extending His forgiveness or compassion, and remember how He has done the same for you.