Daily Devotions
Genesis
"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust Him." Psalm 18:30
Text: Genesis 13:1-18
AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE THE PROMISED LAND
God understands man far more than he realizes. He knew just when Abram would need an extra word of encouragement. His way is perfect indeed! His infinite understanding of Abram was displayed beautifully in an invitation given to him to explore the land – once again!
“Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width;
for I give it to you.”GENESIS 13:17
1. Walking the length and breadth of the Land would build a sense of confidence
The word of promise was firm. Every step taken, would serve to strengthen and confirm the certainty of God’s promise! If Abram’s confidence had taken a blow because of the two recent problems; with the Pharaoh and with Lot, then a good, long walk would help restore confidence. Each mile walked, with God’s promise kept close to the heart, would strengthen confidence in the Lord and His word.
2. Walking the length and breadth of the Land would give a greater sense of ownership
Nothing helps better to gain a great sense of ownership than to walk the length and breadth of the Promised Land. We may speak of human being as being “territorial”. The Promised Land would become more than just a theoretical proposition with every confident step taken.
TAKING UP GOD’S INVITATION
Abram wisely responded to God’s invitation. It was time to get out of his disappointment with Lot. A good walk-about would do him a world of good.
“Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt
by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron,
and built an altar there to the Lord.”GENESIS 13:18
1. Nomadic Life
Abram lived a semi-nomadic life. Nomads lived in tents. If they were going on a fairly long journey, they would “move their tents” from one location to another.
2. The Third Altar Erected
Abram’s journey took him to a woody region owned by Mamre the Amorite (Cf. Genesis 14:13). He did not have to feel that he was an alien in the land. God had given him the whole of Canaan.
This was Abram’s special way of keeping in touch with God. This was his personal way of expressive grateful worship! Yes, he did feel much better after the long journey to Hebron! To walk in the Promised Land with a consciousness of God and His promises did his soul a lot of good!