Battle For The Truth (Part 53)

Genesis 13:1-4, “And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. (2) And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. (3) And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; (4) Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD."

Introduction

Chapter 12 ended with Abram being deported out of Egypt in humiliation. Having devised a very flawed plan that nearly caused the loss of his wife, Abram returns to Canaan, the place where God initially led him and established His covenant with him.

I see something else going on in the text, I see a change, some growth occurring in Abram’s life. He’s been through a lot, but God was with him. I see a man thankful for allowing him to return home, giving him another chance. I’m glad I serve a God of another chance. Amen somebody.

Abram found out that the better choice is trusting God at home—even in a severe famine, than choosing the world with its lure of meeting his needs.

It is always better to obey God, no matter the consequences, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. It is better to die in obedient faith, than to live in disobedience and doubt. For in obedient faith, God is with you to deliver you. But, in disobedience and doubt, God is against you and will chasten you until you repent and return to Him. I heard David say:

Psalm 37:16 – “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.”

Psalm 118:8, 9 – “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (9) It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

The Proverbs and Ecclesiastes also teach us something about what is better:

Proverbs 8:11 – “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

Proverbs 15:16, 17 – “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. (17) Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”

Proverbs 16:8, 16, 19 – “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. (16) How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! (19) Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

Proverbs 27:5 – “Open rebuke is better than secret love.”

Ecclesiastes 4:6 – “Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.”

Ecclesiastes 7:5 – “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.”

Vv. 1-4, “And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. (2) And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. (3) And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; (4) Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD."

God promised to bless Abram. Did He do it? The text tells us that Abram was very rich. Not just rich, but very rich. God also told Abram that he would be a blessing. Was Abram a blessing? Well, I believe the answer is, yes. For we see that not only was Abram rich, but Lot was rich as well. Didn’t He do it? Yes, He did? Amen somebody.

Notice that Abram did not return to Ur or Haran, but convinced that God did indeed lead him to the Land of Canaan, Abram made an immediate about-face from Egypt back to the place God called him and appeared to him. With his faith revived and a seemingly repentant heart, Abram returns to Bethel, which in Hebrew means “house of God.” This should serve as a lesson to all believers:

If you have wondered away from the house of God because the conditions were not to your liking, and the world seemed to offer more fulfillment, do like Abram and the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, repent, and go back to Bethel the “house of God.” And when you get there, start worshipping God and be Thankful to be Back Home. Amen somebody.

Conclusion

Saints, as I mentioned last week, I love the way the Bible reveals God’s truth. For as I observe the weaknesses and flaws of others, I see more clearly my own flaws and weaknesses. For although Abraham is known as the father of the faithful, he did not always exercise his renowned faith. Nevertheless, Abram turns to God and God receives him. We should never forget that with God there is forgiveness and redemption.

I heard the psalmist write in Psalm 130:1-6, “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. (2) Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. (3) If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? (4) But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. (5) I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (6) My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.”

Like the thief on the cross at Jesus’ crucifixion, when he called on Jesus and pleaded, “...Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” And Jesus responded to him and said, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

That ought to bless somebody today. And, if you continue to study along with us, you will discover that Abram will stumble again, nevertheless, God’s steadfast love never left Abram, neither will His steadfast love leave you or me. Amen somebody. So, until next time, may God richly bless you, my beloved.