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Theme Scripture:
Genesis 13:14-15 - "The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, 'Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.'"
Introduction
In order to truly comprehend the significance of Genesis 13:14-18, it is essential to consider the preceding events that culminated in this particular moment. In Genesis 12, we see Abram (later Abraham) being called by God and getting summoned to depart from his homeland, his relatives, and his father's household, embarking on a journey to a land that God would disclose to him. This was a journey not just of physical relocation, but of profound faith. Abram, accompanied by his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot, stepped out in obedience to God’s command, not knowing the destination, but trusting in the promise.
When Abram arrived in Canaan, he built an altar to the Lord, establishing his relationship with God in this new land.
Shortly after, a famine hit Canaan, prompting Abram to move to Egypt without seeking God’s guidance. This decision was driven by fear and deception, exemplified by Abram's false claim that Sarai was his sister to protect himself. The incident in Egypt serves as a cautionary tale on the consequences of straying from faith and relying on our own understanding.
Faith goes beyond believing in God during good times; it entails trusting Him even when faced with challenging circumstances. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
1. The Internal Struggle of Faith vs. Fear
The story of Abram in Egypt illustrates a fundamental spiritual principle: when fear guides our decisions, we move away from faith and toward self-reliance. The Hebrew term for "fear" in Isaiah 12:2 is "פַּחַד" (pachad), conveying a sense of trembling or terror. Conversely, trust in God brings about peace and confidence, as illustrated in Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."
Abram's fear caused him to compromise his integrity, but through His mercy, God led Abram back to Canaan, back to the altar. This return signified not just a physical relocation, but a spiritual reconnection. Abram transitioned from fear to faith, from manipulation to trust.
In our own lives, it is crucial to regularly evaluate whether we are driven by faith or fear. Fear leads to poor decisions, but faith leads to God’s provision and protection.
2. The Test of Relationships
The conflict between Abram and Lot in Genesis 13 arose from their growing wealth, which strained their shared resources and led to disputes between their herdsmen.
Abram faced a crucial test here, not only concerning land or wealth, but about his innermost being. Would he value peace above all, or would he insist on his entitlements?
Choosing to act as a peacemaker, Abram graciously offered Lot the first choice of land. This display of selflessness is a profound reflection of his faith. He understood that God's promises were not limited by physical boundaries, and he was prepared to relinquish his rights for the sake of harmony.
Insight from Greek: The Greek term for peace, "εἰρήνη" (eirēnē), as used in the New Testament, signifies not only the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness and completeness. Abram comprehended that genuine peace arises not from asserting one's rights but from placing trust in God's provision.
Within our relationships, particularly within the community of believers, do we emulate Abram as peacemakers, or do we allow disagreements to tarnish our testimony? James 3:18 serves as a reminder that "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
3. The Power of Vision
When Lot selected the fertile plains of Jordan, God spoke to Abram, instructing him to "Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west" (Genesis 13:14). The Hebrew term "רָאָה" (ra'ah) used in this context denotes seeing, perceiving, or envisioning. God was not merely asking Abram to use his physical sight, but to envision the vastness of what He was offering.
The blessings of God are only constrained by the scope of our vision and faith. How far can you see? How much do you trust God to fulfill His promises in your life?
Lot chose based on what he could physically see, whereas Abram was called to see through the lens of faith. Lot's decision led him towards worldly success but spiritual downfall, while Abram's faith positioned him to inherit divinely.
In our spiritual journey, are we perceiving through the eyes of faith or the eyes of the flesh? Are we ready to trust God for the unseen and believe that He is capable of doing "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20)?
4. Walking in Faith
Abram was instructed by God to first "see" and then to "walk through the length and breadth of the land" (Genesis 13:17). This act of walking symbolized Abram's faith in possessing the promise. In Hebrew, the word "הָלַךְ" (halakh), which means to walk, also signifies a way of life, a journey of faith.
Just as Abram physically walked the land to claim it, we are also exhorted to walk in God's promises through faith. Joshua 1:3 affirms this truth: "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses."
God's promises demand active faith, not just passive belief. James 2:17 underscores that "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." What steps of faith is God prompting you to take to lay hold of His promises?
5. A Heart of Worship
Upon receiving God's promise, Abram erected an altar in Hebron (Genesis 13:18). This act of worship was a response to God's faithfulness. The Hebrew word for altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), is derived from the root word "זָבַח" (zavach), which means to sacrifice. Abram's altar served as a place of sacrifice, worship, and thanksgiving.
True faith leads to worship. When we see with the eyes of faith and walk in God’s promises, our natural response should be to lift up our hearts in worship and thanksgiving.
Abram’s life was marked by altars—places of meeting with God, where he acknowledged God’s presence and thanked Him for His promises. This is a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey should be continually punctuated by moments of worship, where we return to God and acknowledge His hand in our lives.
Is your life marked by altars of worship? Do you regularly return to God with thanksgiving for His faithfulness, or do you take His blessings for granted? Let us be like Abram, who lifted up his heart in worship at every step of his journey.
Conclusion
The journey of Abram from Genesis 12 to 13 showcases the strength of faith. Despite facing failures, he consistently turned back to God, relying on His promises. In return, God acknowledged Abram's faith by revealing a vision that exceeded his expectations.
Closing Scripture: 1 John 5:4 - "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."
As we conclude, I challenge you to lift up your eyes and see as far as you can see—not with the eyes of flesh, but with the eyes of faith. God has given you promises, an inheritance, and a destiny. But these are only accessible through faith. As you walk in His promises, may your life be marked by altars of worship, continually acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness.
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God bless you so much. May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Our address and location is on our website. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.
Senior Pastor
Leo T Mukumba
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