Malcolm Cox

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ.

Introduction

Opening question: How is your faith going to help you handle the latest tests to your life?

How can we summarise Abrahams perspective, attitude, character?

1. Meekness takes us back to God, Gen 13.1-4

How do you know if you are meek?

2. Meekness helps us act like God, Gen 13.5-13

How do you know if you are meek?

Interlude: Gen 13:14-18 - Meekness enables God to draw close to us and bless us

3. Meekness helps us to act courageously for God, Gen 14.1-16, 21-24

How do you know if you are meek?

Conclusion, Gen 14.18-20

Discussion Questions

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 14

Today we move on to chapter 14

“And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar.” (Genesis 14:1–7 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? People of faith are not immune to the challenges of living in a turbulent world.

The first seven verses of this chapter remind us that nations wars against nations, rebellions occur, battles are fought, and conquerors oppress the conquered.

Abram lived in challenging times. He has already faced a severe famine, now he finds himself caught up in military conflict. How did he feel - recently resettled in the land, having resolved his conflict with his nephew with integrity, and receiving the reassurances from God of inheriting the land not just now but forever and being blessed with, "descendants as the dust of the Earth"?

All of these wonderful promises, and then war breaks out all around him! He could be forgiven for wondering whether God has got it in for him!

Devotional thought for today

Our final and complete rest is in the next life. We are promised that we can have peace of heart now, but not peace in life.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11)

Do you not waste time, effort or breath in asking God for a peaceful life. Instead, offer him your anxieties and ask him for a peace–filled Spirit.

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you trust him around the issues in life which disturb your peace, and fill you instead with his Spirit of peace.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 13

Today we pause before going on to the next chapter

“Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.” (Genesis 13:18 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Everyone is heading in one direction or another. Some are healthier than others.

Abraham goes South and walks through the land as God had told him to. Lot went east.

"Lot is stepping out toward the territory that his descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites, would eventually occupy in Transjordan. Though offered a share of Canaan, he is here depicted turning his back on it. “Eastward” describes his direction of travel, but it may echo Adam, Eve, and Cain, who went east after sinning (Gen 3:24; 4:16), and the men of Babel who journeyed “in the east” before commencing their ill-fated tower (Gen 11:2)." Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1–15. WBC 1.

Abraham is following the direction of the LORD. Lot is following the direction of his heart.

Devotional thought for today

Discipleship is not a random journey. Following Jesus has an aim. That aim is to become more like him.

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10–11 NIV11)

Fortunately, we have a guide and a companion on this journey – the Spirit of Christ.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV11)

Our journey of faith is transforming us more and more into the likeness of Jesus.

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you cooperate with the Spirit of Christ in you to transform you into greater Christ-likeness.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Thank you for all your new year good wishes.

My family has a strange Christmas tradition. I don't know of any other family which has the same custom. If you do, please let me know. The tradition is this - we receive a second round of presents on Boxing Day. These are gifts from the tree. Yes, that's right, the tree. The Christmas tree gives small presents to everybody in the family. 

Penny was taking our tree down this week and found a gift from the tree which we had missed giving to my sister's granddaughter. You will see it in the photograph at the top of this newsletter. I have since posted it off to little Hollie. She will receive her gift from the tree. I'm sure both she and the tree will be very happy.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to be more consistent with my Bible reading and study. So far, so good. I know this isn't exactly on Earth-shattering goal, but I want to make sure, as I go into another year of my Christian life that I don't take this wonderful treasure for granted. 

There were times when the word of God was lost. Whether that loss was physical or theological, nonetheless it was disastrous. Two examples come to mind:

“Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.”” (2 Kings 22:8)

The kings secretary didn't even realise the significance of it. He just called it, "a book". Then there's the example of Ezra:

“Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” (Nehemiah 8:5–6)

The tragedy of the ignorance of gods people is at least moderated by the reverence they show when it is finally given an airing.

Could this be the year when you develop a deeper reverence and devotion to God's word more than ever before? Whatever other aims, dreams, goals you have, I would submit that this would be by far the most important.

The hidden tree present will soon be in the hands of its intended recipient. God has given the gift of his Word to you and me. It is in our hands. Let us be grateful.

I hope you find this week's resources helpful.

God bless, Malcolm

If you'd like to pray for me I'd be very grateful. Here are some of my plans:

Until the next time, 

God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 12

Today we continue in chapter 13

“The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. “I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. “Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.” (Genesis 13:14–18 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? God notices when we act with integrity.

It can surely be no coincidence that God speaks once more to Abram after he and Lot have gone their separate ways. It looks like a seal of approval on Abram's perspective. He is happy to trust God and his promises about the land. Hence, God takes his promise up a step.

"This reaffirmation of the promise of the land differs from the earlier formula by its much greater explicitness. First, the land is more precisely defined: “all . . . which you see.” Second, it is given to Abram as well as to his descendants. And third, it is given in perpetuity, “forever.”" Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1–15. WBC 1.

Immediately after Abram is humble in seeking the good of another above his own, and followed by Lot’s selfish and sensually-led decision, and God’s commentary on the spiritual bankruptcy of the area Lot has chosen, God gives Abram a vision. It is a great vision of land and offspring. Why does it come here? Perhaps to reassure and reward Abram for his selfless behaviour. It is a bit like God saying, “That’s the right way to go about things, Abram. This is the way to deal with people. Keep up this style and I will be with you.”

Devotional thought for today

We do not earn our intimacy with God, but, a life lived in integrity with God's Spirit must surely lead to a clearer understanding and experience of his blessings. Do not give in to the temptation to compromise on your beliefs or values as a follower of Jesus.

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (Hebrews 10:35 NIV11)

Prayer point for today

Ask God to give you the courage to trust him, and never compromise.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 11

Today we continue in chapter 13

“Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere — this was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah — like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD.” (Genesis 13:10–13 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? Different people see different things.

What did Lot see? He saw land which might make him rich. He noticed cities where he might find husbands for his daughters. He observed a place of comfort.

Perhaps the key phrase here is, "like the land of Egypt". Has he forgotten what happened so recently in Egypt? Abram compromised, people were cursed, and he escaped by the skin of his teeth, and only by the gracious direct intervention of God. Lot was part of that. He has forgotten that comfort is a complicated goal.

When we think we see what we think we want, we miss seeing the whole picture.

Devotional thought for today

Are you tempted to pursue something unhealthy? Are you attempting to avoid discomfort? Are you bringing other people into your ambitions to help you be objective? How sad is that we have no record of Lot asking his uncle for advice. His destiny, and that of his family might have been very different.

Our comfort comes from God. Being a follower of Jesus is rarely comfortable, but, in our discomfort, we have one who will comfort us because he loves us.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV11)

Prayer point for today

Ask God to give you objectivity about your ambitions, and the comfort you need to handle the issues in life which cause us to mourn.

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Each chapter of the book focuses on one phrase from the Lord's prayer. 

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1. Father

"Our Father in heaven". The emphasis here is on rethinking our understanding of our heavenly father, redeeming the concept of fathering from the damage done in this world, and refreshing ourselves on what it means that God is our father.

“Father.” If you were to tally how many times Jesus uses that name for God, the total would reach approximately 65 by the time you finished the Gospel of Luke and over 170 by the time you reached the end of the Gospel of John."

The Lord's prayer, and the way Jesus related to his father help us to be drawn more deeply into the intimacy of a relationship with our heavenly father.

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2. Hallowed

"Hallowed be your name". In this chapter we are asked to consider who God really is? He is not like any other God. 

"To pray for God’s name to be hallowed is to ask God to preserve and display this mysteriously radiant reality. It is to ask God to keep before the eyes of the world this drama of divine majesty and mercy so that we can continue to speak it back to God in worship and cling to it in times of desperation."

In this prayer we are asking God to define himself to us, and to celebrate what that means.

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3. Kingdom

"Your kingdom come". Our reflection here is centred on what God is doing.

"Jesus is heralding the fact that God—like a king who has been abroad and absent from his native land—finally is returning to take back His throne."

What are we asking for? We are asking God to make his rule more visible and more tangible.

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4. Will

"Your will be done". When we pray this phrase, we are reminding ourselves, as well as asking God, what it is that God wants done.

"..petitionary prayer invites us to imagine a different world—the world as God meant it to be and will ultimately make it.."

We pray here to ask God to refine our imagination such that it reveals God's vision for humankind, and our part in it.

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5. Bread

"Give us today our daily bread". The focus here is a reminder that we are dependent upon our heavenly father. In addition, our ultimate bread is Jesus, not whatever is on our plate.

Referring to John 6, the author makes the point that, 

"Jesus Himself [is] the daily bread He encourages us to pray for."

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6. Forgive

"Forgive us our sins". This is the part of the prayer which counteracts a tendency towards pride, and grant us the inspiration to forgive other people. Asking God to forgive us is a sobering reminder of a need for his mercy.

"Once you adopt this deeper and darker view of human corruption, it becomes harder to hold on to any religious pride—and, by the same token, harder to look down on others as somehow worse off than yourself."

Once we have been sobered, we find it easier to forgive others. 

"Jesus isn’t offering a condition for our receiving God’s forgiveness so much as He is offering an illustration of what God’s disposition toward us is really like."

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7. Tests

"Save us from the time of trial". Since we understand that God does not tempt anyone (James 1.13), the focus here is upon testing. Our faith needs refining.

"God, like a metalsmith, applies pressure on His people to refine their faith and obedience, to make it stronger and more durable."

The author reminds us that Jesus himself, perfect though he was, was tested.  How does Jesus handle his testing in Gethsemane?

"He burrows into temptation’s depths and breathes the suffocating atmosphere of trial as He prays in Gethsemane and, ultimately, dies on the cross. And He does it alone. As Hans Urs von Balthasar puts it, “Jesus prays in the peirasmos, whereas the disciples pray to be preserved from it.”"

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8. Evil

"Deliver us from evil". The author sees this evil as personal. In other words, not a force, but our accuser. However, evil is also something from which we suffer. 

"Evil is not just what we do, but—more hauntingly—it is what we suffer, what we are mired in and encrusted with."

We cannot get ourselves out of such evil, therefore we need God's assistance. Of course, we are already triumphant over evil because of what Jesus has done on the cross, and what God did in emptying the grave. Therefore:

"When we pray “Deliver us from evil,” we are asking to be able to see, enjoy, and live in accord with what is true but still largely unseen in the present. We know that Jesus has already secured our final release from the Evil One, but we still sense evil’s nearness and taste its effects. The victory of Jesus is real but not currently as visible as it one day will be. And so, in confidence but also in trembling and with tears, we pray for the final, public, irreversible experience of celebrating the defeat of the regime of our Enemy."

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Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 10

Today we continue in chapter 13

“Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. “Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.”” (Genesis 13:5–9 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? How to take a lead in resolving conflict.

Not all problems are caused by bad things. This challenge is the result of the blessings God has given them. However, it does lead to conflict. What to do? Lot ignores the problem, but Abram steps forward. How does he approach the conflict?

i. He goes to the person with whom a solution can be found ii. He goes straight to the problem and does not beat around the bush. iii. He acknowledges the breadth of the problem iv. He is positive in his approach v. He does not blame Lot. He does not make it personal. vi. He reminds Lot of the more important fact - that they are brothers. This principle must guide their approach to the problem.

There is much to admire in the way that Abram deals with the problem.

Devotional thought for today

Do you have a situation in your life which requires you to take the first step in order to resolve conflict? What is it about the example of Abram that might be relevant in your situation?

You might not be able to solve your conflict, we are never in control of such things, but, what could you do that would honour God?

““If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 NIV11)

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you discern how best to approach a source of conflict in your life

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm

Introduction

 "Reports convey information. Stories create experience. Reports transfer knowledge. Stories transport the reader, crossing boundaries of time, space, and imagination. The report points us there. The story puts us there." Roy Peter Clark

Stories are fundamental to the human condition. Muriel Rukeyser said, "The universe is made of stories, not atoms."

In his book, "The storyteller's secret",  Carmine Gallo said, 

Show me an inspiring leader and I'll show you a storyteller who influenced the way that leader sees the world. What does storytellers do? According to Walt Disney, they "Instil hope again, and again, and again." Storytellers give us hope, and hope is a universal desire."

Was Jesus a storyteller? Was he anything else? 

 “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.” (Matthew 13:34 NIV11)

Rob gives us three brief tips for using stories affectively.

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1. Detail

Relevant detail is the watchword here. Not detail for its own sake. But detail which helps us connect. When Jesus mentioned that the runaway son ate the food of the pigs, it would've resonated with his Jewish audience in a way that shocked them. That detail in the story was significant.

When including your stories, check to see that there is enough detail to make the story three-dimensional, but not so much that it catches up in the wind with all helpful information.

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2. Empathy

When telling a story remember that its success largely depends upon creating empathy. The film critic, [Roger Ebert](https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiA4I2-4oLuAhVQZxUIHeDNAWYQFjABegQIBxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rogerebert.com%2Froger-ebert%2Feberts-walk-of-fame-remarks&usg=AOvVaw2k9qOfahSoesO6Z5SbjIIL) said,

 Movies are the most powerful empathy machine in all the arts.

We have all watched films which had decent acting, a reasonable script, and competent photography and yet, found them boring. Films in which we fail to feel any connection with the actors are seldom successful.

I challenge you to read the story of Lazarus in Luke 16 and not feel empathy. Perhaps you will struggle to do so now because you've read it many times. But if you were to hear it afresh, I suggest you would empathise with Lazarus.

When preparing your stories, ask yourself whether any of the characters are empathetic?

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3. Application

Some stories need an application. Others are so powerful that you can leave the Holy Spirit to have his affect on the hearts of those present.

When considering the stories to add to your presentation, ask yourself whether that particular story needs applying to your audience.

Jesus varied his approach. He did not immediately apply the parable of the weeds in Matthew 13. His disciples had to ask him later to explain it.

“His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”” (Matthew 13:36 NIV11)

On the other hand, after the parable of the merciful servant in Matthew 18 he said this,

““This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”” (Matthew 18:35 NIV11)

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Conclusion

How do you feel about using stories? Are you comfortable or confused? In your next lessonWhy not include at least one story and put it through the filters of the three practical is above: Detail, empathy, application. 

Questions: Do you have a method for storing your stories? You never know when you might need them next.

I have recorded previously on stories. Here are some links:

Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 96: "How to re-enact a story"

[Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 96: "How to re-enact a story"](https://youtu.be/W9kO12QUlXM)

Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 90: "What is the difference between an anecdote and a story?"

[Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 90: "What is the difference between an anecdote and a story?"](https://youtu.be/MvPvTx3rv0k)

Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 165: "Why You Need Keynote Stories", Malcolm Cox

[Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 165: "Why You Need Keynote Stories", Malcolm Cox](https://youtu.be/zr_tE4qirEM)

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Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.

What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)

Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.

Episode 9

Today we start chapter 13

“So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, he and his wife and all that belonged to him, and Lot with him. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 13:1–4 NAS95)

What are we seeing here? A reconciliation. We will look at that in more detail in a moment, but first, let's think about the chapter as a whole.

In chapter 13 Abram returns to the land of the promise where he began to call on the name of the Lord. There, he and Lot have a dispute resulting in their separation. The consequences of which we will see in later chapters. Finally we reach the highlight of the chapter, verses 14-17, where God gives more detail to his promise of the land and the descendants of Abram.

For today, let us make two notes.

Firstly, we note that Abraham returns from Egypt wealthier than when he arrived. Interestingly, the Hebrew word used for 'rich' is the same word used for 'severe' when referring to the famine in chapter 12 verse 10. The famine was rich, now Abram is rich. The bigger picture is the prefiguring of the day when Israel will come out of Egypt

“The Israelites had done as Moses told them; they had asked the Egyptians for jewellery of silver and gold, and for clothing, and the LORD had given the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. And so they plundered the Egyptians.” (Exodus 12:35–36 NRSV)

Secondly, we see that he returns to a specific place with a specific purpose. He goes back to the 'beginning' to an altar made 'formerly'. After the debacle with Pharaoh, it looks to me that he is repairing his relationship with God. He returns to a previously built altar perhaps to check whether the promises still stand.

Devotional thought for today

It is the second point which speaks most loudly to me. One way to recapture the delight of spiritual devotion is to return to tried and tested practices. What has worked best for you in the past regarding prayer and Bible study? Is it time to revisit those? You might do well to go back to a place of spiritual victory and pray there. At one particularly dark period in my spiritual life I drove to South East London to the church building where I was baptised into Christ. I could not get inside, but I prayed outside remembering all that God had done to bring me to that point. I drove away spiritually inspired.

“— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12 NIV11)

Prayer point for today

Ask God to help you remember what he has done for you in the past and to refresh your gratitude in the present

If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: [email protected].

The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.

Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.

Take care and God bless, Malcolm