Read Genesis 13
Highlights:
Don't miss the life-changing message in today's reading. Lot chooses to be greedy (Gen. 13:10-12). See the blessings increase as Abram allows Lot to take advantage of him rather than fight for his rights. Abram's act of faith was reaffirmed (13:14-17); Abram and Lot separate; Abram moves to Hebron; Abram rescues Lot; Melchizedek blesses Abram; the Covenant of God with Abram.
Abraham reached the age 80 and was still childless. Humanly speaking it seemed very unlikely that God's promise, I will make of thee a great nation (12:2), could be fulfilled. After these things the Word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt Thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus . . . And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness (Gen. 15:1-2,6).
Abram confessed in prayer his fears: Lord, what wilt Thou give me, seeing I go childless. This was not a prayer of unbelief in the power of God to perform His promise but rather a searching as to how it should be accomplished. God knew Abram's thoughts and revealed Himself to him for the fifth time encouraging him to fear not.
The Lord assured Abram that he was not to look to Eliezer of Damascus as his heir but that his own son would be born. Even though there was no prospect of a child, the Scripture says that Abram believed in the Lord. To believe in the Lord means so much more than to merely believe in His existence. We may believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God yet this may be nothing more than acknowledging its existence. When we say we believe that the Lord exists, it is one thing; but when we say that we believe in the Lord, the real meaning is eternally different and deeper. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom. 10:9). Faith grows even when circumstances look impossible if we simply take God at His Word and remain faithful.
For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness (Rom. 4:3-5).
Thought for Today:
Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you (II Cor. 13:11).
Christ Portrayed:
By the high priest, Melchizedek, who brought forth bread and wine (Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 4:15-16; 5:5-10; 7:1-4). Today Christ is our High Priest who is interceding in prayer for us and He alone is deserving of our gifts and service to Him. Jesus took bread . . . and . . . the cup, and . . . gave it (Matt. 26:26-27).
Word Studies:
13:6 bear support; 14:5 smote subdued; 14:18 Salem Jerusalem; 14:20 tithes gifts of the first 10% of all material or financial increase; 14:22 I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD abraham made an oath (promise) to God; 15:3 seed descendants; 15:4 thine own bowels four own body; 15:5 tell mount; 15:13 stranger temporary resident; 15:14 great substance wealth; 15:15 go to thy fathers lie; 15:16 iniquity in; full complete.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by James P. Devery • Government Officials: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY) and Gov. Edward Rendell (PA) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Glory in the Lord. He is Victor over Satan (Zech. 3:2)..
Optional Reading: Matthew 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Genesis 1:1
