Loneliness is quite a problem in our world today, despite the many ways that people can stay in touch with each other. The more crowded our cities become, the less people are inclined to communicate. It is wonderful to know that even in such a fragmented society, God is with us in everything we do and wherever we go —we are never really alone! Our reading today begins as Abimelek (most likely not the same one as is mentioned in Genesis 20) and Phicol are talking with Abraham:
"At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you." Abraham said, "I swear it." Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek's servants had seized. But Abimelek said, "I don't know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today." So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty. Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, and Abimelek asked Abraham, "What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?" He replied, "Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well." So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there. After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time."
Genesis 21:22-34 NIV
Abimelek, a ruler among the Canaanites, had noticed something special about Abraham —God was with him in everything he did! This was not just a casual comment, it obviously stood out! He could see that God was blessing Abraham by His very presence! I wonder if others could say this about us? While it is true that God is always with us, do we show it through the way we speak and our corresponding actions? Do we sound like we include Him in all areas of our lives? Do we depend on Him or are we shutting Him out of certain parts of our life so we sound just like the rest of the world who really don't know Him at all? Remember, we have the most wonderful companion, living inside of us, just waiting to be invited into the rest of our life!
Anyway, back to the no hostility treaty that is being made. In light of the fact God had blessed Abraham so much with His presence, great wealth, influence, and power, Abimelek knew how important it was, to have Abraham's favour towards him and his descendants. Abraham is agreeable to the terms of the treaty saying 'I swear it'.
Water was a very important commodity in Canaan. There were no major rivers so they relied on the collection of rainwater or wells. It's no wonder then, that Abraham rebuked Abimelek over ownership of a well. Abraham's men had taken time to dig it so he stood his ground. Abraham was not afraid to stand up for what was rightfully his because God was with him and he knew that Abimelek knew this too! Are you willing to stand up for what is yours in terms of all the wonderful promises that God has made to us in His Word? Don't let the enemy take what belongs to you!
Abraham gave Abimelek seven ewe lambs to show favour and offer some compensation for his loss of access to the well. While Abraham understood his own property rights, he did not want to come across as greedy. In accepting the seven lambs, Abimelek showed that he recognised that Abraham had indeed dug this well and it belonged to him. So a peaceful treaty was made and Abraham named the place Beersheba, meaning 'well of underground water'. It became a very important place in the history of a Israel.
To always remember the treaty made in this place, Abraham planted a tree showing that he looked forward to the coming decades and generations there. Now a tamarisk tree takes a very long time to grow, but Abraham had faith that his family would see it because God had promised this land to him now and for his descendants forever.
I love the way this passage ends as Abraham calls on the name of the Lord. Even though there had perhaps been some tense moments as he dealt with neighbouring people in the land God promised him, Abraham heavily relied on his relationship with God and chose to talk to Him and spend time with Him. Problems and conflicts did not drive him away from God, no they just brought him even closer!
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your protection and provision, your presence and peace. We are so blessed that we can have You, the Maker of the whole world, as our Father, Friend, Saviour and Comforter. It was so good to read this passage from Your Word today, reminding us that You are with us in everything we do and others need to be aware of this. Please help us to witness to people around us through our words of faith and our reliance on You in every area of our lives. Bless those who are lonely and may they know that they are never really alone because You are with them. May it be very evident to others that we are different! May we always choose to call upon the Name of the Lord and may we stand firmly on all of Your wonderful promises!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
"For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see."
Psalms 36:9 NLT
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Light and Life for Today
SpiritualA daily devotional for your time alone with God. In an increasingly dark world, more than ever, we need to look beyond what we can see, past our present circumstances. In order to see the light and experience life as our Heavenly Father intended, I...
