Read: Genesis 13:1-18
The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward.” (v. 14)
Aren’t you exasperated by people who repeat themselves? Abraham’s God would be an exception, though. He says the same things over and over, yet his words come up fresh and new and relevant time after time, and his people are always learning more of him through them.
When Abraham first arrived in Canaan, Yahweh, the God of promise, told him this was the land destined for his descendants. When he came back to the same place after his stay in Egypt, he was given the same message. But see how Yahweh put it this time: All this land, in every direction, as far as the eye can see, is for all your countless descendants. And for you. And for ever.
For us it opens up a double promise, doesn’t it? The promise of the land looks ahead to the day when all who share Abraham’s faith will come home to the heavenly country that Hebrews 11:16 speaks of. In the meantime, God’s promise tells us that this world, where we are only pilgrims passing through, from another point of view actually belongs to us. After all, “This is my Father’s world.” Doesn’t that make it mine, too? —Michael Wilcock
As you pray, ask God to help you look forward eagerly to the next world, and make the most of your time in this one.
About the Author
Rev. Michael Wilcock was formerly director of pastoral studies at Trinity College, Bristol, and vicar of St. Nicholas' Church, Durham. He is now based in Eastbourne, England, as a writer and speaker.
