Impatience while waiting (or not waiting) on God

God had promised Abram a son, but Sari was barren (12:1; 11:30). Ten years on, and still without the promised child,  Sari suggests that Abram have a child by her maidservant Hagar. Abram agrees and Hagar conceives! But she now Hagar despises Sarai. Sari blames Abram,  who tells her to do as she pleases. Sari treats her harshly and Hagar flees. An Angel finds Hagar, and tells her God sees her plight, but she's to go back and submit to Sarai.  God will multiply her descendants greatly. She is to call him Ishmael. It means God who hears, “because He has  heard your affliction. He shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him” (Genesis 16:1-12).

There are many things going on here. Impatience in waiting on God. Sarai's shame and agony at having no children in that culture, man's  rather than God's solution, unintended consequences of decisions not thought through, Abram's conflict avoidance, Sari's dysfunctional anger and abuse, and perhaps most importantly,  unintended consequences,  and the visiting of the parents sins onto the children.  It's too rich to rush through in a single post, and we'll be dealing with some of these issues in the next few days. So today impatience in waiting in God.  
 

Have you ever had a promise from God, but He seemed to take forever to get round to it.  And did you get impatient with Him? I have,  though most of the time I was reluctant to admit it!  I knew it wasn't true, but it felt like  “my way was hidden from the LORD, and my just claim passed over by my God” (Isaiah 40:27). And I have learnt that if I don't deal with these emotions properly (that is Biblically), I am likely,  like Sari, to take things into my own hands, to make things happen. This is especially true with respect to the promise “What a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). happen.  Certainly there are times I should go to my brother and show him his  fault. But if I have not dealt with my anger, I'm not likely to go in humility considering myself lest I be tempted (Galatians 6:1). I also need to take the plank  out of my own eye before I can remove the speck from my sister's eye (Matthew 7:5).  

At such times I know I need to come back to the perspective that comes from being still and knowing He is God (Psalm 46:10), and from reading His Word. From Isaiah I need to hear Him ask  again “Have you not known? Have you not understood from the beginning,  He sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and  young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,  they shall walk and not fall (40:21-31).   

Lord please give me patience, but hurry (I'm kidding)! Thank You for reminding me again this morning,  that there are many consequences of taking things into my own hand.  Continue to teach me to wait in hope on You Lord. I want to soar like the eagle.  And I will give You the glory, in Jesus Name Amen

Covenant and dreams: “Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”

The Lord had just promised Abram again that he would inherit the land. He then asks Abram to prepare a covenant ritual consisting of cutting a three-year-old heifer, female goat, and ram in two down the middle, and to place each piece opposite the other. And .... “a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him” (Genesis 15:7-12). “When the sun had set a smoking fire pot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the River Euphrates'” (verses 17, 18).

Abram would have been familiar with the ancient covenant vassal treaties, that consisted of cutting animals in two, and the two parties to a specified agreement walking between the pieces. The significance was that if the treaty was broken, then the party breaking the agreement would be cut in two as the animals were. Walking though the two halves signified the two parties agreement to the blessings and curses of the covenant. The smoke and the fire are symbolic of the Glory of the Lord, as He appeared on Mount Sinai at the giving of the ten commandments (Exodus 19:18). So then the Lord and only the Lord passes through the pieces assuring Abram of God's unconditional and unbreakable covenant promise.

The dream: Horror and great darkness “Then God said to Abram: 'Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete” (verses 12-16).

The dream foretells Israel's deep affliction in slavery in Egypt; The giving many of parting gifts, in the aftermath of the 10 plagues of Egypt; The drowning of Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea as they pursued Israel through the waters God had separated (Exodus chapters 1 to 15). It's worth searching “Evidence of Red Sea crossing” on Youtube.

The iniquity of the Amorites: Barn's notes comments “From this simple sentence we have much to learn. First. The Lord foreknows the moral character of people. Second. In His providence he administers the affairs of nations on the principle of moral rectitude (moral righteousness). Third. Nations are spared until their iniquity is full. Fourth. They are then cut off in retributive justice.” The Amorites occupied the country east of the Jordan, from the Arnon to Mount Hermon, under their two kings, Sihon and Og just before the conquest (Numbers 21:21-35).

Father, Your Word tells us that You the Most High God rule in the Kingdom of men, and You give it to who ever You choose (Daniel 4:32). And when we wonder why You don't intervene, it is for two reasons. Firstly the iniquity is not full, You are always giving time for people to repent (2 Peter 3:9). The second thing, is that Your church has not humbled itself, turned from our wicked ways and sought Your Face (2 Chronicles 7:14). Wake up Your Church Lord to do our part in this time of great wickedness in Jesus Name Amen

The righteousness of Faith. “Fear not, I am your shield.

Your reward will be very great (Genesis 15:1). The Lord  was renewing His previous promise to Abram.  There's a note of complaint in Abram's response, saying that he is still childless,   Eliezer of Damascus, not one of his descendants is his heir (12:1-3; 13:7). God assures him his heir will come from his own body. He takes him outside to look at the stars and tells him that if he can count the stars “So shall your descendants be.” Abram believed God,  and He credited it to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:1-6).  

It shouldn't be hard for us in this age of instant this,  and instant that,   to feel something of Abram's impatience. But it is the testing of our faith that that produces endurance and strengthens it (James 1:3). Abram needed assurance, as we all are at times.  He knows what we need, and the invisible God shows Abram another visible illustration of His promise “if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered” (13:16). Nobody can give an exact count of the stars!

Abram believed God and He credited it to him for righteousness. It is justification (sinful man being put right with God) by faith (Romans 5:1).  Salvation by faith is thought by many,  to be a New Testament concept. In fact from this verse,  it is clearly that it originates in the Old Testament. Outside of the Judaeo-Christain religion, all other religions are about man reaching up to God, doing sacrifice,  obeying rules that are thought to please Him,  her,  or them,!. In light of this,  the place of the Law (i.e. Exodus 20:1-17) is somewhat puzzling. But Paul tells us clearly that nobody will be justified by obeying it (Romans 3:20).

Abram is told not to fear. Fear is a natural reaction of fallen mankind to encountering God. In fact Paul speaks of knowing the terror of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11 NJKV). But when,  by faith,  we believe God, God himself becomes our shield (verse 1). This did not happen to Israel on the mountain where God gave the Law.  They too were terrified. They asked  Moses to speak to God,  and to tell them what He said. “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die” (Exodus 20:19). As with Abram, God was wanting relationship, but Israel chose rules instead. And a huge part of the Old Testament is showing that obeying rules (the Law),  does not work. The Law was given to demonstrate beyond a shadow of doubt,  that the way of faith is the only way to God (Galatians 3:24; John 14:6).

Many have abused this, misunderstanding what it means to be under grace not under Law (Romans 6:14). Just because we are not under the Law doesn't mean we can be lawless, doing exactly what we want. There are sever warnings about continuing in this way (Hebrews 6:26). The New Testament is also full of commands. In particular we are to love God with all our heart, soul,  mind and strength (Mark 12:30).  And “If you love me, you will obey my commands” (John 14:15).

Father, to all who submit to the righteousness that comes from “obedience to the faith” (Romans 16:26), our reward will also be very great (verse 1 again).  You cannot be mocked Lord,  we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Give us hearts of obedience Lord,  and we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen

Mixed motives and strings: Now the king of Sodom

said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods.” Abram replied “I have raised my hand to the LORD, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, nothing that is yours, lest you should say, “I have made Abram rich’ (Genesis 14:21-23). Abram,  in addition to rescuing his nephew Lot, had also delivered the king of Sodom.  Some commentators have seen the king of Sodom's offer as generous.  But actually,  as the spoils of war,  Abram was entitled to everything,  including the persons. Otherwise he would not have been in a position to give Melchizedek “a tithe of all” (verse 20). On top of this, I suspect generosity was out of character (see 13:13).

But Abram had raised his “hand to the LORD, the Possessor of heaven and earth.” The phrase “raised his hand,” is about swearing an oath, as is done in court,  swearing to tell the truth,  the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. He was swearing that if he were successful, he would take absolutely nothing that was not his,  or Lot's. We are left to guess why he did this. Perhaps being a godly man,  he would recognize mixed motives in himself.  Here,  in addition to rescuing Lot, was an opportunity get rich (richer). John D. Rockefeller,  whose net worth at his peek was about 1% of the entire US economy,  was asked how much was enough. He famously answered “just a little bit more.”

In addition to telling us that we don't have because we don't ask (God), James tells us we don't have because we ask with wrong motives, for example out of greed (James 4:3). In any case Abram knew “the  Possessor of heaven and earth, ” had amply provided for, and protected,  him in the past  (13:2).   We can't get close to God without getting to know something of the wickedness and deceitfulness of our own hearts (Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 4:19).   Abram's primary concern was to rescue Lot, and in asking for God's help, he no doubt wanted to make sure his motives were pure. By making his oath, which he knew he would keep, he no doubt settled the matter in his own heart.

Looking at it from the king of Sodom's point of view, it's fallen human nature to want to get one up on others. In particular there are times when gifts are given with strings attached. I mean have you ever been given a gift that seemed like generosity, only to find out later that something was expected of you in return, and the gift was then mentioned in terms of “you owe me?” It's what the saying “beware of Greeks bearing gifts” means! You don't want others to be pulling the strings!  Abram seems to have not wanted the king of Sodom to be able to brag that he had made him rich.   

Lord Jesus, the closer I get to You the more I realize I have mixed motives. In particular, Your Word speaks of the deceitfulness of riches.   Thank You that Your Word is an antidote to any,  and all  of this. It is living and powerful, sharper than any double edged sword, it's a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And to You, our hearts are an open book (Hebrews 4:12, 13). So please purify my heart Lord (Acts 15:9),   and I will give You the glory in Your precious and lovely Name Amen

Abram's Tithe: And he (Abram) gave him

(Melchizedek) a tithe of all (Genesis 14:20). This morning's verse follows  Melchizedek's blessing of Abram. It was an ancient custom to give  a tithe (a 10th) part of the products of the land and of the spoils of war to priests and kings. Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe of everything.  Tithing was later instituted into the  Jewish Law (Leviticus 27:30–33). It was mandatory,  but Abram's tithe was voluntary.  Many churches teach Christians need to tithe, to give one tenth of their wages. I mean most of us don't grow crops to give a tenth of that! So is it mandatory for the Christian? Well,  we are not under Law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). But there's more to say.

In an age of demanding rights,  we might well declare “I have a right to do what I want with my own money!” Without wanting to twist the scripture I want to ask with Paul “What do you have that you were not given” (1 Corinthians 4:7)?  You owe Him your very life!  To me,  our willingness to give in an age of greed and covetousness, is a primary indicator of our commitment to Christ.  John asks “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him” (1 John 3:17)?  We may not grow crops, but we can certainly contribute to a hungry world. What I am saying is that we should not restrict our giving to church.

So how much should we give? Paul instructs “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously  (2 Corinthians 9:6). So as much as a tithe?  To me it means more than a tithe, but that's me. Paul continues “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (verse 7).

After an astounding outpouring of gifts towards the building of the first temple David prays "who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You” (1 Chronicles 29:14). The Lord Himself instructs “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse..... test me in this ... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it”.  While many say “I just can't afford it,” it is the testimony of countless Christians down  through the ages,  that when they have given out of their poverty, the  Lord has indeed blessed them  (2 Corinthians 8:2).

Lord Jesus,  Your Word tells us that  You are not unjust to forget our work and labor of love which we show towards Your  name (Hebrews 6:10). If we give as little as a cup of water in Your name we will not loose our reward (Mark 9:41). As to worrying we will not have enough if we give, You  tells us do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ But to seek first the kingdom of God and Your  righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:31,33). We choose to believe You this morning Lord,  and we commit to obey in Your precious Name Amen

Melchizedek, king of righteousness, king of peace

(Hebrews 7:2) “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.  And said 'Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:18-19).  Many have wondered what exactly Jesus meant  when He told the  Pharisees “You search the Scriptures…and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39). Also what Jesus shared with the  disciples on the Emmaus road  when  “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to  “in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke24:27).

In particular what is it in all of the Scriptures that we need to see in  Melchizedek the Priest of the Most High God. A concordance (an alphabetical list of the principal words used in a book) comes in handy here.  We next meet him in Psalm 110. In verse 1 we read “The LORD said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.'” Through this verse Jesus identifies Himself as both Messiah and Lord (Matthew 22:42-44). Speaking of Jesus then, we read the Lord declared Him to be  “a priest forever,  according to the order of Melchizedek'” (verse 4). It's  a little puzzling, because Jesus could not a Levitical priest, a priest  under the Law,  seeing He is of the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:11; Luke 3:23-34; Hebrews 7:14).

So then Jesus is a priest of a different “order,” namely the order of Melchizedek.  This new “order” is given out of a declaration of the Lord. God is God,  and Jesus is who God says He is. He acts accordingly. Likewise,  we are who God says we believer are, namely we're saints, and beloved children of God (Ephesians 1:1; John 1:12). We  need to embrace this in our lives, and live them  out of that identity. It will change us!

But what is new about this Melchizedek order? Well,  sacrifices under the Levitical priesthood could not make anyone perfect, otherwise they would not have needed to be repeated every year (Hebrews 7:11; 10:1). Under this new order, Jesus of course,  is both priest and sacrifice,  and His one time offering perfected forever those who are being saved (Hebrews 10:14).  Secondly, concerning the “forever” part of the new priesthood,  we read that  Melchizedek  (in Jewish thought) was “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” (Hebrews 11:3).   Melchizedek then is what we call a type of Christ, a picture,  or allegory of some deeper spiritual truth. This does not deny that He  was historical, for Joseph is also a type of Christ!  

Two further insights, firstly Jesus our High priest is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He  was tempted as we are, yet without sin. We can therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, to  obtain mercy and to find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4: 15, 16).  Secondly,   He always lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).  

Lord Jesus,  we thank You this morning that You are our lawyer, our advocate,  and that You intercede before the Father on our behalf,  declaring the price for our sin has already been paid by Your sacrifice (1 Peter 3:18). You perfected forever those of us who are being saved. Thank You! We come boldly this morning, before Your throne to obtain mercy and help,  and to thank and glorify Your precious and Holy Name Amen

Abram risks his life for his brother

“Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants .... and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people” (Genesis 14:14-16). The king of Sodom and the kings of  the nearby cities had paid tribute to Chedorlaomer,  king of Elam, for twelve years. Banding together the decided to rebel and not pay the tribute.  Chedorlaomer, with the aid of three allies,  invades, defeats them,  and marches home with a large amount of prisoners and booty.  Lot, living in Sodom,  was also taken prisoner (verses 1-12).

Benson comments “The invaders were from Chaldea and Persia, then only small kingdoms.” And some of the kings were kings of cities. On a trip to Israel,  visiting the excavation of several cities of ancient Israel at Jesus time, I saw what were called cities were also very small.  So Abram with his three hundred and eighteen trained men mounting a surprise attack by night,  were well able to defeat them.  Matthew Henry comments that Abram took this opportunity to give  proof of his being a true friend to Lot. He says we ought to be ready to help  those in distress, especially relations and friends. He continues though others may have been wanting in their duty to us, yet we must not neglect our duty to them.  Agreeing Paul writes “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Though perhaps not a tad selfish in choosing what looked like the best land (13:10ff), it would be hard to deduce that Lot was “wanting in his duty.” But Matthew Henry makes a good point, Abram was “laying down his life for his friend.”  He could have said “he made his bed, let him lie in it!” If laying down his life sounds familiar, it was meant to be. Because while we were yet enemies Christ laid down His life for us (Romans 5:8, 10). And because Christ showed His love for us in this way, John admonishes us that we “also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).  He then asks, “if we shut our hearts to our brother in need, how does the love of God live in us” (verse 17)?

In the context of Romans 5 Paul describes the process of character building that is meant to follow the assurance of our justification (being put right with God). By learning to tap into God's grace we glory in the trials that produce patience. This in turn produces character and hope, by which the love of God floods our hearts (verses 1-5).

Father, by faith Abram displayed what we call Christian character without the help of the Holy Spirit.  Help us to stay close and connected to You Lord, so that the fruit of You spirit, the love, the joy, the peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control (Galatians5:22,23) grows in us,  thus demonstrating to the world that we are Yours. We need Your help Lord, and we are asking for it this morning,  in Jesus Name Amen