Genesis 13:1-41And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 2And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hai; 4Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. (Genesis 13:1‑4)
“And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him.”
We have looked sorrowfully on Abram involved in the results of his leaving the path of dependence upon God and going down into Egypt. Now we are refreshed to see the new goal of the one who though he had failed had never lost his place as a child of God. We learn too that the exercise of his heart in returning to Bethel resulted also in his taking back with him those who had originally accompanied him to Egypt.
“And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel,... unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.” 10:3,4.
There is a reminder in this of the principle previously considered; that is, he must return to the point from which he ought never to have departed. The return to Bethel was suited to his need at this time, for Bethel and the altar spoke of counion with the Lord—a privilege he could not enjoy in Egypt, type of the world. He had no altar in Egypt—nor could he erect one en-route to Bethel. We are happy to read of his going all the way back, for anything short of this would not do in relationship with God.
Now again in the good of counion with God, he proves anew the joy of putting all his circumstances into His hands. Ah, what lessons he had learned since he had last been at Bethel and we wonder just what confessions and expressions of repentance went up as he there “called on the name of the LORD.”
We are not told exactly, but we can be certain that his heart was opened in confession of the sad errors he had made and that he looked to God in renewed dependence on Him. This is ever the pattern of restoration when a child of God goes astray. “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD, and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” Psalms 32:55I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5).
Dear Christian, if the enemy has gained an advantage over you, may this word prove an encouragement. May you prove the cleansing and healing effects of “returning to the altar at Bethel,” as it were, there to confess the whole matter in true repentance to the Lord, who loves to restore His own.
Again we are reminded, however, of a past mistake on the part of Abram, that was to have its consequences with him all his life. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7). Lot, his nephew, went with him into Egypt and back again into the land of promise.
We do not read of Lot getting into trouble in Egypt, as Abraham did. He is a type of the “worldly Christian” and appeared to feel right at home in worldly surroundings. Returning to Bethel, his uncle reverently went to the altar and called upon the name of the Lord, but we do not read of Lot doing so, nor do we ever read of him looking to the Lord for guidance in any part of his life. He could never contribute to Abram’s spiritual good, but on the contrary, became increasingly a burden to him.
ML 03/28/1965