IN these two chapters we have three important features of truth among many others. First, there is the Lord’s own aspect of grace towards Abram. Then there is Abram’s failure in the trial of the famine. And, lastly, there is Abram’s manifesting grace in the trial with Lot.
The purpose of the Lord towards His own is to conform them to His image. The foundation of the Lord’s ways towards His elect is grace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 1 viewed in connection with the condition of the earth under the Lord’s eye, as seen in Babel, in the former chapter, presents the grace of the Lord in addressing Abram. The promise thus made in the seed—Christ — nothing can disannul.
When Abram failed, it was like Jonah, a smooth passage soon turned to rough waters. Pharaoh commanded his servants, and they sent Abram out and all that he had.
When Abram exhibited grace, then the Lord said to Abram look now towards the north, south, east, west, —all is blessing for you. You have not lost by making a sacrifice in grace. You can more clearly see your blessings in grace.
Grace led to act in grace, and the fruit of grace is answered in more grace to Him who gave the promise.
When Abram left his native land, and went out in faith and hope, then he worshipped the Lord. When he failed in Egypt, no altar was raised there. He was sent out, and when he came to the place where he worshipped the Lord before, there he worshipped again. His failure was thus confessed.
Though the Canaanite was in the land, this did not hinder his worship; for his mind was stayed on the Lord: but when he went down into Egypt, in the trial of the famine, his worship was hindered; for he trusted in his own arrangements.
It is a humbling thought, that it was when their substance was great, they, the two brothers, could not dwell together; but the one who acted in most grace had the richest blessing unfolded to him.