Abraham’s Faith

Abraham’s Faith

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: ‘Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth . . . .’ Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre . . . and built an altar there to the Lord.” Gen. 13:8-18.

Abram let Lot choose the best places. He knew that it was God’s blessing that makes rich; therefore he did not put his trust in earthly things. We read that Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the plain of Jordan was watered well everywhere like the garden of the Lord. What caused Lot to lift up his eyes was anxiety and greed; therefore he moved his tent to Sodom and Gomorrah. This is always how it goes when a person lifts up his eyes in unbelief and greed. It will always be in the direction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Earthly gain always entices in the direction of the world and unrighteousness. The unbeliever pitches his tent as close to Sodom as he can.

After Lot had moved away from Abram, God said, “Lift your eyes now.” Now it was Abram’s turn to lift up his eyes. He did it according to God’s command. He had forsaken everything in faith toward God; therefore God gave it back to him. The one who loses his life shall find it again. Lot suffered pain in his soul every day because of the evil he saw and heard. The one who wants to be rich pierces himself with many arrows. Abram, on the other hand, received it as a gift because he only sought God. Whatever we seek outside of God causes us much sorrow, but the joy of the Lord is perfect.

After Abram had received the promises and pitched his tent by the terebinth trees of Mamre, he built an altar to the Lord. Abram was not attached to anything outside of God. He was even free from the things God had given him. He built an altar; he sacrificed everything and lived as a sojourner in the Promised Land.

Lot, on the other hand, did not build an altar. He had nothing to sacrifice even though he had chosen the best for himself. There are also so-called “Lot Christians” in these days who seek this world, yet they never have anything to sacrifice. But those who love truth and righteousness have Abraham’s faith; even though they should suffer the loss of everything, yet they always have something to sacrifice.

God revealed Himself to Abram after Lot had separated from him. If you want to have revelations from God, you need to separate yourself from the unbelievers and put off all that hinders. Such wholehearted people become immovable; they can save others. Lot, on the other hand, was drawn along with the ungodly and had to be saved himself.

After Abram had saved Lot and the king of Sodom, the king wanted to give him all the goods, but Abram said, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” After this incident the Lord appeared to Abram in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Gen. 14:21-23; 15:1. Abram hated even the garment that was defiled by the flesh. Jude 23. He did not want to have any of the unrighteous king’s goods. He had lifted up his hand to the Lord. He would only receive something from Him. No one else should be able to boast that he had given him anything. People stretch out their hands in all directions in unbelief. This is how they become slaves of men. Many can boast of having helped him. He does not become someone through whom God can manifest His power. He never becomes a testimony to people of God’s faithfulness. God revealed Himself to Abram after he had declined to receive anything. We receive revelations when we cut off all connections and cease putting our hope in the flesh. Then God said, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” One could think, “He should have had this revelation before he forsook everything else.” Yes, but those are words of unbelief, because the one who believes will see God’s glory. Satan has power over the unbeliever because he instilled doubt into our first parents. Then God drove them out from before His face. God is holy; He does not condescend to dwell in a mind that gives room to Satan. Therefore we read, “Come out from among them and be separate . . . Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” 2 Cor. 6:17-18. Therefore we must withdraw our hand from everything that is visible and cleanse our mind from all hope in the flesh. Then God will receive us and reveal Himself to us, because we shall be holy in all our conduct, just as He is holy who called us. 1 Pet. 1:15. The pure in heart shall see God. We want God to reveal Himself to us and be in our midst; this is the way for each individual and for the entire church.

The Lord said to the people of Israel, “You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you.” Ex. 33:5. Israel was unbelieving; therefore God could not dwell in their midst. He would have had to consume them to be in their midst. Moses even had to pitch his tent far from the camp so he could speak with the Lord there. To approach God is to approach a consuming fire. He wants to wash away the filth of the daughters of Zion by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning. Isa. 4:4. This is what the hypocrites warn against, crying out, “Hard words, judging, and little love!” Yet all those who love God with all their hearts also love this Spirit that judges and kindles a fire. This is the bride who purifies herself, to be found without spot or wrinkle before Him in peace. If you have this hope, then come close to this Spirit. Fear not the judgments, neither the things which the fire consumes. You shall go forth like gold and be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, and you shall rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.