654. GEN 12:6-9. ABRAM’S JOURNEYINGS

Gen_12:6-9. Abram’s Journeyings

"And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh: and the Canaanite was then in the land: and the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south."’97Gen_12:6-9.

Every event in the striking history of Abram may well interest the devout reader of the Divine word. He occupies so great a space among the condensed biographies of Old Testament history. His call was so remarkable. His faith and obedience so signal. His devotion to God so eminent. His character so honored, that we may well linger and meditate on the various circumstances of his eventful life. In the 1st verse, we have a Divine call to Abram, to go forth from his country, &c. In Gen_12:2 and Gen_12:3 the Divine promises made on this occasion. In verses 4th and 5th we have Abram entering on his course, &c. Then follows the text. Observe,

I. His journeyings.

II. His piety. And,

III. His blessings.

I. Abram’s journeyings. Observe,

1. They began by forsaking his native land.

Doubtless attached to it. The family inheritance, and friends, and kindred all there. But he had to leave all, &c. So the penitential believer is to forsake all for Christ. His love of the world’97its maxims, society, &c. "Come out," &c. Ye are not of the world, &c. As Matthew, &c.

2. They were distinguished by various changes.

He was to look to God for direction. He was to have no choice, &c. Three changes are described in the text. He was to have no fixed abode, &c. This fitly describes the varied states of the Christian traveller. Never in precisely the same state, perhaps two days together. Now on the mountain-top, then valley. Now in the fruitful plain, then the arid desert, &c. No rest here. No continuing city, &c. His journeyings,

3. Were connected with various trials.

In one case, the text says, the Canaanite was in the laud. The idolatrous, scoffing, hating Canaanite. How symbolical of the unsubdued evil of our hearts! Foes without; but the worst, by far, within. The most insidious, deceitful, and dangerous. Hence, also his various removals would try faith, and hope, and patience. So the Christian’s spiritual pilgrimage, &c. These journeyings,

4. Were long and continued.

The text describes his "Going on still," &c. How graphically it sets forth the Christian’s course:’97Tried, but going on still. Tempted, &c. Persecuted, &c. Weary, &c. Discouraged, but going on still. In duty; in labor; in suffering, going on still, and towards the balmy south’97towards the better land. But observe,

II. His piety.

Now the evidences of this in the text, are,

1. His uniform obedience.

He obeyed God. Without reasoning, or questioning, or hesitation, or delay, or reluctance. He believed and obeyed; and did so heartily and cheerfully, &c.: with constancy and perseverance.

2. His devotional spirit.

"He called on the name of the Lord." He lived in union and communion with God. He asked of God all he required. Sought every thing at his hands, &c. Was anxious for nothing. How essential this prayerful spirit.

Then observe,

3. He publicly honored and worshipped God.

Gen_12:7. He reared an altar to the Lord, in the face of the idolatrous Canaanite. So Gen_12:8. He avowed his religion. Publicly exhibited it. And as the head of a large household he employed his influence for the pious good of those around him. Hear God’s testimony; chap. Gen_18:19. What an illustrious example! How worthy of our imitation, &c.

Notice then,

III. His blessings.

Here we notice,

Z. Special revelations of the Divine favor.

"God appeared," &c., Gen_12:7. Abram was so distinguished and honored, as to be called, the "Friend of God." God favored him with especial manifestations and communion, &c. But such is the Christian’s privilege. "How is it that thou," &c. Joh_14:22, &c. 2Co_6:17, &c.

2. Constant guidance and protection. God led him. Directed him. He said,

"Walk before me," &c.: chap. Gen_17:1; Gen_15:1. What more could he desire or need, &c. Yet, thus the Christian has the Spirit of God, who guides his people, &c. "Never leaves nor forsakes," &c. "The Lord God is a sun," &c.

3. Great and precious promises.

Gen_12:2 and Gen_12:7. Now, these promises were clear, and great, and often renewed. Not only referred to the earthly Canaan, but evidently to the heavenly rest. See Heb_11:8-16. Now, so are blessed all the followers of the Lord Jesus. Great and precious promises are given, &c. Including all we need for time and eternity, &c.

Application

1. Encourage those who have set out on this heavenly pilgrimage.

Be steadfast. Go forward. Still look before and above, &c.

2. Invite others to join with you. "We are journeying," &c.

3. The safety and happiness of the people of God. They may sing,

"How happy is the pilgrim’s Jot," &c.

"I would not change my blest estate,

For all the world calls good or great," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS