Practically speaking, this chapter is a wonderful illustration in how to fulfill God’s will in our lives. Abraham knows that Isaac needs a wife. However, he is determined that he have the right wife. He will not compromise by sending Isaac away from the land of promise (Genesis 24:6), but he has confidence that God will go before his servant and prepare the way (Genesis 24:7).
The five cities of the plain were ancient cities of renown (Genesis 10:19). They had a large population, plenty of water and an excellent climate (Genesis 13:10). Yet, four of these cities were destroyed during the lifetime of Abraham (Deuteronomy 29:23). In the midst of one of these cities was the nephew of Abraham. Lot was not the evil man that many perceive him to be. In the scriptures, he is called a righteous and a just man (2 Peter 2:6-8). Yet, Lot certainly failed. Why and how did he do so?<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The early history of Abraham (here, Abram) is a striking picture of what it means to leave the world and follow after God. He has delays and setbacks. He sometimes partially obeys and sometimes falls back from where he was. But he always finds a way with God’s help to get back on track. There is much we can learn from him.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Read Exodus 40:17-19. There you will find a description of Moses rearing up the tabernacle. We are told more about the construction of the tabernacle than any other material object in scripture. Not only are materials and dimensions described in great detail, the actual process of making and putting up the tabernacle is carefully told. Since God does nothing haphazardly, this description has much for us today. As such, it is a wonderful picture of the service of God in the church and in the life of the individual. See how this passage teaches you as you read and study it.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The Israelites are delivered from Egypt but they are not yet delivered from the Egyptians. So it often is with us today. We are delivered from the world but the world follows us into the wilderness. In fact, the wilderness time is a time to cast off the remaining vestiges of the world. And sometimes, as with the Israelites, it is a slow and difficult process. Yet, God is always available to conquer the foe—if we will only trust in Him.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
