Dear Ones:
One thing about the Bible that is so unique…it is timeless, and time-expansive. Indeed, it reveals to us the eternal existence of God, His unchanging character, and his immutable objectives which are realized in HIS time and in HIS way. The partial history of a tract of land between the towns of Ai and Bethel is a case in point…a very eloquent declaration that GOD is Sovereign, and He is Almighty.
In Genesis 12, we find Abraham having responded to the call of God, had finally come to the land of Canaan. This is after a delay in Haran. He passes through the land, resides a Sichem, where the Lord appears to him, and gives him the promise: “Unto thy seed will I give this land.” (v.7) The consistent response of Abraham to the revelation of God is almost always to build an altar, and to worship. Abram them moves on to a valley where Bethel is to his west and Ai is to his east. (v.8) Again, Abram builds an altar unto the Lord. Bethel and Ai will play a large role in the life of Abram, because of one thing…it will be the place where he has the liberty to build an altar to God, and to worship Him. It will be a place of communion with God, with the blessing of God upon him. This is illustrated in particular by Abram’s brief stay in Egypt, where he went to escape famine. He, as well as Sarai, would be in great peril there for a time, were it not for the intervention of God. Where does he return to? Between Bethel and Ai…for there is no mention of an altar, and calling upon God in Egypt.
Over and over in Scripture the Lord promises that Abraham, and his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan. At one point in time, God will tell Abraham that his “…seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.” (15:13) Israel remained in Egypt over four hundred years, but finally came into Canaan…to possess (inherit) it. In Joshua 7:2, we read: “And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel…” And so, after 400 years, that which the Lord declared to Abraham begins to be realized, and lived, experienced in the realm of the tangible. It took over 400 years for the iniquity of the Amorites to reach its pinnacle, and at that point, Israel would gain access.
What do we learn from this historical account…of two cities? It is that the arrow shot from the bow of God through history ALWAYS hits its target, and that His purposes and work will eventually be fulfilled, and seen. If He is the God of all history, and time, can He not direct our singular lives, guide our steps, provide for us, so that He can accomplish through us all His purpose for our lives? Are we too little to believe in His greatness and goodness? May we be of MUCH faith this day, believing Him to bring about His perfect and will, and fulfill all his purposes, in and through us this day. He has not changed…He is indeed the God of all history.
Love, Dad