We have just read how Abram had pretended his wife was his sister. It was an act of deception and an exploitation of his wife. This not only undermined his integrity but also exploited Sarai, revealing a troubling aspect of his character. As we transition into the next chapter of his story, we find a pivotal moment of change.
“So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him. 2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.” (Genesis 13 v 1)
I find this disturbing. After demonstrating a lack of faith, he returns wealthy. Where did he get his wealth from? We have to say he got the majority from Pharaoh after deceiving him with Sarai. Deception blessed him. But his prosperity caused problems, as we will see soon, for Lot remained with him. With more stuff (animals, for example), then more space was needed. But we will get to that eventually.
There isn’t any mention of God, but Abram returns to where he came from; he goes back up from Egypt to the Negev. He returns to the path he was on. God had never told him to go down to Egypt. It was a distraction due to the famine. He is now back focused. The dry Negev desert is a better place to be if it is where God wants you than being in the place of the abundant Egypt, when God never called you to be there and when you have failed Him.
So Abram goes up. He carries his past with him, his wife and his nephew; he cannot do anything about what he has done, but he can get back on track. He can realign himself with God’s purposes.
Perhaps that’s the lesson. In your imperfect humanity, you may have made many mistakes, life could have become complicated for you, but your next step is vital because it keeps you moving towards what God has for you.
Sometimes, that’s enough to get back into the journey.
Missions Paul 