Abram learned to never abandon your altar as he returned to the promised land. He had worshiped God by building altars everywhere he went. Yet, there is no record of an altar in Egypt. Abram’s move back to the altar by Bethel symbolized a retreat from fear towards faith.
Genesis 13: So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned. 2 (Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.) 3 From the Negev, they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they had camped before. 4 This was the same place where Abram had built the altar, and there he worshiped the Lord again. [1]
A Return to the Promise
Abram’s physical return signifies a spiritual renewal and return to God’s will. When we face challenges that cause us to stray, stepping back into God’s promised path is the best. Despite his wealth, Abram didn’t forget God’s promise of land for his descendants. Material gains are secondary to spiritual faithfulness.
We, too, must remain focused on God’s promises instead of being distracted by the temporary gains of this world. Stay in fellowship with the Lord no matter the circumstances. God is faithful to His promises. If you disobeyed and God is disciplining you, return to where you left Him. Our God gives restarts as we repent and turn back to Him.
Ephesians 4: 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.[2]
Reaffirm Through Worship
When Abram rebuilt the altar by Bethel, it demonstrated a full circle back to faith. Our worship of God anchors our return to God. Abram is an example of how we reinforce our commitment to God in regular worship. Returning to God involves not just physical adjustments but a heart of worship and surrender. Regular worship builds our faith and dispels fear as we look to God to care for us.
Lamentations 3: 21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. [3]
The victorious Christian life is full of ups and downs and new starts. Just as growing in faith was a journey for Abram, it is the same for us. Knowing that God gives new beginnings isn’t an excuse for sin but an encouragement to repent. Worship and gratitude help build our faith and keep us close to God allowing us to hear His guidance. Never abandon your altar.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-faith-meets-fear
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.