Lesson 49

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Bible Study 1 - Genesis 21

 

Series # 4:         FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH

Lesson 49:        Genesis 21.33-34  THE BENEFITS OF THE REST PERIODS OF LIFE

 


Genesis 21:33-34(KJV) “33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.  34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.”

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

The Bible tells us in Genesis 21:25-31 that Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well. Wells were of great importance to a pastoral chief and on the successful operation of digging a new one, the owner was solemnly informed in person. If, however, they were allowed to get out of repair, the restorer acquired a right to that well. In unoccupied lands the possession of wells gave a right of property in the land, and dread of this had caused the offense for which Abraham reproved Abimelech. Some describe four, others describe five wells in Beer-sheba.

 

The Bible tells us in Genesis 21:33 that Abraham planted a grove. In the Hebrew manuscript it says he planted a  "of tamarisk tree," in which sacrificial worship was offered, as in a roofless temple.

 

The Bible tells us in Genesis 21:34 that Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land and that is a picture of being pastoral and an emblem of Christian life.

 

Now to bring this event down to everyday life in the context of what had taken place and what was ahead let me just add a few thoughts to ponder. There are times in life that are simply difficult to tolerate! There are battles to fight, valleys to cross, long nights of the soul to endure and storms that must be weathered. All we have to do is read the story of Job, or just live in this world for any length of time and we will know what I am saying is true. These times are not sent because the Lord wishes to cause us trouble. God is in the business of conforming His people into His image.

 

The Bible says in Romans 8:29, “For whom he (God) did foreknow, he (God) also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren.” The Bible says in 2nd Corinthians 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

 

The trials of life are the tools that shape us into His likeness. Therefore, even though they are difficult, they are a blessing in disguise. No matter how we feel sometimes, life isn't all bad. We would all have to admit that there are times when the Lord inserts times of peace into our lives. He allows us to pass by some "still waters" and He causes us the "lie down in green pastures." I thank God for those times in my life and I know you do too! Just as surely as the troubles of life are sent into our lives to grow, mature and strengthen us, THE REST PERIODS OF LIFE are sent for their purpose as well.

 

This chapter is all about a rest area in the journey of Abraham's life after all the ups and downs that lead to this point. I would like for us to briefly look at this to see a few uses for these rest areas of life. When the times of rest come, knowing how to use them properly allows us to extract from them all the blessing that God wants us to get.

 

INTERPRETATION:

 

THE REST PERIODS IN LIFE ARE FOR INHABITING THE BEST PLACES

 

“And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. ”

The middle part of this verse has to do with a transaction between Abraham and Abimelech.

 

The Bible says in Verses 22-31, “Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. ”

 

This transaction saw seven sheep change hands. These seven sheep were a testimony that the well now belonged to Abraham. The well became known as "Beersheba", which means "The well of the seven-fold oath." Wells were of vast importance to men like Abraham. They needed wells to make sure the lives of their flocks, herds and families were taken care of. It was by this well of sweet water that Abraham settled down and enjoyed this rest area of life.

 

When the fur is flying in our lives (so to speak), it is harder to concentrate on our walk with the Lord. However, we should take advantage of the calm times of life to enhance our relationship with Him. If we can learn to deepen our love for the Lord and make our relationship closer during the peaceful time of life, then we won't have to work nearly as hard to find Him during the storms!

 

What I am promoting is a life that zeros in on God through prayer, worship and the study of His Word like we are doing here as we continue GROWING TOGETHER IN CHRIST’S LOVE.  What I am  promoting is a life that doesn't wait until everything falls apart to confess its sins and seek His face, but a life that is lived in a place of closeness day by day, even when things are good. A life that finds a place of consistent growth in the things of the Lord is a life that He can use for His glory!  A good example of this truth is the life of Job. He first called on the Lord when things went wrong.

 

  1. The Bible says in Job 1:20-22 “20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” 

 

He was able to do that quickly because he had spent time in the Lord's presence when things were going well.

 

  1. The Bible says in Job 1 “1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”

     

  2. The Bible says in Job 1 “5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.”

 

  1. The Bible says in Job 1 “8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? ”

 

If we can ever learn to settle down in the best places of His blessings during the good, restful times of life, we will not be so easily blown off course when the adverse winds of trials and afflictions begin to blow against us!

 

EXPLANATION:

 

THE REST AREAS OF LIFE ARE FOR INSULATING YOURSELF WITH GOD’S PROMISES

 

“22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: 23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. 24 And Abraham said, I will swear. 25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away. 26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day. 27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant. 28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? 30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well. 31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. 32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.”

 

These verses tell us of the covenant that was made between Abraham and Abimelech concerning their mutual interests. Abimelech was concerned about his safety, Abraham was concerned about his well. At the end of this summit, Abraham could dwell with safety within the borders of Abimelech's land because he had the promises of this covenant.

 

Because the Bible says in verse 23, “Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.”

 

These verses indicate to us that we should use the rest areas of life as times to meditate on the great promises of the Lord! We need to just spend some time thinking here and let these truths feed your soul. Then, when the troublesome times do come into our lives, we  will find that we are steadied by His Word and by His great promises.

 

For instance, we believe in eternal security by the mighty hand of God because of the shed blood of Jesus, and that is His promise to His children. However, under the right kind of pressure, there may be times when we  might begin to feel that we are lost again. The Bible tells us that John the Baptist asked the question in  Matt. 11:3 “Art thou He that should come, or do we look for another?” He found himself in a position of doubt that he probably never thought he would see! The promise of His presence is another that comes under attack. What about His power and ability? What about His Sovereignty? What about His ability to meet our needs? However, I believe that if you will immerse yourself in His promises, they will be a help and a comfort as you fight the battles of life. The whole point is this, so fill your heart and life with His truth during the lulls in the storm, that when the winds begin to howl again, you are insulated by His promises. You will find that it is a tactic that works wonders!

 

THE REST PLACES OF LIFE ARE FOR INVOLVING YOURSELF WITH GOD’S WORSHIP

 

“33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

 

Abraham used this calm period of life to call on the name of the Lord. He used this time to deepen his relationship with God. This certainly equipped him for the battles that still lay ahead.

 

Why is it that so many people wait until the bottom falls out to call on the Lord? The best time to worship Him is all the time! It says far more about your character when you are consistent in worship than it does for you to wait until you are in trouble to call on Him. Many people treat Him like He was a spare tire! Pull Him out when life goes flat, put Him away again when the crisis has passed.

 

 Don't wait until some calamity comes to run to Him, be in the business of seeking His face day by day. Then, when trials do come, you are already close to Him. That is why church, Bible reading and prayer are so vitally important to everyone, especially the child of God.

 

THE REST PLACES OF LIFE ARE FOR INVESTING YOURSELF IN GOD’S  FUTURE

 

“33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

 

This verse tells us that Abraham planted a "grove". This simply means that he planted a tree. He is making an investment for the future. At his age, he might never cool himself under its shade, but Isaac will, and his grandchildren will. He is looking beyond himself to those who will follow and is making a difference for them while he can.

 

Use the rest areas of life as times to make an investment in the future of the Lord's kingdom work. Is there a young person you can mentor? Is there a life you can impact for the glory of God? Is there someone's life that you can be a blessing to for the glory of the Lord? This is what the Lord intends His people to be doing.

 

The Bible says in Titus 2:2-5(KJV) 2 “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” 

 

There will come a time when your life will be wracked by the winds of adversity. When those times time, your focus will be so inward that you will not be able to make a difference for others. The time to reach out is when things are going smoothly. Sadly, too many believers live their lives for self, with no concern for anyone else.

 

APPLICATION:

 

THE BEST PLACES OF LIFE ARE FOR INVENTORYING GOD’S BLESSINGS


Genesis 21:1-8(KJV) 1 “And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. 2  “For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3”And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. 4 “And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5”And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. 6” And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. 7 “And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age. 8 “And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

 

As those peaceful days unfolded for Abraham, he was able to spend the time listening to the laughter of Isaac and Sarah. He was able to contemplate all that the Lord had done for him and how God had blessed his life. It was a time for him to inventory the blessings of the Lord.

 

 Being thankful for the blessings of the Lord in the days when life is good is a great way to prepare for those times when it is less than pleasant! Living in the constant awareness of the Lord's goodness and blessings in your life is a hedge against doubt, fear and uncertainty when the hard days of trials come. God would have us to be a thankful people.

 

  1. The Bible says in 1st Thessalonians. 5:18; 18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 

  2. The Bible says in Philippians 4:6 6 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving”

 

Friends, don't take the easy days of life for granted! They will not last forever, but while they are here, use them as times to rejoice in the blessings of the Lord and to prepare for the days that are coming when it may seem that the blessings are few and far in between!

CONCLUSION:

 

At this point in his life, Abraham was well aware of all that he had already been through. He knew what the storm felt like! He knew how dark the valley could be and he knew how long the night could last. But, he did not know what lay just ahead! If he had been able to see the future, he might not have ever chosen to face it. God in His wisdom, used this rest area time in Abraham's life to prepare him for the trial that was just ahead.

 

You know, you and I cannot see tomorrow either! We do not know what is ahead. I am just glad that God, in His wisdom, plans a few rest areas along the way for us to enjoy. He gives us the times of refreshment and peace to help us to recover from our past battles and to prepare ourselves for the trials that lie ahead.

 

Friends, are you using the rest areas of life to their full advantage? If you are in one of life's lulls, thank God for, and ask Him to help you to use it for His glory. If you are in the storm today, why not come before Him and thank Him for the battle you are fighting and thank Him that somewhere out there, there is a rest area with your name on it!

 

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ALWAYS REMEMBER!

The support of your local Church ministry and the ministry of your Pastor should be the first priority of your Christian life and your service to the Lord. Be faithful to prayerfully prepare and attend Sunday School and Worship Service this Sunday and participate in worship as your Pastor preaches the Word. Do not forget to give the Lord at least your TITHE through your local church from your gross income – that is your first fruits. Any other other giving is an offering to a ministry unto the Lord. Honor the Lord in all you do and with all that you have. Always remember that everything you have and all you are belongs to the Lord. It is on loan to you – so manage it well! There will be an audit one day! Make sure the Books Balance!

 

All Bible Studies Are Prepared by Pastor Frank Denning And May Be Be Used By Permission.