When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, He permitted no one to do them wrong. Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes. (Psalm 105:13-14)

As mentioned in the previous devotion, though the land of Canaan was promised to the patriarchs as an everlasting possession, none of the patriarchs ever settled in one place continually. With perhaps the exception of Isaac, they were constantly on the move from nation to nation; Isaac was continually moving from location to location within the land of Canaan. Not only were they constantly changing geographical locations but with these moves, they had to adjust to different cultures, laws and languages. Because of this constant migration, there was an ever present challenge to remain faithful to the covenant made with God.

Though they were certainly not perfect men, they represented justice, righteousness and the call to be a set apart people in the face of those peoples who practiced evil at every turn. And because this was so, even in the times when they faltered, God protected them — because He had a purpose for them. On two occasions, in Egypt and Gerar, Abraham referred to Sarah as his sister in order to preserve his own life. In both cases, the leaders of those nations considered abducting her to be their own wife. While this tactic remains questionable in regard to Abraham’s confidence in God at that moment, the point is, God would not allow Sarah to be taken from him. Both Pharaoh and Abimelech’s house was plagued until they released her to Abraham (Genesis 12:17, 20:18). God would not allow them to be wronged. 

Through the ages, the people of God have found ourselves in a variety of situations and scenarios that require of us what was required of them — to be faithful to the covenant in spite of an ever changing world. Even in the best of nations and the best of times, we are encouraged by the whims of culture to conform while the Word of God challenges us to remain set apart. It’s not an easy task but it is not an impossible task either. It is written of the patriarchs that, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). In short, they stayed faithful because they knew God is faithful. Likewise, we have assurances that, in spite of our circumstances, He will not allow us to be overcome and destroyed by those who wish to do so; He will sustain us and preserve us because we are here to serve His purpose. May we continue unwavering in the faith all of our days.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill