Theme: Would You Live in a Tent for the Lord?
“By faith, he (Abraham) lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise.” (Hebrews 11:9)
Thought:
I’ve had the opportunity of staying in a tent on several occasions. Growing up, we would set up a tent in our yard and stay in it for several nights during the summer. It was not really that challenging because the kitchen was a close walk away and someone else cooked for me.
The more challenging and enjoyable times of living in a tent were during a High Sierra backpacking trip. Not only would I bring all the food I needed, but I also packed a thin but somewhat comfortable sleeping pad and a warm sleeping bag. We would filter our own water and cook whatever we brought, sometimes freeze-dried backpack food and sometimes whatever looked portable and sort of delicious from the local grocery store. I remember one time, while hiking the first 70 miles of the John Muir Trail with my brother and two cousins, we ran into a packer who not only carried his supplies on horseback but also brought his own cook and even live chickens. He really wanted fresh chicken.
I’m not saying I’ve lived in a tent enough to fully identify with Abraham, but I had a feel for the transientness of tent dwelling and the inconvenience of moving around. There are many things to consider when living in a tent for a long time.
I enjoy continuing to learn more about Abraham’s life. Paul in Romans 4, verse 3 says “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Now, to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.” Abraham gives us an Old Testament example of salvation by grace through faith.
Let me make a quick side note here. Over the years, I have found that when I am reading or studying the Old Testament stories, there are parallel New Testament truths or teachings related to them. The other is also true. When I study the New Testament teachings, I find Old Testament illustrations of those teachings. Let the whole Bible help interpret and illustrate itself as you read and study.
Back to Hebrews 11:9, the phrase living as an alien” reminds me of how I’m different than the world around me. I have a world view that begins with God as creator and sustainer, and my faith begins with my view of God and a relationship with Him on the basis of faith.
“In the land of promise, as in a foreign land” speaks of the contrast between not being in my permanent home, yet being surrounded by God’s promises to me, giving me hope and purpose.
“Dwelling in tents” also reminds me that this is not my permanent home; I’m only passing through. Not to misuse this world, because it is God’s creation, but to recognize God is preparing an even greater home in heaven, and I can rest in that even while living in imperfect and sometimes crippled bodies.
In John 14, verses 1-3, Jesus told His disciples and us, “Do not let your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.”
Another observation I’ve made throughout the Old Testament and here in Hebrews is the importance of one’s family. The author of Hebrews includes Abraham’s son and grandson. Even as Noah, in verse 7, “prepared an ark for the salvation of his household,” Abraham brought his family with him in this journey of faith. Individually, we must each respond in faith to God’s invitation to trust in Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross for our salvation, but throughout this chapter and other places in Scripture, there is a strong desire among believers who are learning to live by faith to see their family follow in knowing and walking with the Lord. We see this in Abraham’s life, and I know I have the same desires.
“Fellow heirs of the same promise” shows how Abraham’s family was as dear to God as Abraham. Isn’t that amazing? As a father of three and a grandfather of three, I personally relate to “Father Abraham.”
Reflection:
As you reflect on Abraham looking forward to dwelling in the promised land, what did it mean to Abraham to look forward to dwelling in this promised land, and yet in the future he would live with God, enjoying all that God had promised? How might you and I enjoy all that God has given us here, for everything given by God is good, and yet keep in mind that we are but aliens, here temporarily.
How can I care for what God has created that I live in now? But also, how can I not hold onto it too tightly and therefore do as Paul talks about in Colossians 3, “Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
Prayer:
Father, help me be a good steward of all you’ve given me here on earth. Help me learn to seek the things above and invest my time and resources in that which will last eternally. Thank You for my family. I pray that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, and that they may be able to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
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