So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees at Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord. Genesis 13:18
We are all in the altar building business. At one time or another, we find ourselves kneeling before an altar worshiping the god of our choice. The real question is: Are we worshiping the real God?
Abram built altars. Even when he traveled to Egypt to avoid the famine in Canaan, he built them; although, there is no mention of them in Scripture. The altars he built may not have been seen by human eyes, but they were very real indeed.
One might question this statement since there is no mention in the Biblical account of Abram's time in Egypt when he called on the name of the Lord. However, while in Egypt, Abram called on the gods of deceit and materialism.
What was the result? Abram was asked to leave the country.
In Canaan, on the other hand, Abram built altars to the One True God, and he was blessed. Rather than using deceit for personal gain, Abram gave his nephew Lot permission to select the land he wanted; he was willing to give away the very best. Lot chose the green, fertile plain. Abram moved north, reflecting a change of his heart. God promised Abram that all the land belonged to him and his offspring. Lot's choice made no difference in the grand scheme of God's will.
Okay, I have a problem. I think it's great that Abram was blessed when he called upon the name of the Lord. Finally, he was worshiping the God he should have been all along. But what about all the "stuff" he acquired when he was building unseen altars in Egypt? He just kept it all, then he was given more. What does all this mean? Was it okay that Abram had gone his own way, deceiving Pharaoh about Sarai's identity and receiving blessing because of her? No. I don't believe God rewarded Abram for his lack of faith in Egypt, but the fact that he got to keep everything makes me wonder.
The truth is: God wants to bless us, and He is sovereign. He makes the rules. And even when we have acquired worldly things in worldly ways, He wants the best for us. Just because Abram didn't call on the Lord didn't mean that God lost interest in Abram. He loved him.
He loves me.
Lord, forgive my worldly pursuits - the ones I chase in my own way. Thank You for not taking away all that I may have gained without You. Help me to see that it all belongs to You. Forgive me for judging others. Bless me, but give me a heart that desires to give it all away. Help me build altars to You and You alone.