As a follow up to the entry I wrote on Oct. 23, 2019, “Unless the Lord Builds the House…” I want to focus on the idea and analogy of “Rebuilding”. The first thing to obviously consider is “where” to rebuild? When physically needing to rebuild a house, people may often do it in the same or similar spot, depending on what caused the house to initially come down. However, sometimes natural causes (flooding, earthquakes, etc.) may cause them to reconsider the location. In a spiritual context however (or when the Lord needs to do some rebuilding in us), I am reminded of the story of Abram and and his nephew, Lot.
In Genesis 12:1, we read that God had called Abram (later to be called Abraham) to leave his home and go to “a place where I will show you.” Such faith!! The story goes on to say how Abram, his wife, and Lot, with all their possessions left their homeland, and eventually came to a place where they were to settle, and part ways. In Genesis 13, we read that Abram asked Lot to pick first. Lot was drawn to the area of lush, prosperous land. The Bible does not comment on his motives or process of deciding; and perhaps it would be a natural choice to go where the land looked fertile and lush. However, according to the commentary in the Wiersbe Study Bible (Warren W. Wiersbe, Thomas Nelson Publisher 2009, 2018 NKJV), Wiersbe writes that Abram learned from his failures of faith in Egypt (as seen in Gen. 12:10-20) and went back to trusting in God, not scheming according to the world’s wisdom. He built altars to God, as an act of worship and submission to God’s will. Lot did not do that. “Lot had tents but no altar, which meant he did not call on the Lord for wisdom in making decisions… Instead of lifting up his eyes to heaven, Lot lifted up his eyes to the Jordan valley…, and stopped there.” (p. 25)
The prosperous but very ungodly cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located in this region. Lot’s decision took him from just “facing” Sodom to later dwelling there, and eventually his spiritual demise. Wiersbe writes, “The eyes see what the heart loves. Abram had taken Lot out of Egypt, but he could not take Egypt out of Lot. Outlook helps to determine outcome. Abram’s eyes were on the Holy City of God (Heb. 11:13-16), and he went on to walk with the Lord and inherit blessing.” (p. 25)
When we have gone through tragedy, hardship, deep sorrow or suffering, it is easy to want to have whatever is easy, pleasant, and prosperous; to see what the world has to offer, and yearn for that. “The world’s wisdom and the world’s wealth seem so satisfying, but they ultimately bring disappointment”. (p.25) Whatever has caused our “walls” to fall down, there is then “rebuilding” that needs to be done. As we see in Abram’s example, how much better to “seek God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33a). God knows what we need, and He will provide what He knows is best! We need to seek His wisdom and direction, and trust in His timing.
“… and all these things shall be added to you”. (Matthew 6:33b)
Dear Lord, Thank you for Your faithful love and mercy towards us. When we stumble or fall, feel broken and weak, or when life events have torn us down; You can rebuild us! Help us to SEEK YOU and Your ways, and to trust You and the promises of Your Word! In Jesus’ name. Amen.