Genesis 13:18: “Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.”

September 28th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The terebinth trees of Mamre were a distinctive grove of trees at Hebron in the mountains, at an elevation of over 3,000 feet. This is the same place Abraham had built an altar once before, when he first arrived in the land God had told him to go to (Gen. 12). After that, he had gone into Egypt because of a famine and had deceived Pharaoh, even having his wife Sarah lie for him (Gen. 13). So here he comes again to Hebron to sacrifice, worship, and find forgiveness and fellowship with his God. This was a new beginning for Abraham, as he begins to transform into a devoted worshiper of God.

Seeing his journey might make us ask, “How do we return to God?” It’s simple; go back to where you were with Him last. Return to the place of commitment, when you were depending on Him. To the place where you said you would follow Him no matter what. This may take you back many years in your life. Maybe even back to your teenage years, before you had any real idea of what the commitment you were making would mean to you. Or it may take you back to when you first married, and you and your mate committed yourselves to live only God’s way. Or this may take you back to a previous career struggle, when you realized the futility of your own efforts. So set aside a block of time, a weekend or a week or two weeks, and think back across your life.

First, go back physically. As Abraham did, go to the very place where you made your commitment, to the place where you built your spiritual altar. If you cannot go back physically, go back mentally.

Second, go back emotionally. Consider what it has meant for you to be in control of your life. Think through the grace of God in giving you the gifts, abilities, opportunities, and experiences in your life. Think through what He has done and what you have done with what He has done. Remember, repent, and confess.

Third, go back biblically. Go back to the passages that meant so much to you at that time, and read them in the light of where you are now and what you now know they must mean in your life. Spend time in prayer confessing, acknowledging your independence and God’s faithfulness, and give yourself to Him once again. Do what Abraham did and go back to your Hebron.

“LORD, we remember.”