GENESIS 12:7-9

The tent symbolized Abraham’s dependence on God. Hebrews 11:9-10 says of Abraham that “by faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles [tents] with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Every child of God is a pilgrim in this world and is to have his eyes fixed on his home in heaven.

The altar that Abraham built indicated his dependence on God and his worship of God. Note the order. First, the believer is to take his place as a stranger and pilgrim on earth; then comes true acceptance and worship. This is not referring to an acceptance as far as salvation is concerned, which comes by faith in Christ Jesus.

This is acceptance in the realm of being a child true to God. In what we commonly call “The Lord’s Prayer,” we say, “Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come” (Matt. 6:9-10). This has to do with the altar—not a literal altar such as Abraham built but our relationship to, and worship of, God. We want His name to be holy, which means that we are not seeking a holy place for ourselves.

We want His kingdom to come; that is, we want Him to rule supreme. To sincerely pray this means that we are not trying to build a little kingdom for ourselves. The phrase “Thy will be done” (v. 10) shows that we want God’s will, not ours, to be done. This is worship. This is a vital relationship with God.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jer. 33:3).

Theodore Epp
www.backtothebible.in