I was so frustrated by this project.
I began my writing stage while working on my Doctor of Ministry degree. Writing parts of this project was difficult and laborious; some days, I only managed a few sentences.
When I talked to my mentor about it (read: complaining), he enlightened me on what was happening. “Joel,” he said, “you’re focusing on the product. The learning isn’t in the product. It’s in the process.”
As we’ve been reading in this section of Genesis, Abraham is also going through a process.
After Hagar and Ishmael were sent away, the scene suddenly shifts in Genesis 21:22-34. A character we’ve seen before returns: Abimelek, king of Gerar of Philistia. The last time we saw him was Genesis 20. There, Abraham had misled Abimelek by telling him Sarah was his sister.
As we continue reading, we read:
22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.”
Genesis 21:22-34, New International Version
24 Abraham said, “I swear it.”
25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek’s servants had seized. 26 But Abimelek said, “I don’t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.”
27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty. 28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29 and Abimelek asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?”
30 He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.”
31 So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there.
32 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. 34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.
Water might have been the most powerful resource in a land where rain was scarce. Wells provided a crucial water source. They became the focal point of an oasis or even a small city. In today’s passage, Abraham claims a well.
This well was in Philistine territory and under Abimelek’s authority. Abimelek’s servants, possibly soldiers, seized Abraham’s well. Now, a problem is brewing.
There was already tension between Abraham and Abimelek. Abraham had misled Abimelek before and nearly brought the Lord’s punishment on Abimelek.
Now, Abimelek states he did not know about the theft of Abraham’s well.
Abraham brings sheep and cattle to Abimelek to create a treaty between them. What was unspoken before was now formalized. Abraham and Abimelek made a peace treaty and a treaty for the well.
The well where Abraham gave Abimelek seven ewes for the well was called Beersheba, which means “well of seven.”
Did you remember Abraham was still in Philistine territory? In time, the Philistines would be the enemies of the sons of Abraham, but now, the patriarch of the promise of God wanders in exile.
He hasn’t entered the Promised Land. Yet, Abraham has the promised child.
He hasn’t received the full blessing from the Lord. Yet, Abraham is so blessed that others seek it.
Abraham continues living in a foreign land, waiting for the Lord’s leading to the Promised Land.
Isn’t that how we as followers of Jesus live today? We are in a foreign land while we wait for the Lord to take us home. Yes, like Abraham, the Lord uses us along the journey.
The point of the Christian life isn’t the final destination. That’s the promise we will receive. The point of the Christian life is the blessing we give others along the way.
Be a blessing to someone today. After all, the product (Heaven) isn’t the learning. It’s the process (the journey here).
Life Meets Theology 