February 12

God Delights to Give

After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, “Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. — Gen 13:14-15 BSB

This is a special blessing for a memorable occasion. Abram had resolved a family dispute by saying, “Let there be no strife between you and me, for we are brothers.” In doing so, he received the blessing that belongs to peacemakers. The Lord, who gives peace, delights in showing His grace to those who seek peace and pursue it. If we desire closer communion with God, we must stay close to the ways of peace.

Abram had acted generously toward his kinsman, allowing him to choose the best land. If we deny ourselves for the sake of peace, the Lord will more than make it up to us. As far as Abram could see, he could claim, and we can do the same by faith. Abram had to wait for the actual possession, but the Lord promised the land to him and his descendants. Boundless blessings belong to us by covenant gift. All things are ours. When we please the Lord, He allows us to look around and see everything as our own, whether things present or things to come; all are ours, and we are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.