Through circumstances beyond their control a large number of people in the world today have no choice but to live in simple, makeshift shelters. Should circumstances improve enough for them they are glad to exchange their humble coverings for permanent house-like structures… no matter how small and simple. The quality of life in a house is far greater than the quality of life in a shelter, or tent.  Yes, I agree, as a short-term recreational option a shelter or tent can be quite fun… children love it! But such fun quickly wears thin when tested by severe weather conditions.

When God called Abram to leave his native country and go to a distant land that God would show him (Gen. chap. 12) he was living at Ur of the Chaldees with his wife, Sarai, in what was considered at the time a very comfortable house. Aged 75, Abram was enjoying a life of comfort and ease in the retirement phase of his life with his very attractive, 65 years old, Sarai. We know that Abram obeyed God and made his way with Sarai to the Land of Canaan. And, true to His word, God richly blessed Abram with protection, provision, a vast quantity of possessions, and the birth of a promised son who would become his heir. In time, Abram was listed among the mega-wealthy inhabitants of Canaan.

Normal to that time, anyone of great wealth, respect, and prestige would be living in a comfortable mansion-like estate, surrounded by houses for their married children, their families and servants. What we need to picture here in our minds is a town that resulted from humble beginnings. Is this what resulted for Abram… a town known by his name? No! Surprise, surprise… although wealthy enough to build multiple cities that would have reflected his great success and elevated his social standing, Abram decided to continue to be a humble tent-dweller for the remainder of his earthly life! Why?

The Book of Hebrews sheds enough light for us to answer the question, “Why did Abram, whose name was changed by God to Abraham, choose to live in a tent for almost one hundred years of his life?” Chapter 11 says, “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God” (vv 8-10).

Friends, I’m not advocating that we should follow Abraham’s example by selling our comfortable houses to live the remainder of our lives in tents. The thrust of this topic runs deeper than physical tents and houses.

(Concluding Part 2 next week.)

Best wishes,
Bill Joukhadar