Devotions with Pastor Donny

Altars and Alligators

Genesis 12:6-7
Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
 
Abram begins his journey with the Lord as he sets out for the promised land. He finally arrives at the place of Shechem in the land of Canaan. The passage tells us that Abram built an altar to the Lord somewhere near the branches of Moreh, the great tree, and it becomes an important trail marker for those who would follow him in faith for the future. One hundred and seventy-five years later, Jacob comes to the place of this altar, digs a well, settles in this place and buries all his household idols, declaring that only God will be his Lord. Eight hundred years later, Joshua comes to Shechem and sets up his own altar near the spot of Abram’s. Abram blazed a trail of passionate worship and then left markers for those after him to follow.

Every once in a while our family takes a trip to where I grew up as a kid. There are plenty of stories that I will tell of the goofy things I did that they should never do. Yes, guys, there really was a 14-foot alligator that lived in Alligator Lake in Lake City. No-my friends and I-should not have tried to see how close we could get to it. You know how I walk with that limp in my left leg (I’m kidding….I’m kidding!)

I do, however, try to include conversations about the deep places and events that helped shape me in my walk with the Lord as I was growing up. I am intentionally setting up an altar for them to see. I want them to know of the significant times that the Lord appeared to me. I want to set up trail markers of passionate faith. I don’t want to pass it on in a wooden way. I want to share those experiences in such a way through the Spirit so that they can know that the Lord can set your life ablaze as a living altar if only we will let Him.

Hebrews tells us that there has been a whole cloud of witnesses who have been faithful to share with us the story of the great journey of Faith. They have left trail markers all along the way. It’s our turn now! I love how the Steve Green song puts it.
 
Oh may all who come behind us
Find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion
Light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live
Inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us
Find us faithful
 
Pastor Donny