Canadians enjoy the benefit of receiving a generous income tax deduction in return for charitable giving. As a leader of a Canadian charity, I recognize how important this is. But I recall chatting with a peer of mine from a Christian International Development charity in Europe. Their country did not provide tax incentives. When I explained our system he said, “You can’t call that charitable giving.”

When we hear the question, “do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” we recognize that the setting is a courtroom and the person taking the oath is giving testimony. Today’s passage has a similar setting which is often missed by the distance between our two cultures. It presupposes a Jewish law court where evidence must be provided by the witness of others rather than oneself.

God gave Abram two key promises: nationhood and his blessing. All Abram had to do was go claim his land.
But when famine engulfed the land, desperation led Abram to flee for Egypt and its food.

Instead of lacking food, Abram now had great wealth. Would Abram trust God when he didn’t ‘need’ him? (1)Yes, he would! Learning from his previous failure that God protects his promises, Abram gave Lot first choice knowing his choice would not affect God’s promises.

Abram was fearful in Egypt, but now is courageous and recovers everything stolen by the raiding kings. And he’s growing in God’s character, concerned for the welfare of other people (something he didn’t show for Sarai in Egypt).

Most importantly, he recognizes God’s hand at work.

This is the most beautiful chapter in the Bible for me because it so vividly helps us feel how Abram felt when he experienced God’s tenderness, patience, and commitment.

Where do you go for help? Your doctor? Your counselor? Your massage therapist? Your hairdresser? Your pastor? Your spouse? Your friends? A self-help book or magazine subscription? There is no shortage of help available out there.