The Christian's Journey - 3

Introduction: In comparison to Israel's Journey from Abraham to the Promised Land, There comes a time in your life (many times in your life) when you must separate yourself and choose. There are those around you who need you to be a Mamre, a place of strength.

Mamre/Hebron

• Text: Genesis 13:18, Chapter 18

1. The Account:
• Genesis 13:18, Genesis chapters 18 and 23, Joshua 20:7, II Samuel 2:1-4, 11, 5:5
2. The Details: Mamre is a neighborhood of Hebron.
• It is denoted that an oak grove is here.
• Mamre means strength, fatness, set with trees.
• Hebron means community, alliance, society, friendship.
• Mamre-where Abraham went after separating from Lot; he built an altar to the Lord here; also, where God told Abraham he would have a son; Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob are buried here.
• Hebron-became a city of refuge; David was anointed king here and reigned for the first 7 1/2 years.
3. The Application: Let God make your life a Mamre where. . . 
• you choose the Lord (Joshua 24:15)
• you can receive a vision (Gen 15:1, Prov 29:18)
• you can forgive (Luke 6:37)
• you find refuge (Heb 6:18)
• you know your calling/niche (II Tim 1:9, Mt 10:31, Lk 12:7)
4. The Recommendations: When others are around you, do they find a Mamre?
• Do they see the Lord in you? (Col 1:27)
• Are they inspired to do something for the Lord? (Gal 4:18)
• Are they given the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven? (Luke 17:3)
• Do they feel "safe"? (Prov 29:25)
• Do they know their importance? (Eph 4:12, I Cor 14:12)

Conclusion:

   Each day, as we go to our Bethel (making an altar), we must make decisions that will separate us unto the Lord. When we do, God gives us that Mamre, that haven of peace and refuge. When others are with you, let them experience the Mamre God has for them by your spirit, your heart for God, and your example.

GB Essie