1/23 Genesis 21:33

³³ Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.

King Abimelech and his commander could see the hand of God blessing Abraham in all that Abraham did. Though they were much more powerful than Abraham, they decided it would be a good idea to have this blessed man as an ally. Abraham reminded them that Abimelech's servants had claimed Abraham's well. Abimelech said he didn't know about it, so Abraham gave him seven ewes as a witness that the well was his.

We should expect greed and deception to be the world's motivating forces. Without the sacrificial love of God in our hearts, that is the fallen nature of us all. Abraham's gift of ewe's was a witness of the transaction which helped to keep things honest. We should be as objective and clear in dealing with the world.

Abraham knew it was only God that had caused a more powerful leader to become an ally with him. It meant protection, but it also meant that Abraham's work would no longer be stolen by Abimelech's servants. When the injustice had occurred, Abraham waited on God to rectify the situation. God was faithful in God's perfect time. That prompted Abraham to have another sign of what had taken place, but this sign, the tamarisk tree became a tangible reminder of his commitment to God. He called God "Lord God Everlasting" (YHWH El Olam). It was Abraham's way of reminding himself of God's faithfulness and constancy.

Consider: When God shows His faithfulness to you and your heart is encouraged to place your complete trust in Him, what do you do to remember the event? Let us treasure these times when our doubts are answered by His wonderful work in our life.