He took his family with him: son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Left his home behind. Set out for a new land. A place of promise. Terah knew where he wanted to go, but he never made it. Instead, he settled for something less.
He had good intentions.
I think Terah dreamed of reaching the promised place, but something happened along the way.
"...together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there" (Genesis 11: 31).
He got off to a pretty good start. He set out. And that's important.
But Terah stopped short of his destination. Why?
The Bible simply says that he stopped in Haran and settled his family there.
He settled there.
Not in Canaan. But in Haran.
I wonder if the popular culture of that day influenced Terah: "Uh, Dude. Are you for real? You headin' where? You can't be serious! Haran is the party place--where everything's happenin', man. Come on, stay here. Be cool. Just hang with us.
Or did Terah's stopover in Haran last a little too long? Long enough for him to unwind and relax. You know, establish a casual, comfortable lifestyle. Set up a comfort zone and stay there. Feels good, right?
And don't forget that Haran was much more convenient than Canaan. I mean, duh, he was already in Haran. Why go any further? Way too much trouble. Terah had followed that dream far enough already.
So, he settled.
In Haran. For Haran.
Like Terah, I've been guilty of settling in places where I don't belong. I've settled for less than what God has been promised. And for many of the same reasons that old Terah settled.
I got too cozy with culture.
I developed a casual attitude toward Christ.
I placed an unhealthy emphasis on personal comfort and convenience.
So, is there a way to keep from settling in Haran? Or a way to get out of Haran?
Oh yes, there is a way. Jesus Christ is the way. We have to focus on Christ and follow Him. His commands. And His promises.
He will lead us to all that's been promised.
We won't have to settle for anything less.
Deb,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You got it perfectly when we settle because we don't know what God's will is for us in our life. However when we follow after Him, our lives and the lives of those around us will be more than blessed. It will please and glorify God.
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Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Our minds are in sync...(;..just posted about choosing the more convenient option bringing headaches God did not plan if you had followed Him exactly...I'm a-learning...glad He's patient (:
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings,
Sita
Good thoughts. It's easy to settle, hard to keep going.
ReplyDeleteGood post Deb. I loved it. I started a bible study last night...the book is Crazy Love. I am enjoying it...although it does make me a bit uncomfortable...he calls a spade a spade.
ReplyDeleteWe will never receive all of God's glories if we just settle for where we are with him. Thank you so much for this today.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your posts. Each one gives me something to really think about. Have I ever 'settled'? Maybe, I'm not sure. I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.
ReplyDeleteuuuuugh...i hate when i read posts that are all too conviciting to where God is speaking to me:)
ReplyDeletejust kidding...i actually like it...kind of:)
great post!!!!
I also appreciated your thoughts in this post. I really don't want to settle in any area of my life, but especially when it comes to following the Lord.
ReplyDeleteGod is calling us to go all the way through to the Promised Land He has in store for us. May we never settle for anything less.
ReplyDeleteSweet Deb, thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods. I have missed my wanderings around the blog.
Deb,
ReplyDeleteYou know I am praying that God will make a way for you! It would be SO cool to meet in person after all our phone and cyberchats! ;0)
Have you applied for the scholarship yet?