NUMBER TWO (2-3)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) The number two signifies union, division and verification by witnesses. God requires a minimum of two witnesses in any trial or dispute. Jesus sent the disciples out to witness and preach the gospel in pairs. The final witnesses of God during the tribulation will be the Two Witnesses, who will give their warnings for an exact number of days. It is interesting to note what other mention(s) for 2 can be found in the Bible.

1. The meaning of number 2 found in comparing differences

a) How were Abraham and Lot so different? These Two were related as uncle and nephew; both descended from Shem through Terah. Both started together from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran in Mesopotamia (Genesis 11); they both started together from Haran to go into the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:4); and afterwards they both go up together out of Egypt (Genesis 13:1). But soon the difference between the Two was manifested, and "there was a strife" between them. The difference was manifested.

b) Lot, the second of this pair, lifted up his own eyes and chose his own portion (13:11); while Abram's portion was chosen for him by God (13:14). Thus they were "separated" (13:11,14).

c) First, Lot looked and "behold" the plain of Jordan with its cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it seemed to him "as the garden of the LORD" (Genesis 13:10); then he "chose" this for his portion (13:11); then he "pitched his tent towards Sodom" (13:12); then he "dwelt in Sodom," and shared in Sodom's troubles and wars, and lost all the treasure which he had laid up there (14:12). He afterwards "sat in the gate of Sodom" (19:1) and held office there as a judge in spite of his being daily "vexed" with their ungodly words and deeds (2Peter 2:6-9); and finally he escaped from its overthrow, only with his life.

d) Abram, on the other hand, had his portion with God. He walked by faith; he pitched his tent only where he could build his altar (12:8, 13:3,4); he held communion with God who was his "shield and exceeding great reward" (15:1). Though he was a stranger on earth, he was "the friend of God," and received the secrets of God's purposes (Psalm 25:14; Amos 3:7; John 15:15). Truly there was a difference. And this difference was greater in their Two wives. Sarah was a type of the Heavenly Jerusalem (Galatians 4:21-31); while "Lot's wife" became a pillar of salt, and remains a beacon of warning to be for ever remembered (Luke 17:32).

The End ...