Lot chose for himself…
GENESIS 13:11
Last week we saw the selfish side of Abram as he followed his natural instinct, carelessly putting his wife Sarai at risk, ending in a harsh rebuke and banishment from Pharaoh. This week is Lot’s turn, as he makes a decision that ultimately ends in tragedy for his family.
As the story of Abram progresses, his nephew Lot becomes a contrasting character, enabling us to see the big-heartedness of his uncle. Having been rebuked by Pharaoh for his deceit, Abram seems to be focused on trusting, as the passage Erik Thoennes will preach from this week is bookended by Abram calling on the name of the Lord.
What is revealed about Lot is that, as flocks and herds increase, tension is becoming a problem between the two camps. And Abram has to step in and seek a solution. His offer is magnanimous. He said to Lot:
“Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” GENESIS 13:8-9
Lot saw an opening and took advantage of it. He saw the region that was well watered, and being a businessman, he took the best land for himself. But in looking primarily at the upside of the move, he neglected to weigh the downside, and ultimately pitched his tents near Sodom. And the text warns us of trouble ahead:
Now the people of Sodom were wicked
and were sinning greatly against the Lord.
GENESIS 13:13
Already in the story of Abraham we are seeing that our decision-making often has an unknown quality to it. We see through a glass dimly, and we can’t control the outcome.
May we lean on the God of promises – the God who has yet to break even one – and trust him to lead us step by step in life’s journey, running the race well – looking to Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith.
Leave a Reply