READ: Gen. 13:1-18
And he said, … The God of glory … said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives … Then … He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, …– Acts 7:2-5
After his stay in Egypt, Abram travels through the southern part of Canaan back to the area of Bethel. He doesn’t have to leave anything behind in Egypt. The LORD protects him and Lot, and makes them both wealthy. They call upon the name of the Lord at the old altar.
Then disagreements arise between Abram and Lot due to the lack of space for their herds. Abram recognizes that discord is undesirable. They are brothers in the LORD! There is no other option, due to the increasing number of herds, except for them to separate in terms of their living and working areas.
Abram wisely and lovingly suggests that Lot may choose first from the available areas. Lot’s choice is guided by the area with the most suitable location. In doing so, he overlooks the fact that he will be living near a wicked city. Lot prioritizes the material over the spiritual. This brings with it very significant, even too great, risks for himself and his family. The biblical writer conveys this in verse 13: “the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.”
At first, Lot lives in tents outside the city, but later he moves into the city. Despite the constant torment caused by the sins taking place there (2 Pet. 2:8), he does not leave the city of his own accord.
Abram now continues his life without Lot, but separated from the sinful world. He is able to live by the hand of the LORD. The LORD strengthens Abram by repeating the promises of offspring and land, but in a more extensive manner: Abram will have an innumerable offspring, and all the land that he can see will be given to them. Abram can proceed with confidence and builds a new altar to serve and honor the LORD.
Have you made faith choices in your life?
Singing: Ps. 4:3