Genesis 13 – Abram and Lot Separate
Abram went from Egypt to Negev with his wife and his possessions and his nephew, Lot. From Negev Abram went to the place where he had earlier built an altar and there he called on the name of the Lord. Abram faced another life challenge with Lot. There was not enough grass for both Abram and Lot’s large herds so the land could not support them both. The herdsmen became frustrated and began to quarrel. Since Abram was the elder and leader of this journey, he was ready to sacrifice his own right by letting Lot choose where to settle. Abram showed growth from his last choice. He showed a different priority. He chose peace and called Lot a brother. (Gen. 13:8) He realized life with God was worth trusting at all costs. He knew it would be stressful, but yields his rights to Lot. “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.” – Gen. 13:9.
These verses show a very big different in each of the men’s character. Abram made a sacrifice by letting Lot choose first. Abram kept unity and comprised. He was generous, humble, patient and kept unity with Lot. He sought God’s wisdom. Lot didn’t consult the Lord. He chose his land selfishly by taking the most fertile land with only thoughts of himself.
Are you an Abram or a Lot?
During the famine when Abram was in Egypt, he took matters into his own hands. He knew he had made a mess of things. He learned that true prosperity is living right with God. Abram was right with God. He stayed away from arguments with Lot. Few things turn away the non-believer like a quarrelling Christian.
Since choices often result in eternal significant consequences, we must choose in line with God’s principles. Abram’s attitudes and actions are examples for how Christians who disagree with one another should act.
Lot chose the Jordan plain because was well watered, like the garden of the Lord and like the land of Egypt. (Gen. 13:10) It was near the town of Sodom which was famous for its wickedness. Lot was what we call a carnal Christian. He lived on the edge of God’s will and not spiritually mature. There is no mention of him building an altar or calling on the name of the Lord for guidance. However 2 Peter 2:7 tells us that Lot was a righteous man. We will learn more of Lot in Genesis 19. It’s easy to be like Lot. He let his eyes make his choices. He chose by sight not by faith.
Lot became wealthy while staying with Abram in Egypt, but showed no gratitude. Wealth can be a blessing but can be a dangerous blessing. It can result and used in either evil or for good. To whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48). When your income increases, so does your accountability to God.
Abram stayed in Canaan while Lot lived near the city of Sodom. Sodom was very wicked, but Lot was not concerned on how it would impact his family. By his choice he lost his property, his wife and his daughters to this sinful place and as we know God eventually destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. His choice showed the priority of his heart.
God Reassures Abram
Abram was probably disappointed and sadden that he was taken advantage of by Lot. God said “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever….” – Gen. 13:14-15. He’s saying look where you are; God is still on the throne and is still in charge. Lot looked at the land and saw what seemed to be good now. Abram was down in the dumps, but God says not to worry. What He will give him is much better. Abram doesn’t just say I believe, he gets up and acts. He moved his tents and built an altar to the Lord. (Gen. 13:18)
Principle: Focusing on God’s Word and worship will strengthen us to move forward on our journey of faith.
Genesis 14 – Abram Rescues Lot
War
This chapter reveals Abram’s love for family, his willingness to take risks for the right cause, his leadership capabilities, his humility in victory and his motives for going to war.
4 kings knows as Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeloiim, and the king of Bela or Zoar. For 12 years the latter 5 kings had been subjects to the king of Elam, Kedorlaomer. They had enough and decided they would not pay tribute anymore so they rebelled. Elam today is known as Iran and Shinar is known as Iraq. During this war they seized all the good of Sodom and Gomorrah and captured Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions (Gen. 14:1-12).
Lot had chosen to live in Sodom. It was a wicked place, but he didn’t seem to be concerned or how it would affect his family. Lot’s choices contributed to his being taken captive. He chose wealth. He chose to settle where the land was rich and fertile. He chose worldly values, did not consider the consequences, and did not ask God for guidance.
Abram was aware of the turmoil of the region and had formed allies. He showed great wisdom by having trained 318 men and was prepared for war at any time. One man escaped and reported to Abram that Lot had been captured. Abram called on his 318 men for help. Why does scripture say 318? I’m not sure, but it doesn’t matter. They represent 318 lives and 318 men who were ready and willing when needed. It shows that every person matters to God. Abram used proper tactics for the situation. During the night Abram divided his men to attack and pursued the armies driving them north of Damascus. Abram shows us the proper attitude and action we ought to have and take when the stakes are high but the cause righteous. Abram was willing to take risks.
The Christian life can be filled with times that are risky. (2 Cor. 11:23-28) The salvation of men is the highest cause. Abram is a great example of boldness in the face of danger, when the cause is right. Lot was not prepared. He was caught up in the world, but God got his attention.
Is God trying to get your attention? All believers live in a war against evil. We can stand against the devil’s schemes by putting on the full armor of God. The weapons Christians are to use against spiritual enemies are found in Eph. 6:10-18 – “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
I think God is trying to get our attention today with this covid19, with all the forest fires, and with all the unrest we see in our world. He’s speaking to us. Are you listening? We don’t know what tomorrow brings or even if we will be here. Are you prepared to meet God’s judgment?
God’s Word helps us see it’s a battle and how to respond. The world entices us to believe what we think we need and don’t have. Abram could have said to Lot, “You made your bed now you have to lie in it” or “I hope someone will talk some sense into him” or “I have my own life and demands and I don’t have time.” But Abram’s heart showed no anger or resentment.
How will you get involved with those held captive in the world? There are those who are in pain, have quilt from the past, heartbroken, disparate, in habitual sin, etc. How will you help? We have become desensitized to the pain and evil in our world. How will you surrender your heart to God and get involved?
Living prepared means go when God says go. Ask God to show you how to set a captive free. It may take a lot of your time and a lot of prayer. Are you willing to invest in God’s redeeming work of great cost? We will never understand what Jesus gave up to save us. Abram believed God would guide him. He shows us the heart of Jesus. Jesus rescued us and paid the price on the cross for our sins, when we didn’t deserve it.
Principle: Living prepared and willing to obey God wins spiritual battles.
Worship
After Abram defeated Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him. Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine and blessed Abram. Melchizedek was the priest of God Most High. (Gen 14:18-20) Melchizedek was a picture of the coming Christ and His work. They were alike in that both Jesus and Melchizedek were kings and high priests forever. There is no mention of Melchizedek’s birth or death. This is a symbol of Jesus, both are from God. Hebrews 7 tells us that Jesus is a high priest like Melchizedek.
Melchizedek came to give Abram strength after the battle. Abram was probably very tired and he reminded him that the victory belonged to God. Abram's response was to worship God and give a 10th of everything. This was Abram's way of acknowledging that the victory belonged to God.
Join me here next time as we continue our study in Genesis. -- I encourage you to trust in and have faith in Jesus.
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