We’ve been traveling with Abraham over the past few months beginning in Genesis 11. God had called him out of his native land into the promised land. However, so far, the land of Canaan has not been very friendly to him. In chapter 12 he faced a famine that forced him to go down to Egypt. It was a difficult and sinful experience. Nonetheless, God in his mercy and grace restored him back to Canaan with his marriage intact and wealthier than he had been earlier.
But now in chapter 13 the land again is presenting a new challenge. All through his travels, Lot has been with Abraham (Gen 11:31, 12:4-5, 13:1,5). However, now the land “could not support” him and his only kinsman remaining with him from the old country. Consequently, strife takes place. This strife necessitates decisions to be made by both men. It is challenges like these that reveal the true nature of a man’s heart. Both end up making decisions according to the motives of their hearts. Both also end up reaping the consequences of those decisions.
This Sunday, we will turn our attention to what transpired. “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” 1Cor. 10:11. In these two chapters Genesis 13 & 14, we uncover lessons on how to handle strife with our loved ones. There are lessons on making right and wrong decisions. And, lessons that confirm Galatians 6:7-8 which says: “for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Please read and think through chapters 13 & 14 in preparation for the Lord’s Day service.
May our faithful God whose steadfast love endures forever be glorified in our midst.