DAILY READING
REFLECTION
TRUTH or CONSEQUENCE
by Judy Webb
Abram has just been cast out of Egypt by Pharaoh for his deception of claiming Sarai to be his sister when in fact she was his wife. (see Genesis 12:19-20)
It is worth noting that God did not forsake Abram because of this lack of integrity, but He did allow Abram to be publicly humbled by the Pharaoh and deported in disgrace. The next portion of this story tells of Abram’s return to Bethel, where he lived earlier. By now Abram and Lot were very wealthy, having many cattle and much gold and silver. One would think this would be a good thing, not something that would drive the men apart. But it did. Perhaps too much of a good thing.
So, Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, for we are close relatives.” (verse 8)
All the livestock needed room, and lots of grazing space. The herdsmen were protective of their respective employers and soon began quarreling. Abram, the peacekeeper, suggested perhaps it was time to split up as it was obvious the land could not support both. Abram told Lot to pick the land he wanted and he would take what was left.
Abram wasn’t being cowardly but loving. He wasn’t worried about losing his wealth, but he did care about maintaining a relationship with his nephew. Hence, he sacrificed his right out of pure generosity; he yielded to Lot out of Love. And he trusted God…this is the main point. Abram learned though his folly, to trust God.
Lot seemed to make poor decisions, and his choice of grazing land was one of them. He had pitched his tents near Sodom. “Now, the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.” (v.13)
Sodom was not a good place to live or raise children. The evil influence was powerful. We must always avoid people and places of evil, never allowing the call of riches and prestige to influence decision making. Aren’t there powerful temptations for us even now, to go where the grass seems greener and where opportunity appears bountiful.
“It is good being in good company and going with those whom God is with.” (see Zechariah 8:23) There is a thought that Lot got grass for his cattle, but Abram got grace for his children.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Help us recognize how important it is for our own spiritual being, to be in good company. Questionable behavior of those we hang out with can cause our integrity and motives to come into question too. We need to always remember who to trust and who to allow access to our lives. Come Holy Spirit and give us the wisdom we need every day. Amen.
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