They had too much stuff to stay together so they had to come up with a solution. They were family and didn’t want their “help” to continue to bicker and fight over the land. Abram showed a lot of integrity in this agreement. Being older, he could have taken first dibs on the land. Instead, he gave Lot first choice. Abram could have been cheated in this transaction, but again, he was gracious. This gives us a good model to follow when we run into family squabbles that could divide or cause friction.
Lot, on the other hand, chose the best for himself, even if that put him near the sinful city of Sodom. It’s not clear if he thought all about Abram. That speaks of Lot’s character a little bit. Again, the family dynamics are clear. Someone always has to take the high road, so to speak, to keep things harmonious.
It’s hard to imagine having that many animals and people in your “household” to move from place to place. This is just a detail to get stuck on, but it helps to be realistic when thinking through the situation to help appreciate the solution even more. For the nomadic people, it is a regular and normal occurrence.
What was supposed to happen, did happen. Abram had the land God had intended. We hear again the same promise from God to Abram that he would have offspring, and a lot of them. We still haven’t really heard what Abram thinks of this. He doesn’t question God, he doesn’t even acknowledge it other than to obey and go where God says to go. You know he has to be wondering where all the kids are?
Abram built another altar to God as his way of saying “thank you.” God had given him an inheritance that would make Abram a legacy. I’m sure Abram had no idea how the example of his life would speak to generations and generations of people, even to us thousands of years later. God had this all figured out, and now Abram had the opportunity to live it out.
God has plans for us, too. I know I’ve reflected on this in prior posts. But it’s something that should always be in the front of our minds. Ask, “What does God want for me to do today?” It’s a question we can ask over and over again. The answer may look different each day. Mainly, his response would be “follow me”, “love me,” “listen to me.” More specific instructions will be delivered when we get these right.
There is always a solution to every problem. As a marketer, I try to find the solutions for people’s struggles. It’s a beautiful thing. Sometimes when we are caught up in our own situation it is hard for us to see beyond the problem, much less to a solution. It’s in those times we need to rely even more on God and on look to Christian friends for help in working things out.
Take time today to reflect on God’s message for you. Take time to listen.
Let’s pray. Lord, I am listening for your voice. I thank you for the calm you have given me. I feel a sense of urgency as an undercurrent in my spirit, and am waiting to see what that turns into. I want to be doing exactly what you want me to do. I do love you and long to follow you all the days of my life. Give me the words for each conversation that directs back to you. Help me to shut out the noise of the world and hear only your voice today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
