May 18: PERILOUS LUXURY

Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. Genesis 13:2

Abram returned from Egypt to the land of promise with even more riches than he had before entering Egypt. He had been well-respected, even feared, in Egypt. Pharaoh recognized that Abram and his household were under divine favor and treated them well (12:16) even escorting them safely out of Egypt (v.20). Abram’s presence in Egypt was perceived by Pharaoh as a threat to his own authority, thus prompting a firm bid for a hasty, yet quite congenial departure.

Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. (13:5) Now Lot, whose prosperity came about through his association with his uncle, did not express gratitude toward Abram as a benefactor. The two households in such close proximity experienced strife between their herdsmen. Abram, conscious of the unbelieving pagans surrounding them, said, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren” (v.8). He magnanimously gave Lot first choice regarding the direction of separation. Lot beheld the lush plains to the east and chose to move eastward while Abram contentedly remained in the rugged hills and valleys of the land of promise. The lack of gratitude and spiritual direction in Lot’s life at this point is symbolized by his choice to move back in the direction whence he had come, indicating spiritual immaturity. The urban cities of the plain (v.12) radiated worldly charm and luxurious living, even as the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD (v.13).

There is a lesson for us to perceive as we read of Lot making his decision: we, too, are magnanimously given a choice regarding the direction of our lives. Lot chose his perilous direction based on the lust of the eyes (1 John 2:16). But today, the very same area is counted least productive among agricultural lands globally. Its soil literally chokes vegetation. And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other (13:10-11).

Immediately after this separation, the LORD confirmed His promise to Abram, giving all the land as far as he could see in every direction “to you and your descendants forever” (v.15).

And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29

…the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11 (see also Matthew 5:5)