Abram gives Lot his choice of land which shows Abram trusts God in allowing Lot this privilege. Abram is obviously growing in his faith. Lot chooses the best land but its to the "east" near Sodom and Gomorrah. Often, Bible reference to the "east" are an indication of spiritual darkness or wickedness.
This reminds me to be careful about making big decisions. The most seemingly desirable choice may be disastrous spiritually. Always consider how a choice might have negative spiritual consequences. And I notice that after Abram gives up his right to choose first, God blesses Him by reaffirming the covenant in showing him all that will be his legacy, his family's forever...
"....for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered." verses 15, 16
What a great blessing for an old nomad with no children.
Typical of the times, chapter 14 describes a lot of fighting over land and people (come to think of it, that is typical of all times in history.) When Sodom is attacked, Lot is captured with all the people and all their possessions. According to commentaries that I read, Abram would have been a well-seasoned military man, used to defending his very large clan and leading in battles. He had his own private, well-trained militia ("318 trained servants") who apparently marched over 150 miles to reach the enemy just north of Damascus. They successfully defeated the armies and rescued the people. (Again, Abram's trust in the Lord had come a long way.) But rather than take the spoils of war, which is customary for the victor, Abram takes nothing so he can give all the credit for the victory to El Elyon, God Most High, Sovereign Lord.
Living it today: Carefully consider the spiritual consequences of a decision. Remember that God is in control and He directs my path and deserves the credit for my success. But that path may be difficult and challenging (150 mile march and THEN a battle) requiring preparation, stead-fastness and boldness.
Living it yesterday: No major trials yesterday, but several small "character tests" did occur. It was good to remember that trials are a good thing. They produce endurance leading to a "perfect result".
This reminds me to be careful about making big decisions. The most seemingly desirable choice may be disastrous spiritually. Always consider how a choice might have negative spiritual consequences. And I notice that after Abram gives up his right to choose first, God blesses Him by reaffirming the covenant in showing him all that will be his legacy, his family's forever...
"....for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered." verses 15, 16
What a great blessing for an old nomad with no children.
Typical of the times, chapter 14 describes a lot of fighting over land and people (come to think of it, that is typical of all times in history.) When Sodom is attacked, Lot is captured with all the people and all their possessions. According to commentaries that I read, Abram would have been a well-seasoned military man, used to defending his very large clan and leading in battles. He had his own private, well-trained militia ("318 trained servants") who apparently marched over 150 miles to reach the enemy just north of Damascus. They successfully defeated the armies and rescued the people. (Again, Abram's trust in the Lord had come a long way.) But rather than take the spoils of war, which is customary for the victor, Abram takes nothing so he can give all the credit for the victory to El Elyon, God Most High, Sovereign Lord.
Living it today: Carefully consider the spiritual consequences of a decision. Remember that God is in control and He directs my path and deserves the credit for my success. But that path may be difficult and challenging (150 mile march and THEN a battle) requiring preparation, stead-fastness and boldness.
Living it yesterday: No major trials yesterday, but several small "character tests" did occur. It was good to remember that trials are a good thing. They produce endurance leading to a "perfect result".
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