Genesis 13

“After Lot had separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, ‘Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, for I will give you and your offspring forever all the land that you see. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. Get up and walk from one end of the land to the other, for I will give it to you.’” Genesis 13:14-17 (HCSB)

It is one thing for a person to choose the way he will go. It is another thing to let someone else choose first, allowing our “lot” to be what’s left over. Some would say followers of Jesus should be shrewd when dealing with the World, not letting anyone take advantage of them. While that may be wise counsel in some instances, Abraham chose differently, and so did Jesus. We should consider their success.

Once Abraham chose graciously and wisely, the Lord swiftly came to encourage him. God repeats His blessing to Abraham and his offspring in chapter 12. God also reinforces the reality that following Him into the unknown is always better than following the World into the supposed “obvious.”

The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  Proverbs 14:12 (HCSB)

Lot used the World’s logic. He was in the desert, owned large flocks, and had many servants. It seems wise that he chose the well-watered plain. (Even if it did seem to leave Uncle Abe in the lurch!) The problem is that EVERYONE in the desert wants to possess the well-watered plain. Lot’s decision proved to be a near-fatal strategic mistake.

Lot was also tired of following Abram (who was following the Lord) around the desert. He was ready to forsake the tent of a nomad in favor of the “stability” of Sodom’s city life. I see this situation repeated, all too often, by the children of believers. They buy into the World’s promises of quick pleasure & success and begin to despise their parents’ faithful steadiness. Sadly, they are being led into trouble in their journey down the world’s “wide road,” which always dead ends in tragic consequences.

Of this logic, the Bible remarks:

“The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will stand.” Proverbs 14:11 (HCSB)

Life is not about hoarding all we can get. It is about trusting the Lord and looking out for our fellow man. We should rest in the knowledge that (for the righteous) whatever unfolds is part of the perfect plan and purpose the Lord has designed for our lives. (Romans 8:28)