To begin this week's comments, I must apologize for asking for a "word" to describe the chapter when, in fact, I chose "words"....plural! Jan, what a wonderful "word" you chose and I look forward to possibly hearing what the rest of you chose as a single word or multiple words that describe the chapter! Let's get started! As we begin Chapter 13, the NIV translation begins with the wording, “So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev…” The words that stand out to me, “up from” proves a redirection has occurred after going “down” to Egypt. The GPS has been recalculated and Abram’s back on track. Abram returns to Bethel, location of the second altar he built to the Lord, Abram calls out to God once again. At this point the chapter explains the physical separation of Abram and Lot. Evidently their herds are large and their perspective employees are arguing about the identity of flocks and equal dispensation of food for the livestock. Simply put, there wasn’t enough land for all the animals to exist and time had come to find additional feeding grounds. Abram, not wanting to dispute with his nephew, gave Lot the choice of land and there was quite a bit of land from which to choose. Upon review, Lot chose a prime location, the whole plain of Jordan. Now if you look at a map you will see the land surrounding the Jordan is fertile, well-irrigated terrain with lush vegetation. Two items are apparent at this juncture in the documented story of Abram and Lot. First, Lot saw and jumped at the chance to have the best of the lands. Some commentaries call it greed, I call it youth. Lot is going to say good-bye to an uncle who has been like a father to him. In our youth we often become afraid of what the future holds. Will we be able to provide for ourselves? Wouldn’t having the choicest of lands with an irrigation system included be the best option for all those I am now to provide for and take care of? Youth usually desire the easiest possible route. Secondly, Abram is demonstrating a benevolent side to his character. A fatherly gesture in wanting to send Lot off equipped with every possible necessity. If you have been in that parental position or have been responsible for a young person taking off for an independent living arrangement, you understand. Abram probably learned the hard way in Egypt that God truly meant the gift of a covenant blessing and that regardless of the land Abram was to possess, God was in control. A powerful lesson to learn, my friends. So the two men part ways. Lot headed to the Jordan Valley and Abram to Canaan, the designated goal God had set for Abram from the onset of the journey. I’d like to point out a couple of items in closing this particular chapter. First, God’s words of comfort and encouragement to Abram. After Lot had departed God spoke to Abram, “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” I would have been blown completely out of the water! Reiterating the statement, “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.” God uses various wording in scripture to explain to Abram how numerous his offspring would become in fulfillment of the covenant blessing. Why did God give these words of encouragement at this point to Abram? Well, the closest Abram was to a son at this point was Lot and Lot just headed out on a life of his own. How does one have offspring as numerous as the dust of the earth without an apparent heir? How old is Abram at the time? Let’s say the biological clock is ticking for both Abram and Sarai and there is no heir in sight. Believing and not seeing, that’s a tough issue for us humans. Words of comfort from God Almighty are needed when you send those babies off on their own. From the moment they are born and laid in your arms you become the sole provider, teacher, protector, nurturer and on and on and on we could go. Then at age 18 we watch as we pack up their clothes, their needed essentials and hope all the lessons of the Lord, faith, values and morality invested have become part of who they are and will continue to be when the smorgasbord of freedom is presented with no holds barred. I believe Abram had the same concerns for Lot. Secondly, the view from Lot’s camp. He is headed toward Zoar that closely aligns with the people of Sodom. Although we know the story, this is a must lesson to review as we continue next week with chapter 14. Scripture read, “Now the people of Sodom were very evil and were always sinning against the Lord.” Think Abram knew this menacing fact? Think Abram had spent time with Lot to explain the perils of idol worship? Please recall Abram’s family was in the business of making idols. Lot had to know the hazards of a disobedient lifestyle in God’s eyes with Abram as his teacher. Our children, our lives, our destinations are all in God’s Almighty and All-knowing hands. I can feel in the pit of my stomach the ache of relinquishing control of my babies into God’s capable care. Lessons I could not have taught them, God has taught while strengthening their faith and trust in a God that loves them more than I ever could. I need to continue living for Christ the best way I know how. Abram did the same thing. The end of the chapter says Abram moved his tents as God had instructed and built the third altar in Hebron to God’s glory. Giving over our kids’ futures to God and continuing to do those things God as called us to do is our designated journey. To God be the Glory! Thank you Jesus, for reminding me through this chapter written about Abram and Lot that you know, you see, you understand and you love on a level we can only hope to touch this side of heaven. Fill us with confidence that turning our lives and loved ones over to you is not only smart, it’s faith. Amen. Next week’s assignment: Please read Chapter 14 and answer the following questions as you study: 1. Why is this battle between kings significant to the story of Abram and Lot? What is brought to light through the story? 2. Who is Melchizedek? See what you can learn and discover about this priest. 3. If you could summarize a greater lesson being taught through this chapter, what would it be? CommentsJan 04/05/2010 04:25
I will be the first to admit when we encounter passages with lots of biblical names I get slowed down, trying to figure out pronunciations and gaining some general understanding... So basically we have the 4 kings and the 5 kings and the first biblically recorded war. Jan 04/05/2010 04:27
One quick question - who was the King of Bela/Zoar? I tried making a little chart but couldn't find the 5th king's name? Cookie 04/07/2010 06:18
Jan, although I searched through my commentary, I could not find the fifth king's name. I'm sure if we searched through ancient history documents we could retrieve the information, however. Thanks, again for all your comments! Leave a Reply | AuthorCome along and join the Bucket List Bible Study! Open to all who enjoy studying God's Word. ArchivesFebruary 2012 Categories |
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