Climbing With Abraham: 7 Days Of FaithSample

A dark foreshadowing occurs in this section regarding Abraham’s nephew, Lot. Up until this point, the two men and their tribes were traveling together, sharing resources as they went. But a quarrel broke out between the herdsmen of these two groups. 

To deal with this, Abraham chose a peaceful solution: allow Lot to choose a portion of the land and settle in it as his own. 

What most readers miss in this passage is the loss Abraham must have felt sending Lot away. After Lot’s father Haran died, it’s likely that Abraham became his guardian or adopted father, which would have, in turn, made Lot his heir. 

Abraham saw his nephew as a very likely candidate to receive all the future promises from God: land, a nation, and countless descendants. 

But this was not the plan. Lot’s people struck up a conflict with Abraham’s group and likely brought upon themselves the darkest line of God’s promise to Abraham: “those who curse you I will curse.” Lot moved to greener lands near Sodom, and as we shall see, suffered for it.

The people we are responsible for often play a role in influencing our lives. Many times the consequences of their actions fall upon us. Whether it be our children, our employees, or even the people we associate with. 

Take care of how you lead those in your life, even if you were never given the title of “leader.” As people of God, we are graced with immense power, and simultaneously burdened by immeasurable responsibility.

Takeaway: As a child of God I am responsible for more than just myself.

Prayer: Father, help me to respect the spiritual authority You have given me as one of Your chosen. Help me to lead with wisdom, patience, and forgiveness.