13 1-2 So they left Egypt and traveled north into the Negeb—Abram with his wife, and Lot, and all that they owned, for Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. 3-4 Then they continued northward toward Bethel where he had camped before, between Bethel and Ai—to the place where he had built the altar. And there he again worshiped the Lord.
5 Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants. 6 But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds. There were too many animals for the available pasture. 7 So fights broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, despite the danger they all faced from the tribes of Canaanites and Perizzites present in the land.
8 Then Abram talked it over with Lot. “This fighting between our men has got to stop,” he said. “We can’t afford to let a rift develop between our clans. Close relatives such as we are must present a united front! 9 I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I’ll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I’ll go over there to the east.”
10 Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere (this was before Jehovah destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah); the whole section was like the Garden of Eden, or like the beautiful countryside around Zoar in Egypt. 11 So that is what Lot chose—the Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants, and thus he and Abram parted company. 12 For Abram stayed in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain, settling at a place near the city of Sodom. 13 The men of this area were unusually wicked, and sinned greatly against Jehovah.
14 After Lot was gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction, 15 for I am going to give it all to you and your descendants. 16 And I am going to give you so many descendants that, like dust, they can’t be counted! 17 Hike in all directions and explore the new possessions I am giving you.” 18 Then Abram moved his tent to the oaks of Mamre, near Hebron, and built an altar to Jehovah there.
In a land where water is scarce and grazing can be difficult, two groups of herdsmen are struggling. When Abram discusses the matter with his nephew Lot, he suggests they split up and go in different directions. The remarkable thing about this discussion is that Abram gives Lot first choice. As the senior person in the relationship, Abram should naturally have first choice; however, he is doing everything he can to avoid conflict.
Notice that Lot never hesitates or asks what Abram might like to do, even though Abram is his uncle and has been very kind to him. It’s likely that Lot owes much of his wealth to Abram’s help and generosity. As soon as Lot is given the opportunity, he immediately chooses the Jordan Valley for its rich grazing and the continuous supply of water. The Jordan River is formed by several streams that flow down from the slopes of Mount Hermon, supplying fresh water year-round. The grass is lush, and livestock will prosper there.
Lot’s selfish choice leaves Abram struggling with uncertain water sources and the threat of attacks from Canaanite tribesmen. But as soon as Lot takes off for the Jordan Valley, God speaks to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction, for I am going to give it all to you and your descendants. And I am going to give you so many descendants that, like dust, they can’t be counted! Hike in all directions and explore the new possessions I am giving you.” (Genesis 13:14-17)
Abram refuses to exert his authority as the patriarch of the family, even though custom demands it. And Lot immediately takes advantage of his soft-hearted uncle to seize what looks like the best land. What’s interesting is where Lot settles. The Jordan Valley extends 223 miles or 360 kilometers. Lot has lots of places where he can settle aprat from the area of Sodom; however, the Sodom area is close and Lot doesn’t want to struggle. Sure, the citizens of Sodom have an evil reputation, but Lot isn’t going to live in Sodom, so what?
We know that Lot’s choice will prove disastrous and ultimately, he will lose everything. Meanwhile, God blesses Abram and comforts him for being unselfish. Leo Durocher, a famous American baseball manager, is quoted as having said, “Nice guys finish last.” But the kingdom of God operates differently. One of the rules of the Kingdom of God is that the measure you give out is the measure you receive. Here Abram has been generous, and now God comforts him by reiterating His promises about Abram’s future and the futures of his descendants.
Perhaps you have found yourself in the same position as Abram. Given the opportunity to help yourself, you have allowed others to benefit instead. Perhaps you are beginning to think that Mr. Durocher was right and that nice guys really do finish last. Perhaps last year was filled with diasters and you fear this year will bring more of the same. But God keeps the books and God will be no man’s debtor. God has seen your struggles and your desire to please Him. When you follow God’s will for your life, God will comfort you and God will take care of you. Remember what eventually happens to Abram and Lot: Abram prospers and Lot loses everything because of his selfishness.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, many of us have struggled to reach this new year and we fear for what might happen. Please comfort all those mourning lost opportunities, that they might see that You are the One who consoles and rewards. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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