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May 30, 2024
- By Ed Powell
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"The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, 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." Genesis 13:14-15
These verses have a special meaning to me, for they reveal so beautifully the servanthood nature of Abram to God. Abram knew the value and blessedness of peace. Recognizing the strife that was building between his herdsmen and those of Lot, he discerns that there must be a dividing of the land, with each tending his flocks within his own land. Abram displayed a magnanimous spirit when it came time to divide the land. Abram was Lot's uncle and had been called of God, while Lot was only a nephew and an attendant. Abram might well have claimed the deference and submission due to him. But Abram waived his rights and allowed Lot to choose whatever portion he desired. Abram knew the great difference between the lands on both sides, one very fertile and well watered, the other more desolate and dry. Love, compassion, and self-denial greatly expressed themselves over selfishness, covetousness, and greed. May these positive virtues grace our lives.
Lot chose the well-watered plains of Jordan that were beautiful and fruitful like Eden of old. The least he could have done was to say to Abram, "There's just so much that is lush and beautiful. Why don't we divide it and we'll each have an equal share of the best?" But Lot satisfied his covetous desires and embraced it all with greed and selfishness that exemplifies the base character of his life. "Lot pitched his tents towards Sodom." How sad. Lot knew the character of the people of Sodom, who declared their sin openly and without apology. As he left Abram without regret, so he went to dwell in Sodom without fear. No consideration was given to the consequences of his decision, a heedless and downward course.
The beautiful part of the account is the spirit in which Abram approached this whole encounter with Lot. Notice very carefully the key to it all: Abram left the results of Lot's choice in the hands of God. He was satisfied with whatever would be left to him. He was resigned to have only what God would appoint as his portion! And what were the results? God said unto Abram after Lot was separated from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are. All the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth."
Oh, that we might be as Abram, leaving all of our choices in the hands of the Lord, desiring only to have what He determines for us; resting secure in His leading; being controlled by His Spirit; rejoicing in His provisions; living fully under His blessing; and having our lives characterized by a generous, loving, gracious spirit. "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10). "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." "Lift up your eyes from where you are. All the land that you see, I will give to you." God will abundantly expand our vision and fill our lives with His presence and power if we will fix our eyes on Him. How great His grace! How matchless His mercy! How infinite His love!
© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.
This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2024-05-30
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