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BIBLE
STUDY LESSON
For
the week beginning Sunday September 2, 2018
ABRAM AND
LOT SEPARATE
Genesis 13
The passages comprised in the book of Genesis, chapters 11:27-25:11
are known collectively by modern-day biblical scholars as “The Patriarchal
Narratives”. This is simply because it is that section of Scriptures that
covers the life of the great Jewish patriarch, Abraham. Abraham is the towering
figure to whom the Jews trace their origin and unique position of being “GOD’s
chosen people”.
Their history actually began in earnest,
with the succession from Terah, the father of Abram, whose name was later
changed, by GOD, to “Abraham”. Terah was also the father of Nahor, and Haran.
Haran, who died at an early age, was the father of Lot, who was raised by
Terah, and who later would travel with Abram to the land of Canaan.
In Genesis 13, Moses, the GOD-chosen author
of the book of Genesis, writes of Abram’s journey out of Egypt after being
ejected from there by the Pharaoh, who was angry with Abram after he deceived
him regarding his relationship to Sarai, his wife, telling him that she was his
sister, which was a lie. The Pharaoh, as a result of that lie, had sought to
marry Sarai, and had given Abram many gifts for that privilege.
When Abram and his family were forced to
leave Egypt, they traveled north into the 4500 square-mile desert region known
as “The Negev”. They continued traveling in stages toward Bethel to the place
where Abram had previously built an altar to the LORD (between Bethel and Ai).
There they set up camp and worshiped the LORD for a time.
Abram was already 75 years old when they
first left Haran, and before that, they had traveled over 700 miles total in
their journey beginning from Ur (southern Iraq), which was their birthplace. Now,
after leaving Egypt, and coming to where they now camped, having many more
possessions, there became a need for Abram and Lot to split up. There was a
lack of pastureland to accommodate both of their flocks and herds, and besides
that, arguments and fights had began to break out between their herdsmen. In
fact, it had gotten so bad that Abram was compelled to talk it over with Lot
and suggest that the two families move in separate directions in order to find
adequate space for them to exist in comfort and peace.
Even though Abram was the oldest, he
decided to allow Lot to have first choice, as to which direction they would
choose to travel in. Lot took a long look around and then chose the area in the
direction of the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley toward Zoar. This was also
the area where Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim were located, before GOD
destroyed them, because of their wickedness. Today this area is located beneath
the Dead Sea, only a few miles offshore, according to archeologists. Abram, on
the other hand, stayed put in the land where he was.
Little did Lot know at the time that he was
actually being “tempted by the devil with the beauty of the world”, as he has
done many a people. Despite this area’s attractiveness, it was also, perhaps,
the most evil area to be found anywhere at that time. There were also ten kings
jockeying for position and rulership of this vast, rich and fertile plain.
Scripture in fact tells us that the people of that area were “unusually wicked”
and sinned greatly against the LORD.
After Lot left, GOD disclosed to Abram that
the land that he chose (GOD had already chosen for him), and was now standing
on, would be his land, in every direction, as far as he could see. GOD also
promised Abram that HE was going to give him more descendants than could
possibly be counted, and that this land would be the permanent possession of
his ancestors.
GOD shows HIS appreciation for the
faithfulness of HIS people, and then, HE blesses us accordingly. Whenever we
trust GOD, and also deal with each other fairly to resolve our problems and
conflicts with each other in a GODly manner, we are doing what GOD expects of
us. If we mishandle blessing and prosperity, they can become curses instead. It
was because of the many blessings bestowed upon Abram and Lot by GOD, that,
they found themselves in this conflict in the first place. However, instead of
continuing in their ungodly fighting, they chose to use GODly wisdom to solve
their issues with each other and move on.
And as for Lot, his decision was made based
solely on what he saw (which was actually sight unseen) and his desire to
obtain it, because of its beauty. He never consulted with and asked GOD which
direction he should go. He just took a long look around, chose the beauty, and
neglected to investigate the evil spiritual details that were hidden within
that beauty.
Whenever we become prosperous and successful
by abiding in GOD, and following HIS rules, GOD often tests us to see how we
handle life’s little difficulties. The chronicles of the life of Job is perhaps
the ultimate example of that truth. The question then becomes, “Will we remain
faithful to GOD when conflicts and troubles emerge in our lives, or will we
forget about GOD and try and handle things our way?” Abraham remembered GOD,
while Lot chose to go his own way.
The permissive will of GOD allows for man
to do many things, and ultimately, through JESUS’ death, we also, in addition,
receive GOD’s wonderful and abounding grace. However, GOD, through HIS wisdom,
will never allow “grace” to trump “truth”. For instance, grace does not excuse
sin and disobedience without consequences. That’s why, in life, there can never
be a “right time” to do the “wrong thing”, and we must continue to abide in,
and trust in GOD, in all circumstances.
Abram gave Lot first choice because he knew
that GOD would do what he said he would do regarding all of their lives and
this faith came even before they ever left Haran. He knew that despite the
chances and changes in life, ultimately GOD would see them through their human
issues and conflicts. And GOD accounted Abram righteous because of his faith. And
it is still true today that GOD will keep in perfect peace, the mind that stays
on HIM, because we trust HIM. For GOD, never changes HIS ways.
There’s another lesson to be learned here
in this passage of Scripture, that will serve us well along the pathways of
life, and that is, when we separate ourselves from people, places, and things,
make sure that we are not also separating ourselves from the Will of GOD. GOD
only wants us to separate ourselves from the people, places, and things that
defile us, and not, from the people, places, and things that are GODly, and can
keep us spiritually safe.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
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