Life is funny. Sometimes we desire something so much that we go crazy searching or pursuing it. In high school, I wanted to become a golf professional. I spent hours practicing and hitting shag balls. I joined the golf team, but my game got worse. I remember playing with my dad and throwing my clubs because of poor shots. I had to surrender my unrealistic ambition of being a golf pro before I could enjoy the game. I still like to hit good shots, but it’s not the end of the world if I shank a drive. What is holding you back from experiencing the abundant life God has for you?
Abram, Sarai and Lot left Egypt with all their possessions (Gen. 13:1-2). Abram originally moved to Egypt because of famine in Canaan because he didn’t trust God (Gen. 12:10). He repented by returning to the altar between Bethel representing God and Ai, the world (Gen. 12:8; 13:3-4). Like Abram or the church in Ephesus, we easily leave our first love in our relationship with God and desires we do deeds we did at first (Rev. 2:4-5). Abram’s first deeds was calling upon the Lord between Bethel and Ai in intercession for the people of the world. We are called to mediate between heavenly and earthly realms to build God’s kingdom on earth through prayer.
When it became apparent the land resources were not adequate to support both Abram’s and Lot’s family and livestock, strife and quarreling ensued (Gen. 13:5-7). Abram acted as the peacemaker and let Lot chose the land he desired. Lot chose Sodom and Abram settled in Canaan (Gen. 13:8-12). The text makes a point in Gen. 13:13 that Sodom was exceedingly wicked.
After Lot separated from Abram, the Lord spoke to Abram. He asked him to lift up or desire the land God promised to him in Gen. 12:1-3. He reaffirmed His covenant of land and descendants forever (Gen. 13:14-17). Notice that God responded more personally and specifically with Abram after he obeyed God by separating from Lot. Remember the original command was to leave his family.
Abram also received blessings from God. The word, make, in the phrase, ” I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth” meant God established a new relationship with Abram and his descendants. He transformed and assigned special responsibilities to them. God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others in making disciples to further His kingdom on earth.
Most likely, Abram was still hurting after his bad experience with Lot. Abram needed some encouragement that only a real relationship with God could provide. Like Abram, we may have to walk through, climb up, step over, face off, shut up, or do what we never thought we could do in order to overcome all the obstacles that life or Satan throws at us. Doing this requires that we hear God when He speaks to us.
What “Lots” must you surrender so the Lord God can become more personal and specific with you?
