If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.
Genesis 13:1 - 18
Abram had to go to Egypt due to severe famine (Chapter 12). Abram came back to the promise land with wealth from Egypt (1, 2). Abram expressed his gratitude and faith by building an altar (4).
This shows Abram kept his faith in midst of both famine and wealth.
Quarrelling arose due to their great possessions (6, 7). So Abram asked Lot to choose a land so that they might part company (8, 9).
Abram solved the problem graciously. When Abram was called by God and led by Him, he possessed God-like character.
Lot chose the land well watered by Jordan River (10 – 11). Lot pitched his tents near Sodom (12). The people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD (13).
Lot chose the land for immediate benefits based on what was visible. Lot didn’t look for God’s will before making the decision. Without God’s guidance, men are short-sighted.
God told Abram that He would give the entire land around him to him and his offspring forever (14 – 15). And God promised Abram countless offspring (16).
Abram trusted & obeyed God. He lived by faith based on what was invisible – the promise of God which wasn’t fulfilled yet.
Again, Abram expressed his gratitude and faith by building an altar to the LORD in v18b.
Life is ironical. Many people who think they are clever make a choice of Lot. But it was Abram whom God gave the entire land. The person who believes & obeys receives the promise – the blessing of God; this is the true reality but people are blinded and unable to see this reality. They make choices for immediate benefits but miss the heavenly prizes.
Below are relevant verses:
Jesus said in Luke 9:24, 25,
24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
Jesus said in Matthew 5:5,
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
God is the most powerful factor in our lives. Why?
Proverbs 16:4 says
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
Proverbs 19:21 says
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Now you know “God’s purpose prevails”. If you are truly wise, you will cooperate with God to fulfil His purpose. How do we do this? See Matthew 28:19 – 20, that is “the Great Commission”.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Obey this command and you will be a part of God’s purpose, which will make you prevail. If you are just studying the Holy Bible regularly these days, it is OK - You are being prepared for the command.
