TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. Genesis 13:7
Read: Genesis 13
Listen: Genesis 13
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Abram obeys God’s call to leave the security of his homeland, taking with him his wife and his nephew, Lot. Both Abram and Lot bring along their many possessions, including herds of livestock and many servants. Arriving in the land of Negev and finding it’s not big enough for both of them— strife breaks out. Abram then makes a surprising decision.
Wanting no quarrels with his only relative in this foreign land, Abram decides to part company. Customarily, the patriarch would take the first choice. But Abram tells Lot, “If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” Lot looks around and grabs the best land. With open hands toward God, Abram makes this sacrifice for the sake of peace. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion explains what kind of a person makes this choice.
Abram has grown in his faith since lying to Pharaoh. His increasing trust in God is rippling into generosity. Seeing his sacrifice, God tenderly assures Abram that he and his descendants will have all the land for as far as he can see (Genesis 13:14).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Where is there relational conflict in your life? For the sake of peace, like Abram, identify what you need to let go sacrificially. With open hands, offer God your need to be right, your demands for what you deserve or your need to be understood. Whatever it is, let go of it and allow God to bless you the way he wants to.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
