Genesis 13:10

New International Version

 

Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.

 

For Meditation

Lot did not waste time. His uncle, by whose association he had become rich, wanted a separation to avoid escalating the conflict between their shepherds. Abram and Lot had so much possession that the land could not support them. So, Abram gave Lot the priority of choice (Genesis 13:5-9). Now, stop there for a minute.

What do you think was the right thing Lot should have done? What would you do if your elder gave you such a priority under similar circumstances? How long would it take to make your decision? Would you consider the implications of your choice?

With no consideration of gratitude and respect for the Patriarch, Lot made a quick choice. The lushness of the Jordan plains appealed to his eyes, and the stars danced before him. He chose what looked like the garden of the Lord and hurried to occupy it (10-11).

Sadly, we lose our sense of reason when we smell wealth. When opportunity presents itself, our immediate instinct is personal gain. Every other interest takes a back seat. It takes a man of faith like Abraham to look beyond the self to consider God and others (Philippians 2:3-4).

The three things that caused Eve to lose it in Eden still haunt us—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (Genesis 3:6).

The Serpent said Eve could be like God and know all that God knew. She could become her Lord and delight, not needing God (8). The self and the devil could be her best friends. And we know the result of her choice we all have inherited (7).

The Apostle John says that anybody who makes such choices does not love God. Their decisions are selfish, worldly, and evil. Such a person is not a friend of God, but the world they choose to love (1 John 2:16). It is so true when we consider how Lot disregarded the evil environment of Sodom to live away from the beneficial influence of his uncle (Genesis 13:13).

The sinfulness of Sodom did not bother him. He could live there so long as he kept himself from their way of life. Don’t we deceive ourselves that way all the time?

However, Lot lived to see the outcome of his choice when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and all his wealthy acquisition (19:1-29). Everything went up in smoke. He would have lost his life and family, but for the grace of God.

Our choices matter. The glitter of this world wants a place in them. The desires and pleasures of our flesh demand satisfaction in our decisions. All the titles, accomplishments, positions, prominence, and recognition forcefully pull on our decision-making processes. What we should never forget is what they are – our enemies!

So, let us keep our love of God hot every day and in everything. Abraham did and received the promised inheritance that exceeded his imagination (Genesis:13:14-17).