ABRAM AND LOT: FAMILY RIGHTS
Genesis 13:5–11, 14–18
“I’m sitting up front!” “I want to pick the restaurant!” “I had the remote control first!” “He’s on my side of the couch!” Do any of these expressions sound familiar? If you have been blessed with children, you know they can become territorial and selfish. Young parents quickly realize that they do not have to teach their children to be rebellious. The youngest child and the oldest adults have many things in common. We are all prone to look after our interests first and refuse to humble ourselves before others even when that would preserve a relationship. Are you willing to trust God even when you feel wronged by others or slighted by circumstances? This week, the Scripture provides excellent insight into serving others, patience and the beauty of interpersonal relationships.
Personal rights and possessions can be a source of conflict. (5–8)
In the previous chapter, God promised to bless Abram and give him immeasurable property, riches, livestock and his own nation. Once in Canaan, the large number of herds and flocks created an issue for Abram and Lot. The abundance was more than the land could support.
Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen knew the animals needed some breathing room. Being a wise and godly man, Abram went to Lot to propose a solution. Sometimes in churches and families, people scatter or crumble at the first sign of conflict. It should not be this way.
No one should enjoy conflict but many times, God can use it to build our faith and dependence on Him. In the story of conflict between Abram and Lot, God was preparing to bless Abram the whole time. We never know when God is working on our behalf and behind the scenes to bring us His good gifts.
Place the needs of others before your own. (9–11)
Abram was motivated by peace. He was direct but was also diplomatic. With a presidential election only days away, wouldn’t it be refreshing to hear commitments to peace? Abram was gracious and deferred to Lot. Lot jumped at the opportunity and chose the land known as the Jordan Valley. It was verdant and beautiful to look upon. It even resembled the Garden of Eden. The problem was it was neighbors with Sodom. Lot chose what was beautiful to the eye but bad for the soul. Lot lived by sight, but Abram was a man of faith — a stark contrast that serves as a powerful moral lesson.
Trust God with the outcome. (14–18)
After Lot and Abram separated, God revealed to Abram the full expanse of His blessing. God told Abram that his descendants would be the beneficiaries of this land with no expiration date. Although Abram had no sons or heirs at the time of hearing this, he still trusted God. He trusted God with an inward belief and an outward expression.
He explored the land God had given him and also built an altar. He worshipped the Lord after the grace was received. Abram trusted God in times of potential conflict, personal choices and public commitment. We live in a society inundated with individual interests and pride. We can all be wise to remember Abram and his lessons of humility, trust and obedience. God sees and will bless you more than you could ever imagine.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
