Brief Summary:
- Chapter 12: The call of Abram
- Chapter 13: Separation of Abram and Lot
- Chapter 14: Abram rescued Lot
- Chapter 15: God’s covenant with Abram
Key Observations:
The Faith Walk
Chapter 12, verse 1 – God asked Abram to go to the land that I will show you. And in verse 4, Abram went as the Lord told him. Now, where is he going? Did God tell him, and it’s not recorded? We don’t know. All that I can understand is that Abram started – I mean, that’s the faith that is the bedrock of Abram’s character.
Blessed to be a Blessing
Verse 2 – Abram is being promised that he will be made a great nation. And God says “I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”
- So the purpose of the blessing is that Abram in turn will turn out to be a blessing
- verse 3 – “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed”
I Have Faith, But…
Verses 12 and 13 – Abram had a wonderful faith. He started walking. And when there was a famine, he came to Egypt. What a wonderful, providing husband. But when he knew that his life was gonna be in danger, his moral was shaken. He asked his wife to lie for him so that his life would be spared. How many times have we compromised and become complacent when we know there’s a threat to our comfort or security?
The Deception of the Eye
Chapter 13 – We observe that Abram wanted to peacefully separate from Lot because they had grown, and their wealth had become immense. Here, Abram was kind enough to let Lot choose his portion.
The scripture says in verse 10, Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered like the garden of the Lord. I don’t know how Lot knew how the garden of the Lord would look like. He saw it was pleasing in his eyes.
Sometimes what we see is deceptive. How are we making our choices? Are we going after the value or the character? Or are we going after the looks?
The Other Side of Conflicts and Separation
Chapter 13, verse 14 – The scripture shows that the Lord made the covenant with Abram after Lot had separated from him. If we rewind, Lot and Abram had a fantastic relationship – uncle and nephew. And then they both became wealthy, and both their livestock grew. Then there was a conflict between these two men, at least the men under them. And they peaceably separated.
What I realized is that sometimes in life, we could start the journey together and such relationship could thrive together. And sometimes there could be conflicts and even that could end up with separation. But God still has plans for us. After Lot was separated, God met with Abram and promised him that all the land that he sees, He will make it as his possession. And there will be numerous offsprings that no one can count. Let’s not give up. Things might look bleak, but God will intervene and continue with the promise that He has in our lives.
Zeal for the Brethren
Chapter 14, verses 13-16 – When Abram came to know that Lot has been taken as a captive, he went with 318 trained men and went in pursuit. He strategized, he divided his forces, and then he defeated those who held Lot captive. Then he brought back all the possessions and also brought back Lot with the possessions and the women and the people. How zealous am I towards my brethren?
Faith, Firepot, and a Flaming Torch
Chapter 15, verse 6 – It reads “And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.” Abram has great faith. Ever since he moved to a mountain that God said He would show, he stepped out in faith. I believe it was his faith in God that he let Lot choose his portion. And even now, when he is childless, and when God said that Abram would have his own son, his very own son, as his successor, it was the faith that he had in God that he believed. The Lord acknowledged Abram’s faith and met with him, accepted his offerings, and made a covenant that he and his offspring would possess the land.
Application:
• Do I have a faith like Abram? Do I just obey God radically? Or am I asking God for blueprints?
• What am I doing with my blessings? Am I being a faithful steward towards the blessings that God has given to me?
• How am I making life choices? Do I value character or the essence? Or am I too quick and carried away by the looks?
• How am I handling conflicts? Am I looking at the bigger picture and knowing that God is sovereign?
• How is my zeal towards the brethren? Am I praying for them? Am I taking care of them? Am I ministering to them?
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