How to Live a Spiritual Life.

How to Live a Spiritual Life. Genesis 19:27-३६

And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD. Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace. And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had dwelt. Genesis 19:27-30(NKJV)

If you have slept well, when you first wake in the morning it is the best time to stand before the Lord and commit yourself to Him that Day. The person who commits this time every day will spiritually grow each day and over time will make a strong Christian.

Here, in the close of this chapter, we find a contrast between two men, Abraham and Lot; one spiritual and one, not so much. In this stark contrast we find how a person respects the Lord makes a difference in their life.

Abraham had a special place that he would go to each day. It had a great view and there he would call upon the name of the Lord. To call upon the name of the Lord is the same as saying, he would pray.

Prayer is important for it allows a person to commit their thoughts, desires, and concerns to the Lord. It becomes an invitation for God to act in your life because God cannot do anything for us unless we are willing.

Now, Christians are taught that we should pray throughout the day and without ceasing; however, morning time comes before the concerns of the day set in and is a time that our minds are uncluttered.

That day, as Abraham prayed, he looked up to see the whole plain burning. Yet the sight of such a great area burning, so close to his area, did not upset Abraham for his confidence was in the Lord. Oh how sweet it is to face trials or the trials of others and know God protects you. It is the most blessed part of the human experience and one only a child of God will know.

Abraham did not know if he lost his closest blood relative, his cousin Lot. Lot chose to live in the land that burned and Lot did not have a strong relationship with God. Lot was that kid who grew up a bit disrespectful and selfish. Yet, Abraham did not lament for he placed his trust in God’s judgment.

Then Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountains, and his two daughters were with him; for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt in a cave. Genesis 19:30(NKJV)

Because God honored the prayers of Abraham, angels pulled Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of Sodom before judgment. They were told to go to the mountains, but argued with the angels that the city or Zoar was better for them. Yet when Lot and his family entered the city, he saw more of the same debauchery and when the fire and brimstone came raining down on the plain it scarred them, so they ran to the mountains as previously instructed.

How terrible it is to run to do things right when fear of God’s wrath is the motivator. This is not the relationship we are to have; one that lives unfaithful and in fear that God will smite you.

All around the world there are Christians like this. They know they are to live righteously, but they love their lifestyle. They come to church to appease God and they weep in repentance. Yet when they return to their lives they succumb to the temptations of sinful pleasure.

It is unfaithfulness; and Lot was unfaithful to do what was right before the Lord. Therefore, in fear he ran to the mountains. In fear he spent his day’s unconfident, distraught, and not knowing the right thing to do. This no way for a person to live; a parent, a child, a husband, or a wife, each should have a relationship with God so they may live in confidence.

Now the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man on the earth to come in to us as is the custom of all the earth. Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. Genesis 19:31-33 (NKJV)

Dysfunction breads dysfunction and what Lot allowed into his life was magnified when he raised children. They had no idea to pray for a husband and they did not know what trusting in the Lord for children was about. Their imaginations were vain and filled with concepts learned from their life in Sodom; much like children learn from today’s television.

In addition, they played to Lot’s weakness, alcohol. The down fall of people around the world and throughout history, alcohol, takes away inhibitions and dulls the senses. Too much alcohol and you end up on your back, at the mercy of your company.

If Lot were smart, he would have learned of the dangers of alcohol from the people of Sodom and forsook it as a substance that lead to their downfall. The miss use of alcohol was one of the contributing factors to the judgment of Sodom.

It happened on the next day that the firstborn said to the younger, “Indeed I lay with my father last night; let us make him drink wine tonight also, and you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” Then they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. Genesis 19:34-37(NKJV)

Alcohol deteriorates the brain and even when sober, a person judgment can be impaired. Most people, who indulge and pass out, would not go near the substance the next day; however, Lot was back to drinking again the next day, a sign of alcoholism.

Lot played the part of a fool throughout his life. He never got serious with the Lord and even given the opportunity to start over in his life, he went back to his old ways.

The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. And the younger, she also bore a son and called his name Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the people of Ammon to this day. Genesis 19:38-39(NKJV)

The people of Ammon and the Moabites grew as tribes and occupied territories next to Israel. They continued on like their ancestor, Lot, never having spiritual roots in God.

Their people would become burdensome at times to Israel, but they were never enemies. Their lives were of no great accomplishments.

Your future and that of your family is dependent on you having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Daily we must come to God in quietness and have a meaningful prayer time. This chapter was written to show us the difference.

Fire & Brimstone.

Fire & Brimstone. Genesis 19:9-26.

And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. Genesis 19:9-11(NKJV)

The people of the city had gone mad; they wanted into Lot’s house so that they might fornicate using the angels as their desire. Lot was pressed at his front door and the crowd was threatening him. The people of Sodom had transcended a road of ungodliness and their every thought was wicked.

Lot had to be saved as the angels grabbed him and pulled him into the house. They cause those outside to be blind and still the people of Sodom only stopped trying to get into the house when they became weary. There was no spirituality in Sodom; and though Lot wanted there to be righteous people, there was none.

It is common for people to place their hope in saving people. Lot thought that he could change them by showing them right from wrong; but he never spoke to them about God. He ended up with hopeless people who could not be saved.

The cities of our time have much of the same wickedness taking over people’s hearts. The acceptance of sin is pushing out God’s love and wickedness abounds. People seek to do what is wrong and they burn in their desire to act wickedly. If this is true, why are Christians drawn to their ways like magnets?

And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. Genesis 19:12-14(NKJV)

Lot had not only joined himself to a city of wicked people; he allowed holiness to be squeezed out of his own family. Lot stood by and watched his sons and daughters marry into the families of the city. He stood by as they took their vows in marriage and lived their lives in wickedness.

Lot stood silent for so long that by the time he spoke of God, God’s power, and God’s judgment, his family thought him to be joking. They thought Lot had gone mad and was mocking their accepted lifestyles. Why would God destroy their city and who was this God Lot spoke about? Lot would lose his entire family through his error.

And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. Genesis 19:15-16(NKJV)

It was time to go, but Lot did not want to leave. He was lingering, taking his last looks, hoping God would change His mind. His family’s responses played over and over in his mind; they did not know God, they did not believe the threat, and they would be eternally lost. Oh how could Lot have been so silent when he knew of the power and strength of God? Lot knew to pray, but did not.

And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my LORD: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. Genesis 19:17-20(NKJV)

The angels had to fiscally carry them out of the city, and the warning was do not look back. Turn your back on that city and never long for it again. They were to take their whole body, soul, and mind, and turn away from the wickedness to go forward to a new life.

Begin told to go up into the mountains, Lot immediately interjected that he wanted to go live in a nearby city. Lot’s knowledge and closeness to God had withered to the point that he had no faith in God to protect him. He feared that he could not live in the elements and that he could not protect himself. His relationship and faith in God was almost nonexistent and if it were not for the interceding of Abraham with The Angel of the Lord, Lot would not have been spared.

And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. Genesis 19:21-25(NKJV)

Often we underestimate the mercy of the Lord. His ability to love is greater than any sin; however, the choice to love God back belongs to people.

God spared the life of Lot, his wife, and his two daughters to give them a second chance. This is picture of every person who has surrendered their life to the Lord. He allows us opportunity to turn our backs on the old life and wants us to live righteous before Him; yet, it has to be by our own choice and a choice that we stick to.

But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26(NKJV)

As with Lots wife, there is a danger in looking back. Jesus told His disciple to remember Lot’s wife, how she turned to look back. Yet it was not the glance that brought judgment to her, she longed in her heart to return. Lot’s wife wanted her old life; there was no repentance.

Today, on the North side of the Dead Sea, where once was a fertile plain, traces of five cities can be found. The ground surrounding the area has a thick layer of Calcium Sulfate and Calcium Carbonate. Unburned balls of sulfur (brimstone) can be found throughout the area with crystals formed through intense heat. God rained down destruction and from the air you can see the imprint.

We all have heard about the end of times; these events will claim many lives. Yet, though judgments shake the earth, one day the living and the dead will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. God will examine each person; the position of the heart and the obedience to the instructions given to man (the Bible) will be the baseline for judgment. “Did the person accept Jesus Christ as their Savior?” will be the focus.

It is this day we are to prepare for. Turning our back on the evil of this world, followers of Christ are to look ahead and increase in knowledge of Him. Our hearts are to overflow with joy and goodness and spill into the streets for all men to see. Our world needs to hear our witness and not be hidden as did Lot.

We need to seek and save our families while we have time and always express our faith in God to all men.

Loving Sodom.

Loving Sodom. Genesis 19:1-9.

And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. Genesis 19:1-2(NKJV)

Where once Lot pitched his tent looking towards Sodom, what he learned about the people drew him to live in the city. It is a common story that repeats itself often. A person sets their eyes on something and soon they cannot resist it. Justifying what is wrong, people slowly join themselves to it, bending their spiritual conviction more each day. Though Lot may have intended only to sell his goods to the people of the city, those people became his friends.

Lot knew that he was to maintain a spiritual life. He knew that God would not approve of the actions of the people of Sodom; yet Lot tried to have the best of both worlds and here we will see that bad company corrupts good morals!

At the gate of the city sat a highly esteemed person who acted as a judge. The people would bring their issues to him for settlement. Lot thought highly of himself and had a need to maintain a mindset of what was right and what was wrong; therefore, he became their judge. Yet the good he though he brought to the city, would be quickly turned to shame as true judgment had come.

As soon as Lot saw the angles he knew they were from God and tried to divert their attentions away from the city and its people. “Come into my house, stay the night. I’ll feed you and ready you to go on your way.”

The folly of Lot was to think himself able to have a good influence on the people of Sodom by being their friend. He thought he could be in the city without their ways influencing him. Yet as we will see, Lot had become just like them.

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. Genesis 19:3-5(NKJV)

It had been a long time since Lot had seen an honest face and the reality of Lot’s life began to stick him like a needle. He begged them to come into his house; yet his intent was to keep them from encounters with the evil people of Sodom. Lot’s judgment failed to change their lives.

Lot tried to keep his guests entertained and himself busy. Lot was uncomfortable in the presence of God’s angels and became much involved in making a feast for them. Lot stayed busy so he would not have to answer their questions and expose his secrets; however, the secrets Lot tried to hide would not stay hidden.

Gathering outside Lot’s house, the people of the city were burning with lustful passion. The city Lot thought he could make better, was now disrespecting him. They had no moral conviction and their desires were to be sexual. In this society there was no inhibition and lasciviousness was normal.

Did you know that you can drift so far from godliness that the things you do, no longer affect the way you think about truth? I have known people who live in adultery, come to church, and still think that God is blessing them. Their moral convictions bent to suit their own desires and now they do not know what moral is.

And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. Genesis 19:6-8(NKJV)

When a person has let their relationship with God suffer, they will not make good judgments. The way they think is tainted and in a tough situation, fear will motivate them to stumble.

Pressed up against the wall of letting harm befall the angels; Lot made a terrible decision. Lot was not trusting in God to deliver and Lot committed a terrible act; he offered his virgin daughters as prostitutes.

Are you away from the Lord or trying to live in both worlds? If so, do you realize that many of the decision you make are capable of bringing harm to yourself and others?

Most will say that they are confident with their decisions; yet, what about those you must make in the heat of a moment? Lot was about to be crushed by the crowd that had formed. They were capable of killing him, his family, and wanted to defile the angles sent by God.

In heated moments, fear attacks; the mind gets flustered and people have produced actions of murder, untruth, cheating, stealing, and abuse. When their minds should have been set on the power of God’s truth, they could not remember it and became frantic.

Lot succumbed to the pressure and offered his virgin daughters to be defiled in the streets by a mob of deviates. What a terrible decision for a father to make.

And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. Genesis 19:9(NKJV)

The people of Sodom were so corrupt they no longer wanted women for pleasure; they wanted only the men they saw. These men were new to the city and had a different look. Lot’s pleas to stop only brought threats, for to get to these men they would kill Lot.

People are repulsed by the deviate, the immoral person. Yet the world’s people have become the judge of what a deviate is. Having their own conscious desensitized, actions once judged as immoral, become the actions they do and accept.

Homosexuals, like those in Sodom, are gaining favor in our cultures. Pre and extramarital sex is accepted and people hurt people that they call their friends.

This is why God has called Christians to come out from among them and be separate. This does not mean Christians cannot go to the movies, amusement parks, or on vacations. However, it does mean that Christians befriend Christians.

As Christians we fellowship together, learn together, and as iron sharpens iron, Christians help each other to know and live in God’s ways. Christians pursue righteousness and not ungodliness.

Our minds must be influenced by God’s righteousness; it is the standard that does not change. On His word we can stay on the righteous road to heaven.

King of Kings.

King of Kings. Genesis 14:18-24.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.  Genesis 14:18-20(NKJV)

After waging war against attackers, Abram brings back the possessions and people from all the great cities in his area that were attacked. Their Kings did bow in reverence to such a great feat and Abram became a supreme leader. However, the great Abram saw a king whose name was Melchizedek and he recognized Him as a priest of the Most High God.

Melchizedek was the only king that Abram would respect. All of the other kings watched as Abram bent his knee in reverence to this king. In this gesture Abram submits himself to Melchizedek, signifying a superiority and lordship over Abram.

In Psalms 110, King David writes about this priest and acknowledges a hierarchy. There is the Lord God supreme over the entire universe; then there is a Lord over kings, a king of kings. David speaks how he answered to this king of kings and this king of kings is a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek and Jesus have many commonalities. Melchizedek was not ordained by men, but by God. The main complaint of the Jewish leadership was they did not ordain Jesus.

This King of Salem has no genealogy. No mention of mother or father and therefore gives the impression that he lives forever. He is much like the Son of God and remains a priest continually.

King Melchizedek, brought bread and wine and communed with Abram. Much like Christ used bread and wine, at the Last Supper. This communion is an earmark trait of this high priest.

Isaiah said that the Messiah would be a wonderful counselor and the Price of Peace. Melchizedek King of Salem translates to mean the King of “Peace.” His mission was to inspire peace and to communicate the message; God fights our battles and delivers our enemies into our hands.

Melchizedek forever remains a Priest of the Most High God and Jesus ascended into heaven, to sit at the right hand of the throne of God and be our High Priest forever. Jesus intercede our prayers to God. Not just our prayers, but the prayers of Kings, rulers, and leaders. Jesus knows that God fights our battles.

Judaism has to recognize Melchizedek, but refuses to recognize Jesus. To this we must ask, “If there exists a priest, who comes from the Most High God, could not the Melchizedek Priest hood exist beyond the confines of the Mosaic Law?”

Before Levi, Aaron, and Moses, was Abram. Abram is the father of the entire Jewish nation and here in our passage Abram recognized another priesthood, worshiped Him, and tithed part of his possessions. Could Jesus be a Priest after the order of Melchizedek or could Jesus be Melchizedek too?

Melchizedek blessed Abram saying, “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth” The word blessed means, to kneel, to bless one’s self, to praise or salute. Melchizedek was stating that Abram’s heart was in the right place. Abram revered God. He treated God with the proper respect and his actions to fight against injustice were honored by God. In this visit God honored Abram back.

Melchizedek placed emphasis that God is the most high. God possesses both Heaven and Earth and it was God that delivered Abram’s enemies into his hand.

It was a timely message; for approaching Abram were other Kings, rulers, and leaders that were going to praise Abram. This time of reflection on perspective would keep Abram humble.

And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.  Genesis 14:21-24

Abram was not being proud when turning down the spoils. He was placing himself in a situation to where only God could be given the credit for making Abram great.

What a reality Abram lived in. He was promised to be the father of a great nation. He was surrounded by enemies and had to make decision to fight. In fighting, he had to fight for what was right, keeping honor in perspective. In all of this he had to deal with his carnal nephew.

In all reality, you and I are not much different from Abram. We are called to build a kingdom. We are promised great promises and we must fight the enemy, maintaining our respect towards God as people are watching.

The greatest thing we must take away from this passage is that like Abram, we are blessed by the most high God who rules heaven and earth. In reverence let us live our life with respect; even if we must turn down the goods of the world. Our purpose should be to let God make us to be a people of honor and respect.

A Leader Among Kings.

A Leader Among Kings. Genesis 14:1-17.

God promised to make Abram’s name great, yet Lot sought to distance himself from this greatness. Lot could not keep his herdsmen from arguing with Abrams herdsmen and so Abram told him to pick a territory and go live there. It was there, in the land that Lot chose the first war on earth took place and Lot was in the middle of it.

And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Genesis 14:1-4(NKJV)

This is war covered a great area; much of what we now call Israel. The invaders were four kings representing Chaldea and Persia; they were not the sovereign princes of those great kingdoms, but rather the heads of some colonies which came to make a name for themselves. Though they had settled making five cities near the plain of Jordan, near Sodom, they retained the names of the countries from which they came from. These had troubles with the other settlers in the land and targeted Chedorlaomer, the king, to attack.

This is the human condition that causes all wars. People fail to get along, they complain and let things bother them and so they grow hatred in their heart. It separated Abram from Lot and it has separated people, nations, races, and neighbors throughout all of time. This passage is here to show Christians to deal with their internal strife before they become external problems.

In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar. And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. Genesis 14: 5-9(NKJV)

Pride, covetousness, and ambition, are the lusts from which wars and fighting come. These four kings dominated the area and probably without much of a fight. This was a time that no war had occurred. The only weapons were those of hunting and to stop a rebellion without an army is futile.

This is a great time to compare the battle of our souls to the unsuspecting cities under attack. If we are to treat life carelessly, when the enemy attacks we will not be able to defend. Attacks to sacrifice our morals come when we are the weakest and the enemy is ready to pounce. A Christian should always be ready, watching, and guarding their heart from attack.

Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Genesis 14:10-12(NKJV)

One must ask their self, “Would this have happened if Lot were to control his problems and not to have forced problems between him and Abram?”

When we fail spiritually, there are consequences that follow. God wants to teach His children to be faithful and to live peaceable; yet, sin causes all the problems in the church today. When church people listen to the message and do not live by it, little good can come from it.

How many divorces could have been prevented and what a wonderful life those could have lived, if they would have followed God from the day they said, “I do.” Yet the frustrations of normal life are allowed to battle and take over our direction.

Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. Genesis 14:13-15(NKJV)

No matter how much Lot wronged Abram, Abram came to his rescue. In an act of Christian service, Abram places his own people and his own possessions in harm’s way to regain those of his Nephews.

Abram trained his people to defend themselves and in that training they learned how to fight. They were able to stand their ground and take back the possessions and the people stolen. Yet no matter of the level of training, they had right on their side and God behind them.

So he brought back all of their people the all of their goods. He also brought back his nephew Lot and his goods. And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. Genesis 14:16-17(NKJV)

Abram, as promised by God, was now hailed for his valor and his direction of people. Abram was known throughout the land and was now a leader among Kings. He was a force to be reckoned with.

Though the people of this region were sinners before the Lord, it was a godly action of Abram to bring back their possessions, their women, and restore to them what was taken. God would have us to act in kindness to those who oppose us and allow His light to shine through our actions.

Unlike Lot, who desired to have land, possessions, and commerce, Abram sought to seek God and to be satisfied with God’s provisions. Abram sought the Lord God and He only, would Abram worship.

Impatience and Greed.

Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. Genesis 13:11-13(NKJV)

In his discussion, Lot was only looking out for himself; he was being selfish. Though it was not wrong to choose the plain most fertile, the reason he chose it was selfish. He chose it to have the best for himself. He disregarded his uncle who had helped raise him when Lot’s father died. Lot made his decision based upon what he knew of the land.

He knew that the plains were fertile and his cattle would be able to graze to become a strong heard. He also knew that there were two cities and that meant a built in commerce. He would be able to sell his beef and probably at a premium price. Lot’s whole concern was himself.

Lot knew the people of those cities were considered wicked by God and still made the choice to go in that direction. “He pitched his tent towards Sodom” which means he planned to conduct his business thinking himself able to not get involved with their wickedness but still do his business.

This is the deception of evil and a foolish decision made by a foolish man, who distanced himself from knowing God. Lot did not carry on with a relationship with God as did his uncle. Perhaps that was too old fashion for him?

And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Genesis 13:14-15(NKJV)

Lot in his selfish deception had tunnel vision. He only saw the money, the commerce, and the prosperity. However, God wants His own people to have a relationship so that He can open their eyes and make them see grander opportunities.

Abram headed in the direction of consequence, he was not self motivated and did not choose the best for himself. He gave up the fertile plane to keep peace between him and his nephew. You see, their relationship was deteriorating and though Abram valued Lot, Lot was more concerned about himself.

Lot had abandonment issues. He lost his father when he was young and was raised by his uncle Abram. Lot began with nothing and watched Abram who increased in possession, for the Lord was blessing him. However, Lot only watched Abram’s possessions, he did not give much credence to Abram’s relationship with God.

By the time they reached Egypt, Lot became arrogant and smart enough to manipulate the Egyptian commerce. By the time they had left Egypt, Lot had his own people, his own cattle, and his own possessions. He was doing what he could to survive; to be his own man. However, while he was looking inward, he was not paying attention to what God was doing in the life his Uncle.

The two of them parted company. Abram headed in a direction, away from Lot, and as Abram traveled out of the site of Lot, God called for him to raise his head up. God told him to look at the land before him and not to look small. “Look to the east, to the North, to the South, and to the West; it is all for you and your children.”

It was a great gift from the Lord; given to a man who did not let greed drive him and did not let bitterness be part of his thoughts. Abram was called by God and God liked that Abram listened.

Yes, Abram had his faults; at times he feared and even lied to the Pharaoh in Egypt. Yet God delivered him from his transgressions and was more than ready to work with this faithful man.

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Genesis 13:16(NKJV)

Another thing that they Lord was doing here was calling Abram to a long term relationship. He was going to have Abram go through a process that would take much time. In that time there would be a healing for Sarai could have no children. Yet Abram was a man that God knew could exhibit faith.

Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD. Genesis 13:17-18(NKJV)

Even though it would take much time, God wanted Abram to get going. He did not want him to pitch a tent and wait; God wanted Abram to get out and know the land. See the wonderful thing that the Lord has done and that is what Abram did.

The greatest thing that we can gain from this passage is though God has given the land to Abram, it would take a process of time before it would be theirs. God said it was going to be a process of giving.

There are so many Christians who think God instantly works to success in their lives. God needs people to be patient; acting in confidence, continuing on in their life. It may take time to accomplish a work in you and during that time, God does not want impatience and greed, but patience and worship.

Just like Abram did not like the complaining of Lot and his people, God does not want his people to complain or be impatient. God would have us be still, in confidence knowing that He is the Lord. He is the God that takes care of all of our needs according to his mercy.

Therefore, seeing the blessing to come, Abram built another alter and worshiped God. Leading his wife and his entourage to a closer relationship with God; Abram continued as God had called.

My Lottery Dreams.

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; Unto the place of the altar, which he had make there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. Genesis 13:1-4(NKJV)

It was a promise by the Lord that Abram would be blessed and leaving Egypt the blessing of the Lord was clear. All those who journeyed with Abram were prosperous in their dealing and leaving Egypt, Abram was rich with cattle, silver, and gold. However, monetary and material blessing has many consequences.

The Hebrew word for riches means to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honorable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honored.

So many people desire great riches, yet they do not understand the burden that goes with having great money or great possessions. Lottery winning stories are rich with the naivety of people who won large amounts of money and spent it, losing friends, family, and spouses.

“Since I won the lottery, I think there is no control for greed,” said Jack Whittaker who won $315 Million.”I think if you have something, there’s always someone else that wants it. I wish I’d torn that ticket up”

Jack wanted cloth and feed children. He gave money to build two large churches; however, people streamed to him with their requests for his help.
In order to deal with these requests, he formed the Jack Whittaker Foundation.

“There were so many letters that they wouldn’t even deliver all the mail. It was nothing for us to sit for 10 hours just opening envelopes.” Whittaker gave away at least $50 million worth of houses, cars and cash.

Jack started a construction company and though the company started to produce a good income, it opened the floodgates for people to sue. Lawyers worked to fend off over 400 law suits from people who just wanted to get something for nothing.

There is a burden in caring for riches; there is fear in keeping them, temptation in using them, guilt in abusing them, and sorrow in losing them. The last thing is the account we must give of them.

Jack Whittaker started drinking to console himself and became loose with his money. Because he gave four cars and $2000 a week to his granddaughter, she would become acquainted with drug dealers and later die from drug overdose.

Whittaker lost family and friends and what he thought was great opportunity became a burden too hard to carry, adversely affecting the lives around him.

And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Genesis 14:5-8(NJKV)

Riches will separate family. It was not Abram and, his cousin, Lot that had difference; it was those that worked for them. Their cattle were mingling and keeping track of their herds caused rivalry and a solution was offered by Abram.

Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Genesis 13:9-11(NKJV)

People are greedy and Lot chose the best land for himself. He was thinking, it was offered and therefore, he took it. However, this shows little respect to Abram who took the young lad under his care when his father died.

It is godly to think of other before you.
In gratitude, Lot should have taken the lesser. Yet for some people, riches build greed in the heart of those who strive to keep them.

Lot knew that his fields would be green and Lot knew that the nearby cities would buy his meat. Lot was making a winning decision that would make for excellent business. Lot would have great wealth, and that was all Lot thought of.

Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. Genesis 13:12(NKJV)

Lot’s decision was good for Abram; for Canaan is the land God called him to. Abram did not even consider the advantage of the land and it’s wealth for Abram looked to God for his riches.

Dearest friends, people who seek riches are those who are not satisfied with what God has given them. To humbly accept God provisions shows honor to God and that was the honor of Abram.

As we will find out, Lot’s pursuit of riches will lead to much trouble.