Lasting Decisions

Lasting Decisions

Genesis 19: ³⁰ 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. ³¹ 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. ³² Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” ³³ 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.

 

³⁴ 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.” ³⁵ 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.

 

³⁶ Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. ³⁷ The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. ³⁸ 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.

 

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Not having much time to think, Lot asked the angels if he could escape to a small, insignificant suburb of Sodom and Gomorrah. JESUS and the Angels told Abraham they would destroy Sodom because the people were deeply involved in sin. Lot, his wife and daughters were taken out of the city. Lot’s wife looked back, longingly, during the destruction and turned into a pillar of salt.

 

Everything happened so fast! There was no time to think. When Lot and his daughters arrived in the town he named Zoar, he realized that the people there would be against him, just like he feared the people in the mountains would. He left Zoar and fled to the mountains, just like the angels told him.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s short-term decisions seemed to be disastrous.
• Lot chose to go to Sodom, knowing how evil the people were.
• Lot fled in fear to the mountains with his daughters and they followed in his footsteps of decision making.

 

Raised as Sodomites, Lot’s daughters devised a plan to get what they wanted without thinking of GOD. This had been the issue with Cain, Canaan and many others who saw GOD as a problem versus an answer. Because of this decision to get Lot drunk and have a child by him, the Moabites and the Ammonites would be born.

 

Something drove Lot’s decision making. When he chose Sodom, he saw something that looked like success and was willing to overlook evil to obtain it. Same with Lot’s daughters. They were willing to get what they wanted, overlooking anything that would go against GOD’s desires.  They cared deeply about their father. They obeyed by not looking back and followed him into the mountain. They thought they were doing right by have a child by him. GOD gave this history to Moses.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention what happened to Lot and his daughters to Moses?
• Have you ever thought about doing something that would please yourself short-term without considering if GOD wants you to do that thing?
• Will you place your short-term thinking before GOD and accept HIS long term answer?

Burning Desire

Burning Desire

Genesis 19: ²³ The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. ²⁴ Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. ²⁵ So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.

 

²⁶ But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

 

²⁷ And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. ²⁸ 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. ²⁹ 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.

 

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Sulfur was poured out on the city by GOD. HE then took fire from heaven, possibly lightning, and lit the city ablaze. No one was spared. All buildings, people and vegetation were burned up. The manmade Garden of Eden was no more. Lot’s wife looked back and instantly turned into a pillar of salt.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s wife had remorse over leaving the Sodomite lifestyle.
• Lot’s wife did not want to leave the stuff or the ways of Sodom.
• Lot’s wife may have enjoyed being known, so she looked back to Sodom in a longing way.

 

Looking back meant she desired to be in Sodom versus wherever the angels told them to go. It probably wasn’t the glance that caused her to turn into a pillar of salt, rather her desire. I would have been curious, like seeing a traffic accident. But it did not seem like curiosity that the LORD had a problem with. It may have been her desire to be in Sodom.

 

Lot may have tried to block the view, but Lot’s wife struggled to get around him to look towards the city with sadness. Abraham got up the next day and looked towards the city and did not become a pillar of salt. He never wanted anything to do with Sodom and Gomorrah. It was because of Abraham that Lot was spared.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses this level of detail in the destruction of the city and the demise of Lot’s wife?
• Have you ever really, really wanted something that may not be good for you?
• Is your heart looking forward to where GOD is taking you or backward to something GOD is moving you from?

Saved by Presence

Saved by Presence

Genesis 19: ¹⁸ Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! ¹⁹ Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. ²⁰ See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”

 

²¹ And he said to him, “See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. ²² Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.”

 

Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

 

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After being told to “Escape to the mountains”, realized what the angels were saying. He understood that Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding suburbs would be destroyed. He thought quickly and asked to go to a nearby little city. The angel granted his passage to this city and would not destroy it.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s presence in the little city saved everyone there from destruction.
• Lot knew the area well, possibly because of skills he learned from the Chaldeans, or Abraham or Terah.
• Lot was afraid of the people who captured him years prior and did not want to take a chance of running into them again.

 

Lot and his family were allowed to go to the small city that did not have a name. Lot named it Zoar, meaning small or insignificant. GOD would protect this small group of people because of Lot. GOD still does this. By this example, HE does not destroy places where HE has a believer, unless HE urges them out.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation between Lot and the angel?
• Have you ever wondered why you are in a certain place?
• Can you realize that your presence in a place blesses it because of GOD’s favor on you?

Safety Instructions

Safety Instructions

Genesis 19: ¹⁵ When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” ¹⁶ And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. ¹⁷ So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.”

 

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Morning dawned and the day of destruction had arrived. The angels seemed to already set in motion the destruction of the city and its people. They urged Lot to leave with his wife and two daughters. But Lot lingered. He may have been thinking of ways to take all their stuff with them because he was extremely wealthy. While Lot lingered, the angels grabbed his hand and his family’s hands, pulling them out of the city in haste.

 

My Observations:

• Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah would have come whether Lot left or not.
• GOD wanted to keep Lot safe, so HE sent angels to provide urgent instructions.
• Lot could have ignored the instructions and would have been destroyed with the city.

 

Having no time to ask question, Lot and his family were pulled out of the city. All of their possessions, comforts and animals were left behind. One angel said “Escape for your life!” Lot’s short-term decision caused him to lose all of his possessions.

 

This is the first mention of Lot’s wife. She and her daughters had been captured and rescued by Abraham, along with Lot and the rest of the Sodomites. Lot’s wife may have been raised in the ways of the Sodomites. This group of people were against GOD ways and wanted to do the opposite of HIS desires. GOD graciously rescued Lot’s wife. The angels held her hand tightly, leaving the city.

 

Even though the instructions were given with urgency, Lot lingered. I can understand this. Sometimes it depends on how many other urgent, life-threatening things have popped up with no time to think. GOD sent angels for the first time, to help Lot out of his bad decision. GOD’s grace and patience was shown in extreme measures.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the dire instructions the angels gave Lot and his family?
• Has GOD ever told you to do something urgent?
• When GOD gives you an instruction to keep you safe, do you act with immediacy?

 

You Gotta Be Kidding

You Gotta Be Kidding

Genesis 19: ¹² Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city—take them out of this place! ¹³ For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”

 

¹⁴ So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.

 

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Majority ruled in Sodom. Everyone else was doing whatever they pleased and Lot seemed like a judgy nag. The angels asked Lot if he had any other relatives in Sodom, because they were going to destroy the city with the people in it because their sin had reached a point of no return. Lot went to his future sons-in-law, begging them to leave. They scoffed at him in disbelief.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s future sons-in-law were probably raised in the Sodomite ways.
• Angels are not all knowing, so they asked Lot about his relatives.
• GOD sent the angels to do a special intervention for the first time.

 

Destroying a beautifully made city seemed preposterous to Lot’s future sons-in-law. Why would GOD destroy anything? Sounds like the questions of today when GOD says HE will destroy the earth. The imminence of destruction was seemed like a joke.

 

The angels knew what they were told to do and when. Destruction of the city would happen whether Lot stayed or left. This is the second time Lot had to be rescued. The choice of the city that looked so great was a disaster. GOD intervened.

 

Challenge

• Why do the angels explain why they were there to Lot?
• Have you checked to see how much grace GOD is extending to you?
• Is GOD about to do something in your life that requires you to realize how great HIS grace and power really is?

Untamable Unquenchable

Untamable Unquenchable

Genesis 19: ⁴ Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. ⁵ And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.”

⁶ So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, ⁷ and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! ⁸ See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.”

 

⁹ And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. ¹⁰ But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. ¹¹ And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.

 

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After GOD visited Abraham and told him he would create a nation, Abraham took Lot to the place where GOD showed him. But eventually this land was too small. This was not the final land. Abraham asked Lot what land he wanted. Lot chose Sodom because they had figured out a human version of the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, Lot did not know what the people of Sodom were into.

 

My Observations:

• Lot was requested, by the men, to bring the angels out so they could have sex with them.
• Lot, being desperate, offered up his virgin daughters.
• Lot was threatened by the men who quickly reminded him that he was from the outside of the city.

 

From lust to violence, the men raced towards the house to grab Lot and the angels. The men had never touched Lot, especially after being rescued by Abraham. They were probably worried that word would get to Abraham and they would be killed. But they decided to take a chance.

 

Their lusts were “very grave” according to the LORD. Lot probably tried to tame them by telling them what they were doing wrong against GOD. But Lot was not Abraham. He believed in GOD’s ways, but may have also wanted to straddle the fence and use the ways of Sodom when convenient. He easily offered up his daughters to save the angels.

 

This situation was handled by the angels blinding the men. Anyone who tried to approach Lot’s house would be blinded. Even the strongest could not get in. The small were probably sneaky, and tried to get into the house’s weak areas. They became blind too. GOD allowed the angels to begin judgement.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD provided details of the conversation between the men of Sodom and Lot, to Moses?
• Has your ministry at a place come to an end?
• If GOD is moving you out of a place, will you accept change and ask HIM “Where do you want me to go”?

Lone Guardian

Lone Guardian

Genesis 19: Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. ² And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”

And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.”

³ But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

 

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After leaving Abraham and Sarah, the angels arrived at Sodom. Lot was there in the gate to the city. He recognized the angels as being special. He insisted that they stay with him. He, just like Abraham, wanted to serve the angels by washing their feet.

 

My Observations:

• Lot took it upon himself to guard the city of Sodom, turning away innocent people.
• Lot did not partake in the ways of Sodom, but his family was not with him in his beliefs.
• The angels could easily protect themselves, but went with Lot to his house.

 

Lot was raised by Haran, Abram’s father. He heard the stories of Seth and Noah. He believed in the LORD’s ways, but chose poorly when he went to Sodom. He may have realized this choice was poor and tried to make up for it by guarding the city by himself.

 

When the angels appeared, he recognized them as beings from GOD. He knew he had to do something to protect them, thinking they needed protection. The angels were going to stay in the town square, but were convinced to stay in Lot’s house. I believe that angels are not omniscient, so they only had the information revealed to them by GOD.

 

They knew about Lot and his family as informed by GOD. They were sent on a mission to destroy Sodom. Lot brought the angels in his home, thinking he was going to send them on their way in the morning.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Lot was sitting at the gate of the city?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you were the only one who believed in GOD’s ways?
• If you are the only believer in JESUS as your LORD and Savior in your area, what would you do?

Gifts Were Given

Gifts Were Given

Genesis 14: ¹⁸ Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said:

 

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
²⁰ And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

 

And he gave him a tithe of all.

 

²¹ Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”

 

²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— ²⁴ except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”

 

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Upon Abram’s successful return, he was met by the King of Sodom to be thanked for getting all the stuff back. Abram was then met by Melchizedek king of Salem. He was the priest of GOD MOST HIGH. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all that was taken from Sodom, Lot and all the people. He did this in front of the king of Sodom, who then asked for slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Abram chose to give a tenth of the “Plunder” to Melchizedek.
• Abram could have kept all the stuff for himself, but chose to give some of it away and the rest back to their owners.
• Abram then told the king of Sodom that he would not allow the thought of being made rich from a person who practiced evil against the LORD.

 

Gifts were given to Melchizedek; I believe because he followed GOD with all his heart. Melchizedek was a servant leader who GOD recognized as the first priest. He may have led the people through servant leadership and was therefore not invited to fight with the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. Melchizedek did not ask for anything, instead offered a blessing over Abram.

 

Meanwhile, the King of Sodom was worried about stuff and slaves. Abram, through this action, set a precedence for giving that would later become a law to support the Levitical priests. Abel sacrificed an animal to GOD showing belief in GOD’s mercy. Abram was the first to give to a priest, because of the priest’s relationship with GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD call Melchizedek a priest and mention him to Moses?
• Have you ever felt like you do not have enough?
• What is GOD asking you to do with your stuff?

Tiny Wins

Tiny Wins

Genesis 14: ¹³ Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by ^[c]the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. ¹⁴ 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. ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.

 

¹⁷ 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.

 

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Weeks after Lot’s capture, someone who had escaped, made it back to Abram. He told Abram everything that happened. Abram gathered a tiny army of three hundred eighteen trained servants, born in his house. Abram may have trained them himself, because he learned the ways of the Chaldeans and picked up ways of the Amorites, where he lived.

 

Abram’s tiny army would probably blend in during the day and sneak into camp at night, killing off the defense, little by little. Soon the rebellious king Chedorlaomer’s army was defeated.

 

My Observations:

• Abram’s army was tiny in comparison to the thousands they face from other armies.
• This encounter is the first of many battles between humans that showed a clear separation between those who followed GOD and those who did not.
• The king of Sodom, still remaining cowardly, met Abram in a valley where Abram’s forces could be seen on all aides.

 

When GOD wiped out humans with the flood because their thoughts were violent and evil, HE saved only a handful of people to propagate the earth. BUT HE knew evil was still among the handful. This evil was from Satan himself. The attitude of developing a replica of the Garden of Eden, showed that humans did not need GOD.

 

Cities, towers and currency ruled instead of bowing down to GOD. Abram and his tiny army may have bowed to GOD and also understood that there were no negotiations with those who would kill first and steal others. GOD allowed humans to take justice into their own hands. Abram retrieved Lot, Sodom’s stuff, the women and the people. He set everyone free from captivity.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Abram’s tiny army was successful in freeing those who were taken into captivity?
• Have you ever felt small, but were faced with something big?
• Can you have faith that GOD can use your small numbers to show HIS greatness?

Caught in the Middle

Caught in the Middle

Genesis 14: ⁸ 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 ⁹ against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. ¹⁰ 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. ¹¹ Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. ¹² They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

 

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Having studied the land, Lot chose to move to an area that had lush greenery. Sodom and Gomorrah “looked” like a great place to live. But Lot did not study the inhabitants. They were fully against GOD and possibly did as they pleased, thinking it was freedom. Their ingenuity led them to possibly build a replica of what they thought, the Garden of Eden looked like.  But neighboring kings were jealous.

 

My Observations:

• Lot may have wanted the best but at a cost of compromising his values.
• Lot had no idea he would lose all of his stuff and be taken as a slave.
• Lot was probably in anguish, not knowing what would become of him.

 

Not knowing the terrain, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled in terror. They may have thought they had an advantage by outnumbering the opponent. But their advantage was turned into a disadvantage because of the unfamiliar tarpits. Their opponents may have known where each tarpit was and could navigate the terrain with ease. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled.

 

All their stuff, including Lot and his stuff, were taken. The replica of the Garden of Eden was left desolate. The marauders took everything and went back to their land. Human ingenuity was used against human ingenuity.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the uneven number of kings against kings to Moses?
• Are you looking at something from a human perspective without consulting GOD?
• Are you willing to take a moment to ask GOD if the plan you are about to do, is HIS versus yours?

Rebelled and Attacked

 Rebelled and Attacked

Genesis 14: 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, ² 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). ³ All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). ⁴ Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

 

⁵ 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, ⁶ and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. ⁷ 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.

 

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Egypt had a Pharaoh who was revered as a god. But other places instituted kings who were great warriors. The people who followed these leaders did not see value in following GOD. When Canaan rebelled and started many cities, a rebellious attitude lingered amongst those he led. Temporary alliances were formed and broken. People were attacking one another.

 

My Observations:

• Rebelling against GOD led to rebelling against other humans.
• Kings were first mentioned here in a negative way.
• GOD said humans were still evil, yet HE would not wipe them out with a flood.

 

Creating heaven on earth led to jealousy amongst those who did not share in those comforts. Wells watered plants, making them lush and green. Animals had plenty to eat. People had shelter and enjoyed life’s luxuries. But this would only last so long.

 

Lot left Abram, seeking a better life. Instead, he ended up in a warzone. He stayed there for years, but things got bad . Rebellion and attacks became the norm. What looked good on the surface was now a curse. Fear and hatred were now dominant in the area.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this first set of kings?
• Have you ever wanted something better and found yourself in a worse situation?
• Is there a part of you that wants to rebel against GOD so your following can grow?

A Bigger Vision

A Bigger Vision

Genesis 13: ¹⁴ And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; ¹⁵ for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. ¹⁶ And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. ¹⁷ Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”

 

¹⁸ Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord.

 

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Lot was raised by Terah, Abram’s father. He knew how to manage wealth and recognized opportunity when he saw it. Unfortunately, some of the opportunity he saw was from people who despised the LORD. Lot seemed torn between wealth and his heritage of following the LORD. When he left, GOD appeared to Abram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD could have appeared to Abram and Lot, but HE waited.
• Abram thought the first little place GOD showed him was the final place.
• Abram seemed to have so much faith, that he moved without complaining.

 

Possibly seeing that GOD had something bigger than he realized, Abram did not question GOD by asking “Why didn’t you show me this in the first place?” Lot had to leave before the bigger vision was given to Abram. Everywhere Abram looked was given to his descendants. Abram’s name would become so great that no human could ever count his descendants.

 

This meant that the vision was supernatural in nature. “I will” meant that GOD made a promise that would happen. “From the place” where Abram was, where he thought was the end of the vision, GOD showed something far greater. Abram did not have to lift a finger or try harder to have a better relationship with GOD. He just had to have faith.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD waited for Lot to leave before HE showed Abram the bigger vision?
• Are you clinging onto a circle of people who may be keeping you in a smaller vision?
• Are you willing to open your eyes to a bigger vision GOD has for you that includes you in HIS plan?

Best Trap

Best Trap

Genesis 13: ⁸ So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. ⁹ Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”

 

¹⁰ And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. ¹¹ Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. ¹² Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. ¹³ But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.

 

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After being tricked by Satan, Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden. Cain, may have tried to build his own garden, since he and everyone else, was not allowed back in the place that was heaven on earth. BUT GOD rejected Cain’s “sacrifice” of vegetables from his garden. From that moment, Cain and his descendants despised GOD.

 

BUT GOD saw their hearts. Only a few people willingly walked with HIM. HE told Noah to build an ark. HE saved only Noah and his family. After the flood Shem followed the LORD. But Canaan did not. Canaan sought power. Noah cursed Canaan, but Canaan rejected the curse. He founded many cities. Sodom was one of them. He was brilliant. He and his followers felt they could make heaven on earth, despite GOD. Lot chose what Cain and Canaan chose, namely “the bast.”

 

My Observations:

• Humans seem to want the comforts of heaven, while being on earth.
• Lot saw the best places on earth as an opportunity to grow wealthy and live lavishly.
• The places Lot chose were the most evil places on earth.

 

Seeing the best places became a temptation for Lot. He overlooked the people, perhaps thinking he would not be affected by what they were doing. Unfortunately, he would be wrong. The “best” place without GOD is the worst place anyone could be. He may have thought his upbringing could withstand the temptations wealth and power could bring.

 

Sodom had men who were very smart, super productive yet cursed GOD, possibly because of HIS just decision to throw Adam and Eve out of the garden. They no longer believed that GOD created the land they claimed and built a replica of the garden that was “well watered” everywhere. Lot may have been tired of famines and fighting. He wanted the best and did not know he was falling into a trap.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone from GOD as HE explains Lot’s choice to Moses?
• Have you ever wanted the best, overlooking the consequences of getting the best?
• Can you seek GOD and HIS kingdom first as your best instead of seeking human kingdom’s that may exclude HIM?

Problem Presented

Problem Presented

Genesis 13: ⁵ Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. ⁶ Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. ⁷ And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.

 

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After leaving Egypt with more stuff, Abram and Lot returned to the land that GOD showed. But there was a problem. Abram had herds and flocks and so did Lot. After experiencing a famine, the land was probably healing slowly. Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen may have tried to get up earlier and earlier to guide animals to places to graze. They had another problem. The Canaanites and the Perizzites also “dwelt in the land.”

 

My Observations:

• Abram had a habit of assuming GOD’s plan was completed by what “he” could see.
• Abram and Lot had so much stuff that the original location GOD showed could not hold them.
• Having too much stuff became a problem with everyone, so fights broke out.

 

Wars over territory seem common for humans. People seek the best living spaces they can find. The best views, cleanest water and the most comfort are sought by the masses. This “little” stretch of land was not large enough to hold Abram’s stuff, let alone Lot’s, who had vast amounts of stuff too.

 

While it sounded like a good problem to have, attitudes broke out that could cause wars. GOD had blessed Abram and Lot with stuff, but the stuff was getting in the way of peace. To top it off, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, who may have fought against GOD’s ways, also had stuff. Abram assumed the land was the end of GOD’s plan. Something had to be done. GOD would need to intervene.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the problem of the tiny living space between Abram and Lot?
• Does it seem to you that GOD works in stages that we mistake for the final part of HIS plan?
• Can you drop your assumption that GOD is finished with HIS plan for you because it may be just beginning?

Looking for What’s Necessary

Looking for What’s Necessary

Genesis 13: Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. ² Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. ³ And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, ⁴ to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

 

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After months or years from being gone, Abram along with, Sarai, Lot and all the people who followed them, left Egypt and went back to the land GOD showed him. GOD informs Moses that Abram was “very rich.” Abram was given a lot of livestock by the Egyptians and he added it to his already vast empire.

 

Some of the Egyptians may have revered Abram and Sarai as gods because of the strange plagues that fell on them when seeking her. They dared not touch them, but sent them on their way. When Abram returned to the land, he “called on the name of the LORD.”

 

My Observations:

Abram was rich and powerful, yet he did not consider his status as acceptable.

Abram had all he wanted, but something was still missing.

Abram sought after the LORD, knowing HE was the answer to his heart’s desires.

 

After all the distractions were over, Abram seemed to be able to relax and call on the name of the LORD. His fears may have subsided as they settled in to the land GOD showed him. While he had a great number of possessions, he did not seem like the possessions had him. Something was missing. GOD.

 

He had been through famine, faltering with family, and falling to fear. None of his possessions could heal his hurt heart. He knew what he needed to look for. He sought the LORD as he had done in the past. Only the LORD could guide him.

 

Challenge

Why do you think GOD told Moses about Abram’s wealth?

Have you ever had more than enough and still called to GOD for direction?

Do you call on the name of the LORD for direction and also just to be with HIM?

Facing Fear with Faith

Facing Fear with Faith

Genesis 12: ⁴ So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. ⁵ Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. ⁶ Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.

 

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For some reason, GOD mentions age again. Abram’s ancestors lived much longer than his generation. At the same age Terah, his father, birthed him, Abram set out on a strange journey set forth by GOD. He was told to leave his father’s house and the place they lived in, but was not given a destination.

 

Abram was extremely obedient to GOD. He immediately told his family and those who joined them, to leave. Terah must have taught Abram and Lot how to handle their wealth while traveling, so this was second nature for them. He decided to face the greatest opposition to those who talked to the LORD, namely the Canaanites.

 

My Observations:

• Abram must have practiced his faith in GOD from a very young age.
• Abram was immediately faithful to GOD’s command.
• Abram went to the Canaanites, perhaps because of their strength.

 

Abram’s leadership was growing. He learned a lot from Terah, who learned from the Chaldeans. But one thing Abram did that was different than his father was leave because GOD said to do so. His request may have been questioned by everyone, because Haran, named after his deceased brother, was great for raising animals and providing food.

 

But Abram was sent on a mission. He may have listened to GOD tell him to do things in the past and the things he did worked out well. This may not have been the first time he had to do something that was scary and undefined. He had seventy-five years of practice and was ready to do what GOD said. This is the first time the terebinth tree was mentioned. It is a very strong tree.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD mentions Abram’s age to Moses?
• What fear do you have in your life that requires GOD’s intervention?
• Can you take small steps towards faith in GOD no matter how old or young you are?

A Change of Scenery

A Change of Scenery

Genesis 11: ³¹ And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there. ³² So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran.

 

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Grief stricken; Terah may have felt as if he could no longer stay in the land where his son Haran was born. Perhaps there were too many reminders of how life used to be. Terah seemed to be close to Abram and Lot. Nahor seemed to also be close to Terah. He married his niece Milcah, Haran’s daughter, to possibly bring joy to Terah. Now Terah wanted to take care of Lot.

 

Terah moved with Abram, Sarai and Lot to a new place. This was possibly a new beginning. He named the place after his deceased son, Haran. There, they would start over.

 

My Observations:

• Terah learned a lot from the Chaldeans, but did not follow all of their ways.
• Terah seemed to break traditions by having children at an older age and moving away from the land of his ancestors.
• Terah seemed to have suffered a great loss, so he named the territory after his deceased son.

 

Abram seemed to watch his father go through a serious grieving period. Terah’s wife was never mentioned, so she may have died after delivering Haran. When Haran died, it may have been too much. But he was surrounded by his son Abram, his daughter in-law Sarai, and his grandson Lot.

 

Terah seemed to use his talents herding sheep and cattle. He may have taught this talent to Abram and Lot. He may have wanted to make a place where they could live in peace all of their lives. BUT GOD had a different plan for Abram.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention again who surrounded Terah to Moses?
• Have you ever needed a change of scenery?
• Will you consider listening to the LORD so HE can guide you to where HE needs you today?

Surround the Grieving

Surround the Grieving

Genesis 11: ²⁷ This is the genealogy of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran begot Lot. ²⁸ And Haran died before his father Terah in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. ²⁹ Then Abram and Nahor took wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and the father of Iscah. ³⁰ But Sarai was barren; she had no child.

 

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Terah seemed to do things differently than his ancestors. He waited to have children and moved to a place that had conquerors. The Chaldeans were mentioned for the first time here. They were highly intelligent, but warlike culture. Terah may have been influenced by them, learning how to protect his family and grow wealth through the cattle industry.

 

He may have spent time with his family, discussing the stories of Shem and learned how to follow GOD, even in a land where they did not follow HIM. Unfortunately, his son Haran died. GOD does not go into the details of his death to Moses, but it may have been a disease. Terah was probably torn to pieces. Abram and Nahor surrounded Terah, along side their wives Sarai and Milcah, Haran’s daughter.

 

My Observations:

• Terah listened to the LORD and delighted in family.
• Terah was devastated with the death of his son Haran.
• Nahor, Terah’s son, decided to take care of Haran’s daughter Milcah by marrying her.

 

Abram and Sarai were there to support the grieving father, Terah. They also had to support Milcah and Iscah who had lost a father. For years Abram and Sarai may have thought that they could bring some delight to Terah by having a child. But Sarai was baren, supernaturally.

 

Abram may have taken to the family business of cattle herding. He may have listened to Terah talk about better places, so he may have learned techniques from the Chaldeans of how to take care of large amounts of cattle while on the move. This may have given some relief to Terah.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention Sarai and Milcah to Moses?
• Have you ever seen someone in grief and provided help?
• Have you ever been in grief and needed help?