Genesis 13

“Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram.” (Genesis 13:11, NLT)

The time in Egypt had loaded down Abram and Lot with wealth. Now they were so rich in livestock that the land could not support them. Abram and Lot’s herdsmen began to quarrel. What had once been a harmonious family was now in conflict. Their great possessions forced them to part company. Abram yielded his rights and gave Lot the first choice. When Lot saw the well-watered and fertile plain heading eastward toward Sodom, he chose it for himself. First, he pitched his tent toward Sodom, and later he moved into Sodom. But Sodom was exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD. Lot’s choice would prove to be disastrous for him and his family. Abram, on the other hand, remained in the arid land of Canaan. But God promised to give all the land to Abram’s descendants.

Lot took refuge in the comforts of this world, but Abram took refuge in the promises of God.

This chapter is about making right choices. We can follow our eyes and heart, or we can follow the LORD and His Word. Abram let Lot choose, but really, he was letting God choose for him. Consequently, God rewarded him abundantly.

-What factors most influence my decisions—what looks best to my eyes, what others say, or what God says in His Word?

-Are there areas where I am pitching my tent “toward Sodom,” slowly drifting toward compromise?

-Am I willing to wait for God’s inheritance, even though it may take a long time?