Genesis 13

Scripture:  Genesis chapter 13

Observation:  Abram and his family return to Canaan, where he'd built an altar.  He and his nephew Lot are living together, but it's not a good situation.  Both men have lots of livestock, more than the land can sustain, and their herders are getting into fights.  Abram tells Lot to choose where he wants to live.  He will go the opposite way, and this way there won't be anymore quarreling.  Lot takes a look around and decides to settle in the Plains, near Sodom, where there's plenty of water and good land for his animals.  The people there are wicked, but the land is good.  The Lord then reminds Abram of His promise, to give him the land for his offspring and make his descendants like the dust of the mountains.  Abram then settles by the oaks of Mamre, and builds another altar to the Lord.

Application:  At first glance, it appears Lot has made a wise choice for his needs.  His livestock needs fertile land near water, and the Plains provide just that.  What we don't see Lot do is seek the Lord's wisdom.  He uses man's wisdom, observing the wide open fields with lots of greenery but doesn't check out the community.  This will come back to haunt him later on.  Had Lot prayed and asked the Lord for guidance in his decision, much heartache could have been avoided.  I see myself in Lot at times; I make decisions based on what I think is a good idea rather than seeking God's wisdom.  I trust my own judgment too much.  Experience has shown me this is not the best or wisest approach.

Prayer:  Lord, You see all and know all.  Your ways are much higher than my ways.  To seek biblical wisdom is honoring to You; to follow my own ways only brings me trouble.  I know this, yet many times I fail.  Please help me to remember that You want the best for me, better than what I could imagine for myself, and that obedience to You will always be the wise choice.  Thank You for Your Word which gives us that wisdom.  In Jesus' name, Amen.