January 5
Read Genesis 13 - 15
In Today's Reading:
Abram and Lot separate; Abram moves to Hebron, builds an altar; Lot rescued; Melchizedek blesses Abram; God's covenant with Abram
The testing of Abram's faith began after he and Lot left Ur of the Chaldees on their journey of about 1000 miles to the promised land (Genesis 11:31; 12:4). Upon arrival, he discovered there was a famine and they traveled south near Sodom where the pastureland was best. Abram and Lot both had large flocks. Soon there was a strife (quarreling) between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle (livestock) and . . . of Lot's cattle (13:7). Abram could have taken the best for himself since he was older than his nephew, as well as being the spiritual leader. Instead, he graciously said to Lot: Let there be no strife . . . for we are brethren (related). Is not the whole land before you? (let us) separate . . . if you will take the left . . . then I will go . . . right (13:8-9). Lot selfishly took advantage of Abram and chose all the well-watered plain near Sodom.
It was after this experience that Abram received a promise from the Lord that He would make Abram's seed (descendants) as numerous as the dust of the earth (13:16). Abram went north to live in the plain of Mamre . . . in Hebron, and built there an altar to the LORD (13:18).
Lot decided to ignore his spiritual need to be in fellowship with Abram. Instead, he made friends with the people of Sodom, who were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly (13:10-13).
Lot was typical of many Christians today who deplore our wicked society but who make decisions based on personal material advantages. Only a few listen seriously to their Savior, who said: No servant can serve two masters - either Christ or Satan (Luke 16:13). Satan wants us to doubt that, when we obey the Lord, we have chosen the best in life.
The Apostle Paul wrote: We are troubled on every side . . . perplexed (puzzled), but not in despair; Persecuted . . . cast down, but not destroyed. . . . we faint not. . . . our light affliction (troubles), which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (II Corinthians 4:8-17).
Christ Portrayed:
By the high priest, Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 4:15-16; 5:5-10; 7:1-4). Christ is our High Priest today who is interceding in prayer for us and who is deserving of our gifts and service to Him.
Word Studies:
13:6 bear = support; 13:12 toward = near; 14:11 victuals = provisions, food; 14:13 confederate = allies; 14:17 dale = valley; 15:4 bowels = your own flesh and blood.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Thomas Davis III (VA), Sen. Mike DeWine (OH), Rep. Chris John (LA), Rep. Nancy Johnson (CT), and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY) · Country: Germany (82 million) in north-central Europe · Major language: German · Religious freedom · 37% Protestant; 36% Roman Catholic; 3% Muslim; .7% Greek/Serbian/Russian Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord for deliverance in times of trouble (Psalm 51:15).
Optional Reading: Matthew 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:16