December 03, 2009
Sometimes separation is a good thing.
Genesis 13:8–9 - Lot and Abram separate.
Genesis 13:10–11 - Lot (in his pride) chose that which looked the best for himself—his first step away from God.
Genesis 13:12–13 - Lot put his tent near Sodom—his second step away from God. It was well known that it was a sinful area, yet Lot compromised his values to have what he wanted.
Genesis 14:12 - By the time Lot was captured he was living in Sodom. Sin is a slippery slope.
After Lot chose what he wanted, God took Abram aside and told him to look around. All he saw was to be his—even what Lot had chosen. God didn't tell that to Abram before Lot chose and therefore he would know that Lot's "success" was temporary. God gave it all to Abram after he was willing to let the best go.
Genesis 14:8 - Melchizedek—the priest of Jerusalem. Hebrews 6:15–20 describes how Jesus is like the priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave 1/10 of all he owned to him. In contrast, when the king of Sodom wanted to "reward" Abram, Abram refused to take even a thread or sandal strap so there could never be any association, compromise, or false accusations.
Lot went near Sodom and then lived in Sodom—verses—Abram refused even a thread from the king of Sodom. He trusted God's promises.
If we expect to be able to stand strong there can be NO compromise with sin and evil influences.
Sometimes we need to choose to separate ourselves from conflict. Abram didn't demand his "rights." Abram allowed Lot to choose first and then he took the second choice—and God blessed. You cannot be lukewarm. It is all or nothing.
Addendum: From the margins of my Bible: Faith sometimes requires action. God told Abram to "Get up! Walk through this land..."
Lot was captured. Abram took 318 of his men and did what was humanly impossible. He divided the 318 into smaller groups—and they defeated Kedorlaomer and 3 other kings who had already proven themselves successful in easily defeating 5 other kings in battle. When God is with you the seemingly impossible can be accomplished.
Next Entry: Genesis 15:1 – 17:27
Sometimes separation is a good thing.
Genesis 13:8–9 - Lot and Abram separate.
Genesis 13:10–11 - Lot (in his pride) chose that which looked the best for himself—his first step away from God.
Genesis 13:12–13 - Lot put his tent near Sodom—his second step away from God. It was well known that it was a sinful area, yet Lot compromised his values to have what he wanted.
Genesis 14:12 - By the time Lot was captured he was living in Sodom. Sin is a slippery slope.
After Lot chose what he wanted, God took Abram aside and told him to look around. All he saw was to be his—even what Lot had chosen. God didn't tell that to Abram before Lot chose and therefore he would know that Lot's "success" was temporary. God gave it all to Abram after he was willing to let the best go.
Genesis 14:8 - Melchizedek—the priest of Jerusalem. Hebrews 6:15–20 describes how Jesus is like the priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave 1/10 of all he owned to him. In contrast, when the king of Sodom wanted to "reward" Abram, Abram refused to take even a thread or sandal strap so there could never be any association, compromise, or false accusations.
Lot went near Sodom and then lived in Sodom—verses—Abram refused even a thread from the king of Sodom. He trusted God's promises.
If we expect to be able to stand strong there can be NO compromise with sin and evil influences.
Sometimes we need to choose to separate ourselves from conflict. Abram didn't demand his "rights." Abram allowed Lot to choose first and then he took the second choice—and God blessed. You cannot be lukewarm. It is all or nothing.
Addendum: From the margins of my Bible: Faith sometimes requires action. God told Abram to "Get up! Walk through this land..."
Lot was captured. Abram took 318 of his men and did what was humanly impossible. He divided the 318 into smaller groups—and they defeated Kedorlaomer and 3 other kings who had already proven themselves successful in easily defeating 5 other kings in battle. When God is with you the seemingly impossible can be accomplished.
Next Entry: Genesis 15:1 – 17:27
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