Genesis 13-14

Genesis 13-14

Abraham and Lot went their separate ways due to strife between herders. I like the point shown to me throughout the text that separating from family isn't out of hatred, but sometimes necessary to keep the peace and keep loving them.

The character of Abraham's heart was shown through in both of these chapters. When Abraham went back to his altar in Ai, he called out to the Lord! The Lord had strengthened Abraham, not in materials (though he was rich) but in his faith and character. God was making Abraham great in the sight of the nations, but it is his dependence on God that sets him apart!

Even though Abraham and Lot had separated, Abraham went with all of his trained men when he learned Lot had been captured along with many others. Abraham was a man who sought after God. Even as he met with the king of Sodom afterwards, he rejected the plunder that had been returned with the captives who had been set free. Abraham knew it was God alone who would make him prosper. He took only the food they ate, and the trained men he brought with him.

The important part out of this lesson is Abraham seeking God, but as it relates to family matters. Often times, it is necessary to distance ourselves from others. Even if it is only for a little while, it is still okay to do that. It doesn't mean we don't care for them, but it is for our own good. It was for Abraham's good that he separated from Lot. There was less drama between workers and gave his people and livestock the space they needed on the land. Through Lot's capture, we can see that Abraham still greatly cared for Lot to go after kings who had captured Lot and many others. This is nearly 10 years after the separation between Abraham and Lot. Abraham cared greatly!

His relationship with God is central to how he treated Lot. Had he not called upon the name of the Lord first, Abraham may have reacted differently to the strife between his and Lot's herdsmen. He may have reacted out of anger at Lot. Instead, he acted out of love stating that there was much land around them to choose from…

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is central to how we treat others. He can help us avoid saying words we wish we had never said. He can help us learn how to love in the difficult circumstances. It is only because of God that we can do these things! An important part in separating ourselves from someone is praying for them. Praying for someone even as we distance ourselves from them is such a huge thing. God can work greatly, and radically change circumstances. If there is strife, he can remove it. Whatever it is, God is able to move mountains!