GENESIS 13
8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. 12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord. – Genesis 13:8-13
GENESIS 13 WHEN ABRAM & LOT SEPARATED WAYS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
In order for strife and conflict not to thrive between Abram and Lot,
They agreed to separate ways to avoid fights between their herdsmen
Abram gave Lot the choice to select which area he preferred
So, Lot chose the Jordan Valley since it was well watered.
Abram chose the one which was left from Lot’s preference
That was so kind of him do so even though he had more seniority
Despite occupants in that land, Abram settled and stayed in Canaan
While Lot settled among the cities, he also stayed away from Sodom.
In this account, we witness the gracious character of Abram once again. He was kind enough to make his nephew Lot make his choice which area he wanted to occupy. Even though he could have chosen the better option, he gave Lot that choice. How often do we know people as gentleman as Abram in our world today. There is much prevalence of making oneself first rather than others in our world today. It also shows that whichever area he chooses, God will always bless him and give him favor. It is a good lesson to learn from Abram about how the Lord will always provide for his people’s needs.
REFLECTION
- Why is it important to let others needs and preferences come first before our own?
