STRIFE:  NO BLESSING…Bill Thoughts For Today…

Understanding important truths from the Bible….

Genesis 13:7

  

Abram and his nephew Lot had a long history.  They were related, uncle and nephew.  It is probable at this time in their lives Abram had taken Lot as his heir.  It is certain that Abram had great concern for Lot.  This is proven by later events.

It does not appear that Lot is wicked or selfish.  He is unwise.  His well-being was with Abram.  He should have been wise and stayed with him.  His choice to separate brought him into mischief he was never able to quit.

What were the results of the strife stated in 13:7?

First it resulted in Lot leaving the church.  Abram was the place of blessing.  In 12:2-3 God makes Abram central to His communication with the world.  Lot participated in the covenant God made with Abram.  When he departed he left the place of covenant blessing.

Andrew Fuller writes, It is a pity that those whom grace unites, and who are fellow-heirs of eternal life, should be parted by the lumber of this world.  Genesis page 160.

But it was so!

Secondly the fact of strife and the presence of other clans point us to the danger it presented for this large and rich family.  Strife was a cause for concern to Abram.  It invited attacks that a united family would discourage.  The internal hostility with the resulting disputes and skirmishes both weakened and brought disrespect upon Abram and Lot from their neighbors.  Environment and culture have always been a consideration for the church.

Strife had led to Lot making a foolish decision, it had weakened the church in the eyes of the world and it put a saint of God in great danger.

Lot chose Sodom.  The reputation of Sodom was well known.  Genesis 13:13 appears to be a plain statement of the existing reputation of Sodom.  Lot having chosen wealth with its attending dangers seemed not to any longer “hate evil”.  He became comfortable enough to live where sin reigned.  He never approved, he never participated, but he did marry it.

Lot is the primeval prodigal. And he suffered for it.  And it all began with strife in the camp.  I do not see how this can be read and Lot not be seen at least to some degree a contributor.

Please read II Peter 2:6-10