Rants and Raves

And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land. 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. 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.” 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.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. (Genesis 13:5-12 ESV).

 

“Rants and Raves” is the title today. It is born out of the amazement of the level of incivility expressed in social media when people disagree with someone or something. I typically resist, though I have been known to offer an opinion at times. By the way, it’s always OK to offer an opinion. It’s never OK to personally attack, ridicule, or bully someone with whom we disagree. I know there are those who would say that writing the Morning Devotionals is merely the expression of my opinion. Perhaps there is some truth to that, though my sincere hope is that what I write is based more in the truth of Scripture than my perception of truth personally. With that hope in mind I want to look at the context of our reading today.

 

The background of our story today is in the relationship Abraham had with Lot. He had mentored Lot for years, but their family cooperative had reached its limits. The local grazing land could not support both of their herds. Their herdsmen argued and got on each other’s nerves. They needed more space. Abraham could have sided with his men against Lot or told Lot to remember “his place,” but instead he valued their relationship over the petty details of disagreements. Abraham wanted to bless Lot and put tension out of their relationship. So, he gave him the choice of land. He would accept whatever was left over. Rather than squabbling, Abraham trusted God to take care of him and provide for his needs. Abraham showed Lot that their relationship was more important than arguing over material things and desires.

 

It’s easy to disagree and feel slighted. Sometimes it is more than a feeling. The inequity is rooted in truth. However, there is a way forward in the grace of God. Jesus was the perfect example of that principle. Surely there is a way for all of us to work together for a common good. Make that your goal!