The growth of Abram’s character became evident with the next test Abram faced. The natural resources in Bethel were too limited for their needs. Tension was high and the increased stress led to quarreling between Lot and Abram’s herdsmen. Instead of solving this dispute in a traditional way, Abram exercised hope in God’s promise and was finally comfortable implementing God’s ways. He took this opportunity to generously release Lot and his share of livestock and servants.
This was not an easy decision for Abram. Lot was Abram’s nephew and the natural affection and camaraderie was strong. More than that, Lot had become a fellow believer in the Lord. The comfort of a trusted ally was desirable, especially in this foreign land. The increased manpower and wealth also would have been beneficial in negotiating conflicts. Lastly, Lot had been Abram’s potential heir. This separation would mark the end of that option. Abram had become confident in God’s Word that he would receive an heir from his own seed. This was a bold and emotionally charged move for Abram. He displayed unselfishness and trust in God’s plan. This was as momentous an event as the day he left Haran!
Abram graciously offered Lot the opportunity to choose an area where he would like to settle. Abram offered to go a different direction and settle in another place. On one hand, this would relieve the tension between the herdsmen. More importantly, it would provide an opportunity for Abram to separate himself from his family as God had initially instructed. Lot took the well-watered plain of the Jordan and headed east, near Sodom. Abram went to great trees of Mamre near Hebron, roughly twenty miles south of Salem (Jerusalem). At this point, he met the terms of God’s initial instructions. Finally Abram was in the land of Canaan, and he was apart from both generations that originally accompanied him on the journey. It may have been a roundabout way of getting to this point, but it was a move in the right direction as indicated by the next communication from God. God waited until Lot had departed and spoke to Abram saying, “Look around from where you are, to the north and to the sound, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you” (Genesis 13:14-17).
The first test was disastrous as Abram fled to Egypt. This latest test was momentous as he demonstrated unselfishness and respect for God’s plan and instructions. God was pleased with Abram and revealed another new and exciting aspect to his plan. Abram would have more than just an heir–his offspring would be too numerous to count and would retain this land forever! Abram’s relationship with God was growing stronger. God even used Abram’s trials to work together for a good result. Abram was growing to love the Lord and trust his ways.
Next Section: Victorious Under Pressure
Table of Contents: Faith, Hope and Love
Text for this post has been borrowed from my Kindle eBook Faith, Hope and Love (Book 2 of the Grace and Knowledge Series), by Brother Woody Brohm. Copyright 2013.
I’ve included the full text of the book on this blog and you are free to read the book in this format if you please. Just follow the Next Section Link or view the Table of Contents to skip to wherever you prefer.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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