Exploring Genesis Series
 |
THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON. |
Chapter 13
To put an end once and for all to the
continual disputes of their shepherds, Abraham and Lot decided to
separate, each going his own way. Abraham gave the choice to Lot,
who preferred the Jordan plain. Abraham’s generosity will be
rewarded by the renewal of the divine promise.
Chapter 13 is interesting for a
number of reasons. In the previous chapter, there is no indication of the
continual disputes that were held over land, and yet in chapter 13 Vs 6-8, we
sense the intensity of the conflict and in the short phrase of Vs 11, we are
told that Lot had parted company with them.
Interesting too, because the problem
of ownership of land and power seems to have been present even at this stage,
and not only in our present day.
Another important aspect to note that
because of Abraham’s generosity to Lot, God acknowledged it. God is never
outdone in generosity, especially when we attempt to live according to Gospel
values. Abraham’s strong faith helped him to put God’s love into action through
a generous act.
Consider too the promise that God is
making to Abraham, offering him land not only to himself, but to his
descendants for ever. He invites him to tour the offer on hand here also, with
the intention of giving it to him. Abraham’s response is important since he
travels with the Lord and then as he settles in Hebron, he ‘builds an
altar to Yahweh’. In other words, he gives God thanks and praise in prayer.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION.
Perhaps you might like to reflect on
another aspect too- Vs:16: Perhaps, we may feel at times that God asks us the
impossible, and yet, the promise of Abraham is ours too. If we trust the Lord
and put him first in our lives, then we too can with God’s help will be able to
‘count the specks like dust on the ground’.
Perhaps we can reflect on this image
of dust. We were signed with the ashes on Ash Wednesday to remind us of
where we come from and where we are going. Let us again choose God’s way
and repent and believe the Good News. Our life and death depends on
it.
No comments:
Post a Comment