Our Reward
There was a huge difference between Abraham and Lot. They were both rich. They had so many livestock that they had to separate, so there would be enough food and water for the animals. Abraham gave his nephew the opportunity to choose where he would go. It was an unselfish offer, but Lot was not unselfish. He chose the Jordan river valley, which was the prime area for livestock. All he could see was profit and getting more wealthy. He turned a blind eye to the extreme evil of Sodom and Gomorrah. In fact, he pitched his tent near Sodom and later moved into the city. As far as we can tell from the Bible, Lot was a believer. However, His focus was on an earthly reward instead of a spiritual reward.
Abraham, on the other hand, took what was left over after Lot's choice. God came to him and explained how He would make Abraham's descendants as the dust of the earth. God gave him victory over the kings who took Lot, his family, and his possessions. God told Abraham, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."(Genesis 15:1) Abraham was rich spiritually in his relationship with God, because of his faith.(Genesis 15:6) The earthly blessings were not the focus of his life. In fact, Abraham gave up the spoils of battle, because he did not want anyone to think he did it just to get more wealth.
As we continue to read about Abraham and Lot, you can judge who had the greatest reward for his life, Abraham or Lot. Then, think of the other people around you. I believe you will see that the ones with the spiritual rewards of a faithful life are much better off than the ones with the rewards of this world.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 16-19.
Abraham, on the other hand, took what was left over after Lot's choice. God came to him and explained how He would make Abraham's descendants as the dust of the earth. God gave him victory over the kings who took Lot, his family, and his possessions. God told Abraham, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."(Genesis 15:1) Abraham was rich spiritually in his relationship with God, because of his faith.(Genesis 15:6) The earthly blessings were not the focus of his life. In fact, Abraham gave up the spoils of battle, because he did not want anyone to think he did it just to get more wealth.
As we continue to read about Abraham and Lot, you can judge who had the greatest reward for his life, Abraham or Lot. Then, think of the other people around you. I believe you will see that the ones with the spiritual rewards of a faithful life are much better off than the ones with the rewards of this world.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 16-19.