Friday Devo
Scripture:
Genesis 13:11-18
11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. 12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. 13 But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.
14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”
18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the Lord.
11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. 12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. 13 But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.
14 After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. 15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. 16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! 17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”
18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the Lord.
Commentary:
13:11–13 Lot’s decision to settle among the cities of the valley brings him into the vicinity of Sodom. Lot is later found living in the city (see 14:12; 19:3–11), having abandoned his tent-dwelling lifestyle. After parting company from Abram, Lot now resides close to a city whose population is described as wicked, great sinners against the Lord. Cf. chs. 18–19.
13:14–17 Expanding on 12:7, this divine speech emphasizes not only the extent of the land that Abram’s descendants will inherit but also how numerous they will be. As the dust of the earth (13:16) is one of three similes used by God to illustrate the large number of offspring that Abram will have (cf. 15:5; 22:17). At this stage, Abram still has no children.
13:15 God confirms and expands his promise to Abram.
13:14–17 Expanding on 12:7, this divine speech emphasizes not only the extent of the land that Abram’s descendants will inherit but also how numerous they will be. As the dust of the earth (13:16) is one of three similes used by God to illustrate the large number of offspring that Abram will have (cf. 15:5; 22:17). At this stage, Abram still has no children.
13:15 God confirms and expands his promise to Abram.
Questions:
- Lot was financially motivated, but Abraham was spiritually motivated in his decision making. Instead of prioritizing himself and his family, he prioritized the Kingdom of God. His question had nothing to do with where the best land was. His question was, "God, where do you want me to go?" The difference is HUGE for Abraham, and it is for us as well. Abraham thought about God first and foremost in every decision he made. How does this compare to the way YOU make decisions? Do you bring it to God first? How often are you praying for His wisdom when it comes to decisions you face, both big and small?
- Even the most faithful, devoted Christians can sometimes find it difficult to have full trust in God. We long to honor Him in every way and it truly is our heart's desire to surrender all areas of our lives to Him. But sometimes fear keeps us from even asking him the question, especially in the area of finances. We want what we want, and we're afraid that if we ask God for wisdom about financial decisions He'll say no. Do you ever find yourself in this place? Are there financial decisions you are facing that you haven't brought before the Lord? Take some time today and pray. Lay down YOUR wants and simply ask him, "God, is this the wise decision? Which way are you leading me?"
Pray:
- That you would bring every decision to the Lord, especially when it comes to finances.
- That you wouldn't let fear keep you from asking for His help.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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