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Genesis 13:1–13
Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord (vv. 12–13).
When the call of God came to Abraham in Ur of the Chaldeans, he left there with his nephew Lot to go to the land that God promised to show him and eventually give him (Gen. 11:31; 12:1, 7). He did not know where he was going when he set out (Heb. 11:8), and when he finally came to Canaan it did not immediately become his (Heb. 11:9). However, Abraham was willing to wait patiently for “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10). He was content to dwell in tents for many long years rather than return to Ur, for he was anticipating a better place (Heb. 11:16), a place God would provide.
Later, after Abraham had spent time in Egypt, he returned to Canaan with Lot. Both men were exceedingly wealthy in terms of livestock, but stock animals require vast territory on which to graze, and as competition for the pastureland increased there came to be strife between the herdsmen for Abraham and Lot. When this trouble arose, Abraham suggested that he and Lot should separate so as to keep the peace. Then Abraham graciously allowed Lot to select the region he wanted. Seeing the well-watered pastures in the plain of the Jordan River, Lot chose to go there, leaving Abraham the hill country. But the plain held more than pastureland. There were cities there, very wicked cities. Before long, Lot was residing within them.
The choices of Lot and Abraham are significant. Lot chose by sight, taking the fertile plain and the glittering cities. But Abraham was content to live a hard nomadic life on the sparse hills, for he had faith in God’s promise of a better city (Heb. 11:10). For this reason, Abraham is remembered as the father of the faithful, while Lot is depicted in Scripture as one who was willing to go on living in Sodom even though he was distressed by its sin (2 Peter 2:7). Like Abraham, we are called to live by faith in God’s purposes. The city of God may seem small and sparse at the moment while the city of man flourishes down on the fertile plain. But we have God’s promises that His city will triumph and the city of man will be overthrown. The wise, therefore, will choose to become citizens of God’s city.
In next week’s studies, we will turn our attention to this city that is established by God.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The life of the city of man (unbelief) can seem enticing with its promises of freedom and pleasure. By contrast, the life of the city of God (the Christian life) can seem drab and boring. At such times, we must live by faith, trusting that true joy is to be found only in God. Pray for faith to resist the glitzy temptations of the city of man.
For Further Study
- Prov. 1:10
- Heb. 12:2
- James 1:2
- 2 Peter 3:17