Theological Commentary: Click Here
Trust and
generosity go together. They are accompanied rather well by concern for
others. These are the natural traits of
those who walk with God.
Take a look
at Abraham (Abram) in this passage. He
and Lot leave Egypt, knowing that the drought in Canaan is over. While being in Egypt, their wealth prospered. In other words, their flocks grew in
size. By the time that they get back to
Canaan, they realize that their wealth is causing strife. Their shepherds are starting to quibble among
themselves as they try to provide water, food, and security for the flocks.
Look at
Abraham’s response. Abraham turns to Lot
and says, “You pick. Whichever you pick,
I’ll take the other.”
This is a
cool response for two reasons. First of
all, it shows Abraham’s perspective. Abraham
knows that God can prosper him wherever.
Abraham’s faith in God allows him the freedom to be generous with
others. Abraham’s trust that God will
keep His word allows him to be gracious to Lot.
Our ability to be gracious and merciful starts with God.
Second, do
you realize what Abraham could have said?
He could have said, “I’m older and wiser. I have more than you. You’re an orphan. I’ll pick, and you get the privilege of
leftovers.” He had all the rights to do that,
but he didn’t. He set aside his
privilege and allowed Lot the ability to choose. He thought of Lot before his own rights.
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