27 June 2023

Then Abram said to Lot, ‘Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herders and my herders; for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.’ ….So Lot chose for himself all the plain of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastwards; thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the Plain and moved his tent as far as Sodom.

From Genesis 13:2,5-18

Having already uprooted himself and his family from a comfortable existence, Abram is again faced with another choice about where to settle. The land to which he has travelled does not contain enough resources to support both the families of Abram and Lot (Abram’s nephew) who had travelled with him. Abram was aware that disputes were already breaking out between the two families and wanted to bring an end to this. He allowed Lot to choose between the fertile Jordan plain to the east or the less fertile land of Canaan. Lot chose to take his family to the Jordan plain and Abram and his family settled in Canaan. Abram ‘s actions show his continued trust in God’s blessing rather than claiming material prosperity for himself and his family.

• • Why do you think Abram was prepared to allow Lot to make the decision about which land to take?
  • When have you felt called to give choice to others – what helped you to trust this was the right thing to do?

Pray for all who are facing difficult choices – and especially for those who are making choices on behalf of others.