Alienation or Restoration
“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” Genesis 13:10-13
In the above verses, we read of Abram’s nephew, Lot, making an unwise choice for his dwelling place. Abram allowed Lot to choose first and it appears that Lot’s choice was based on what he saw – the goodness of the land – without considering the very wicked environment.
Just one chapter later, we read of Sodom being invaded and, along with many others, Lot being taken captive…
“And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.” Genesis 14:12
The news of Lot’s captivity soon reached Abram…
“And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram…” Genesis 14:13
What was Abram’s reaction to this news? As I read this account the other day, a familiar quote came to my mind.
~ He made his own bed; now let him lie in it. ~
When faced with similar situations, I would say that most, if not all of us, have had the above attitude at times. “He/she made unwise choices…now he/she must live with them.” Abram’s reaction, however, was one of love and compassion as he immediately gathered an army together to rescue Lot.
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.” Genesis 14:14-16
Each of us must indeed live with the consequences of the choices we make. We must reap what we have sown. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 But, when the time of reaping comes for others, may we resist the spirit of alienation and remember the example of Abram as we ask the Lord to give us a heart of restoration.
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
~ Rachel ~