December 13 – Genesis 13

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Request: Lord, open my eyes as I read your word, my ears to hear, my mind to understand, and my heart to be filled with your love. Amen.

Read Genesis 13

Record your favorite verse and comment if you want to share.

Respond with a prayer to God

When Abram (later named Abraham) obeyed God and left his native land, he took his brother’s son Lot with him. Lot’s father, Haran, was dead, which would likely be the reason Abram took his nephew with him. Lot had his own tents, livestock and herdsmen, inherited from his father. The land where they were living could not support the vast number of people and possessions they owned between the two of them. This resulted in quarreling between their herdsmen. Rather than allowing the quarreling to continue, Abram chose to pursue peace in the situation by parting ways with Lot. He was gracious and offered Lot first choice in the direction he wanted to go. Lot chose the way that looked better to him at the time. His series of choices from that point led him into horrible situations in a completely wicked city, of which he was literally dragged out of before it was destroyed.

God’s word tells us many times to seek peace, pursue it, and if possible, to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18, Psalm 34:14, 1 Peter 3:11). This is just what Abram did in this chapter, and is an example of striving for peace. He had received a promise from God that he would become a great nation and his name would be great. He also was assured of His blessing. Anyone who blessed him would be blessed, and anyone who cursed him would be cursed. Abram believed God, so he had no reason to be concerned about which way Lot would choose.

This was true of Abraham, and can be true for us as well. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God,” Matt. 5:5. Peacemaking is not an easy task. It takes humility, apologies, restitution and refusal to take revenge. Jesus is the perfect example of humility and refusing to retaliate. In fact, He asked forgiveness from His Father for his executioners, then laid down His life to save them. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants to offer us hope and peace that is available when we believe that Jesus paid it all. This good news has never stopped spreading and growing and has reached us! Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

My verse: Genesis 13:9, “Isn’t the whole land before you? Separate from me: If you go to the left, I will go to the right. If you go to the right, I will go to the left.”

It doesn’t say that God told Abram to take his nephew along when he told him to leave his land and relatives. He took on responsibility for him, it seems, on his own. Yet, when things got out of hand and he chose to separate, he offered Lot the choice to go the way he wanted. I’m sure Abram could see clearly that Lot chose the way that looked best. He had assurance that God was with him and he believed His promises in spite of how things appeared. He exercised this kind of faith later on, believing that he would father a child, even though he was “as good as dead.” And again, when he was ready to offer his son as a burnt offering. God had come through in the past, so it could be expected that He would again.

My response: Oh Lord, I need to remember your faithfulness to me thus far. When you ask, “Will you trust me this time,” I want my answer to always be “yes.”