Scripture:
Genesis 13:10-13 ESV
[10] And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) [11] So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus, they separated from each other. [12] Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. [13] Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.
Observation:
Lot was looking for the best land to settle. Land that would provide for his cattle and his family. He was with Abraham in Egypt and remembered how well they were provided for there and wanted that same life again. It just so happens that where he thought he could get that life was right next to one of the darkest places on earth at that time. So, he chose to live next to Sodom. Separating from the one person who was showing him the right way to live, he packed up and headed east. Abraham settled in Canaan, and Lot went to sin city.
Application:
First, I want to look at the process used to pick his spot. He didn’t ask GOD he didn’t pray there was no alter built. He “lifted up” his eyes and took what looked best for him and his family. I can see how that would be a temptation. I bet he was thinking the grass sure looks green over there. So, without consideration or careful investigation, he packs his things and moves away from his uncle. The enemy has a way of making evil look good. We should always seek wise counsel when making a decision that will potentially change the course of our lives. Seeking GOD’S face in all we do is the key to a successful life, and having a group of men we can talk to about our discussion before we move is very important. They may see something we don’t. Just because the grass is green doesn’t mean it’s good for us. The right path is not always the easy path, and it might not be a comfortable path. However, it will always be the right path. I believe that if you stay around people who are working for the same goal, you’re likely to get to the same place they are. I also believe that if you seek GOD in all you do, you will have a hard time going wrong.
Prayer:
Father, you are the author and finisher of our faith. We want your plan for our lives. We know that it is truly the best plan. Every time we get out on our own, we get in trouble. So, we pray this morning that we would be able to stay right next to you, to crawl up in your lap and say Abba, we need you to just hold us. We thank you for your guidance and the ability to come to you with every decision we make. Thank you for placing wise men and women around us who have been seeking you for a long time to help guide us. Please bring to our mind to always be slow to act and seek you first. We need that comfort of knowing that we did what you told us to do. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.