Strife, unity and the Kingdom: “And there was strife

between Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s   herdsmen. So Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be no strife ..... for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.' And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was ... like the garden of the  LORD” (Genesis 13:7-10). Abram goes from one test to another. He had gone from fear of starvation and tyranny in Egypt,   to the problems of riches and wealth,   particularly in cattle, and it was for both he and his nephew Lot. The strife is between their respective herdsmen was because “the land was not able to support them” (verse 6).

Concerning the phrase “for we are brethren” Derek Kidner,  in his commentary, writes “Abram's handling is a model of insight,  good sense and generosity. His proposal as well as practical,  resolved the immediate situation with creating any future ones.” Unity,  peace and going the second mile,  are well pleasing to the Lord. “How good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). We are commanded as much as it possible to live at peace with all, and to be eager to maintain the unity purchased for us at the cross (Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:3).  The command to prefer one another in love  can seem costly (Romans 12:10), but it has great reward.

Lot,  lifting up his eyes sees what 's looks good,  he chooses it for himself, and  “pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD” (verses 12, 13). All that glitters is not gold, and  what looks good will turn out for Lot to be a huge problem for him. Kidner again “The sequel for both men is instructive. Lot, choosing the things that are seen, found them corrupt and insecure; choosing selfishly he was to grow even more isolated and unloved. Abraham, on the other hand, found liberation!”  When we “lift up our eyes,” we are to seek the things that are above,  and set our minds there where Christ is,  for “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).  Walking in faith has eternal rewards.

Abram had problems, and so will we. Jesus told us “In this life you will have trouble, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world (John 16:33).  The say what doesn't kill you makes you strong. As believers we have all the resources of heaven at our disposal. And when we choose to respond in faith, it forms our character, a character that pleases God.  This needs to be our aim (2 Corinthians 5:15)!

Lord Jesus, please give us a spirit of generosity that prefers one another in love. It goes against the grain many times Lord. You tell us however,  that whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Your sake will save it (Luke 9:24). It's the upside down kingdom Lord. And when we seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness  all these things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).  Thank You Lord for Abram's  example.  Show us how to walk in his faith, and please equip us to do do so,  in Your precious Name we pray Amen