Abram shows us how important faith truly is in these two chapters (12 and 13). First, he trusted God when he was told to leave the country where his family lived for an unknown one. All was fine until they got to Egypt.
In Egypt, Abram allowed his fear to dictate his actions. He lied and said his beautiful wife was actually his sister. When the pharaoh took her into his harem, Abram was not killed. But God dealt harshly with the Egyptians. The pharaoh sent them away with wealth and a plea to take their God with them. This proved to Abram that he had no reason for his fear.
Now Abram's nephew, Lot, had also come with him. Lot had acquired a great deal of wealth himself. Wealth in those days was measured in flocks and servants in addition to silver and gold. When they returned to the mountain where Abram first made his sacrifice, he and Lot decided to part ways. Abram gave Lot the choice between the plain of Jordan or Canaan. Lot coveted the plain for its waterways and made that his choice.
The choice was selfish and took him near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah which were known to be wicked. God blessed Abram for his faithfulness.
The sermon this morning had a similar theme. If we seek God's will in everything, he will bless us. He will not force his will on us, but he will leave us to face the consequences until we return to him.
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