22/12/2016 - THE HOUR OF HARD DECISION

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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.”  Genesis 13.9

Abraham considered his nephew Lot like a brother.  However the iniquity that was in his relative’s heart brought unrest to the Hebrew patriarch’s heart.  So Abraham had to make a decision.  Certainly he prayed intensely about what was happening and under divine guidance he proposed that the two should separate.  At the parting, Lot revealed what was in him.  Why didn’t Lot recognize that the blessing was with his uncle?

Sometimes it is difficult to propose parting ways with someone we truly love; but if living together becomes disagreeable and the loved one does not see that they or those who work for them are causing this situation, the only solution is to part ways.  It is necessary to seek help from Above because we do not really know the human being but the Lord is omniscient.  In this proposition before us we must not allow ill sentiments to direct us.

The suggestion cannot be the one that favors us.  No matter how right we are, the one who initiates the proposal must offer just conditions for both parts and let the other make the choice first so as not to be accused of being ill intended.  This is only possible with prayer and assistance from the Most High.  The dishonest loses the celestial favor.

Lot proved to be guided by passions as he knew those lands were promised to Abraham, he chose what he thought were the best.   Well, man can even see something as better or productive, but this is not always the case.  It is important for a righteous person to take into consideration that they will have God’s blessing.  For this reason the righteous will be successful anywhere because the Lord will help them.

The sad thing in this episode is that uncle and nephew had to separate.  Later on, however, we learn that out of love for Abraham, God spared Lot’s life and that of his family, which shows us that the Almighty’s anointment does not make us hard hearted. Even if, humanly speaking, we have motives for ill feelings, we act correctly.  It was of no use for Lot to choose the best since he ended up without anything and almost lost his life.

According to Jesus, the poor in spirit, the humble, the hungry, those who thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted and the wronged are only successful because they are righteous and obedient to the Savior. Such people must rejoice in their faith as they serve God without impediment.

Another important fact is that Lot did not win over one sodomite for the Most High even though he exerted great effort to this end.  The good that he did to them was taken for condemnation.  Not even those who would be his sons-in-law believed him. Unfortunately, Lot squandered his blessing!  As for you, how will you proceed?

In Christ, with love, 

R. R. Soares