The Trail of a Traveler
Abraham didn’t develop the attitude of revenge when Lot chose the best of the land. When Lot was caught up in trouble, Abraham went for his rescue.
Some points for consideration: “Enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their possessions, and went their way. They took Lot, the son of Abraham’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.”
Gen.14:11-12
A. Courage and Rescue with Compassion: Helping others in disagreement of opinion.
- When Abraham asked Lot to find his way to settle the disagreements, Lot chose the best of the portion of the land. Abraham didn’t oppose his decision. Lot was happy with his dreams about the future, but Abraham was happy with the promises of God about the future.
- Lot decided to depend on the produce of the earth, but Abraham looked beyond the immediate blessings. Abraham was courageous and compassionate. He rescued Lot who chose to desert his uncle whom God had called. He knew that God was going make Abraham father of nations, but he set his eyes on temporal benefits of the temporal city. (Heb.10:35-36) On the other hand Abraham was “looking for a city which has Foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.”(Heb.11:10)
B. Materials and Human beings both were looted: The wrong Trail is not safe.
- Lot never realized that the trail down to Sodom was unsafe and bound for future destruction. Abraham saved the city of Sodom with people and possessions. It is sad to see that they forgot the truth of impending judgment. They began a wayward living and Lot sat among them. The place was not safe for him but he did not have the courage like Abraham to return on the trail of his uncle. Abraham was safe as long as he treaded the trail God has left for him.
- It is quite interesting to note here that the Materials and Human beings both were part of the LOOT. Along with his possessions, they LOOTED LOT. The enemies will try to attack the prosperous people and take away the precious things and important people together. Lot was an important person of his city Judiciary and a rich man by the time. Lot stopped moving further and got settled, but Abraham moved on. Being stationary on the wrong trail was a disastrous decision. It is necessary that we must learn to follow the leader if he has gone ahead of us on trail. Trust him.
C. Courage and Obedience:
- Abraham brought back all the loot and people defeating the enemies. He returned back all that belonged to Lot. (Gen.14:15-16 ) On the return, Abraham met the priest of the Most High God. He gave tenth of the loot he got as a tithe to Melchizedek. Lot also got his property and riches back freely, but it seems that he didn’t offer anything to Melchizedek. (Gen.14:17-20)
- The king of Sodom requested Abraham to keep the bounty and riches with him. Abraham rejected it saying: “I have life up mine hand unto the Lord ,the Most High God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread to a shoe latchet, and I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abraham rich.” (Gen.14:22-23)
- Abraham continued his trails of the hills. He looked to the future plan of God. He became Courageous, Compassionate and Obedient. He lived in tents and encouraged his family to have hope in what God had said. Abraham never gave up on his journey. In spite of many troubles and family hurdles, he remained true to his God given trail till he died. God named him His Friend. His Trail turned into Friendship with God.