Daily Readings - Tue Jun 27 2017
Genesis
2Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.5And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents,6so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,7and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.8Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.9Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."10And 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.)11So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.12Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.13Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.14The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,15for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.16I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.17Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you."18So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Abram and Lot, two kindred spirits who find themselves at odds due to the abundance of their possessions. Abram, a man of great faith, and Lot, his nephew, had both acquired significant wealth—so much so that the land could no longer sustain them together. Faced with growing tension between their shepherds, Abram takes the initiative to resolve the conflict. With humility and generosity, he offers Lot the first choice of land, trusting that God will provide for him regardless of the decision. Lot, enticed by the fertile plains of the Jordan, chooses the land that seems most promising, while Abram remains in Canaan. The reading concludes with God reaffirming His promise to Abram, assuring him that his descendants will be as countless as the dust of the earth.
This passage invites us to reflect on the importance of humility, trust, and generosity in our relationships. Abram’s decision to let go of his own interests for the sake of harmony demonstrates a deep trust in God’s providence. He prioritizes peace over possessions, showing us that true wealth lies not in material goods but in our relationship with God. Lot, on the other hand, is drawn to the allure of the world, choosing the land that appears most prosperous. Yet, as we know from later in the story, this choice ultimately leads him into a place of moral corruption. The reading reminds us that our choices have consequences and that trusting in God’s plan, even when it seems uncertain, is the surest path to true fulfillment.
In our daily lives, we often face decisions that require us to choose between personal gain and the greater good. Like Abram, we are called to act with humility and generosity, trusting that God will provide for us. When conflicts arise, we should seek to resolve them with grace and selflessness, rather than allowing selfishness or pride to take hold. Let us remember that our ultimate inheritance is not of this world but is rooted in God’s promises. May we, like Abram, walk in faith, trusting that God will guide us through life’s challenges and lead us to a future filled with hope and blessing.