Daily Readings - Tue Jun 27 2017
First Reading - Genesis 13.2, 5-18
Genesis
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto 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.