Daily Devotion, February 1, 2020

Devotion:

Read Genesis 13:8-12.

  Abram is just getting to know this God who has called him into a covenant relationship. He is learning the ways of this God. In this part of his story, we can already see how God is having an effect on him. Abram and his nephew have both prospered. Their flocks have increased such that the land cannot support both of them. Abram does the “God-like” thing and allows Lot to choose on which portion of the land he will settle. Lot wants the best for himself and his people and flocks, so he chooses accordingly. Abram is continuing to learn to trust this God to provide for him, no matter where he is or in what conditions he is living.

  It is a good lesson and reminder for all of us. To be part of the kingdom of God, we are to be focused on what is the right and generous thing to do, even if it means that we may not get a lot of the things of this world. It is also a good lesson and reminder of what it means to use power in a “God-like” way. Abram was the one with the power in this situation; he was in charge. He could have chosen the best land for himself and told Lot that was just the way it was going to be. I wonder if Lot immediately recognized this act of grace for what it was or if it was sometime later that he realized what his uncle had done for him.

  How might you apply this lesson in your life? Be looking for opportunities to offer acts of grace and generosity to someone. In other words, look for opportunities to give someone else a glimpse of what God is like.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray for God to show you when and where you can offer an act of grace and generosity.