Separation precedes revelation
After leaving Egypt, which represented unbelief and
compromise, Abram returned to the same place where he had first built an altar
between Bethel and Ai. Egypt appeared like a solution during the famine, but it
was a good idea, a self-directed choice. However, it was just another way that
looked right to a man [Proverbs 14:12]. His stay in Egypt produced trouble and
shame, lying about Sarai, risking her purity, and causing Pharaoh’s household
to suffer plagues. Egypt symbolizes the world’s solutions; they may give
temporary relief but lead to backsliding, fear, and setbacks.
And
he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his
tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai (Genesis 13:3).
Albeit leaving Egypt wealthy, in possessions [Genesis 13:2],
he experienced spiritual loss. Time was wasted in terms of faith growth. Abram's
return to Bethel symbolizes repentance, realignment with God’s will, and
restoration, as Abram went back to the place of worship and fellowship with
God.
First Love and Repentance [Revelation 2:4–5]
Just as God did not cancel His covenant with Abram after his
failure, He does not reject us when we fall. Instead, He calls us back, because
His desire is restoration, not condemnation. When we try to handle life’s
challenges without God, we rely on human solutions. We depart from Bethel,
where we met God first, where love and worship flowed freely. God calls us back
to repent and return, not for judgment, but to renewed love and intimacy.
Nevertheless,
I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember
therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I
will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you
repent (Revelation 2:4-5).
Jesus rebukes the Ephesian church for leaving their first
love, urging them to remember how far they had fallen, repent, turn away from
compromise, and return to perform the first works, rekindle love and devotion.
God’s desire for us is not to remain in worldliness, unbelief, and fear. But,
to come back to Bethel; a place of prayer, trust, and devotion. To abound in
renewed fellowship with Him in worship and faith.
Abram’s and Lot’s hired workers' contention
Abram acted differently this time; he trusted God rather
than striving for advantage, he offered Lot the first choice of land [Genesis
13:9]. This highlights faith in God, as he trusted God’s promise and did not
depend on human manipulation. On the other hand, Lot chose selfishly, taking
the fertile plain of Jordan near Sodom, while Abram stayed in Canaan, the land
of promise.
And
there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of
Lot’s livestock (Genesis 13:7).
Abram had learned from his Egyptian failure. Instead of
grasping for security, he trusted God’s provision and was willing to let go.
Abram’s separation from Lot prepared the way for God to renew the covenant
promise [Genesis 13:14–18]. When he obeyed one instruction, it was easier to
obey the next. Unfortunately, the conflict that was to separate Abram and Lot
was observed by the Canaanites and the Perizzites.
Abram’s generous offer to Lot
God gave the land to Abram and not Lot. Therefore, Abram gave
Lot the first opportunity to select the area of choice out of generosity.
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).
Lot, accepting the offer highlights that processions had
already started processing him. Abraham like our Lord Jesus Christ, was
compelled by love to sacrifice what he rightfully deserved. [Philippians
2:4-11] and [1 Corinthians 9:14-18]. Because Abram trusted in God, he did not
have to be obsessed with his own rights.
Lot made his choice based purely on sight
Lot looked at the plains of Jordan which were well watered,
and made his decision purely on outward appearance of fertility, water, and
wealth. There is no record or indication that he prayed or sought God over the
decision. His choice was self-centered and sight-driven, not faith-driven. He
never discerned the spiritual aspect of the land. Sight evaluates only what is
visible, material, and immediate. On the contrary, faith trusts God’s promises
even when circumstances look uncertain. Abram trusted God with the land
promise.
Then
Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they
separated from each other (Genesis 13:11).
Paul reminds us to walk by faith, not by sight [2
Corinthians 5:7], as Jeremiah admonishes us that the heart is deceptive
[Jeremiah 17:9]. Lot’s heart deceived him that the land looked like Eden, but
hid the corruption of Sodom. The heart can rationalize choices that look right
but lead to ruin [Proverbs 14:12]. By choosing what appealed to him materially,
Lot exposed his family to spiritual danger, eventually costing him peace,
possessions, and even his wife (Genesis 19:26).
God confirms His promise to Abram
Abram’s separation from Lot was not just physical; it was
spiritual preparation for God’s renewed revelation. God renewed His promise
with Abram [Genesis 13:14–17], God expanded the promise, the land, and
descendants as countless as the dust of the earth. The vision became clearer
once Lot (representing strife, compromise, and worldly ambition) was removed.
Sometimes, God waits for us to let go of certain ties before He reveals the
fullness of His promise.
And
I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could
number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered
(Genesis 13:16).
Abram dwelt by the Terebinth trees of Mamre; the word Mamre
means “vision” or “strength.” This setting symbolizes Abram’s new perspective,
walking by God’s vision. Abram was set to be guided by God’s vision of promise.
Abram settled in Hebron, which means “communion” or “fellowship.” Abram lived
in a relationship with God, not just in pursuit of blessing. Communion represents
intimacy with God, dependence on Him, and fellowship through obedience. Abram
was restored to the place where vision and communion met, a life aligned with
God’s plan. The Altar at Mamre, was for a continuing pattern of worship and
sacrifice. Symbolizing; dependence on God’s grace and atonement and living in
constant awareness of God’s presence.
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