Have you ever been given a choice, based your choice on self-interest, and ended up in trouble because of it?
In Genesis 13, Abram and his nephew Lot, with their respective families and possessions, traveled from Egypt to a place called Negeb, where Abram had lived previously. When they had been there a while, it became apparent that the land would not accommodate both families with their flocks and herds. Abram gave Lot first choice on where he wanted to move. It seems strange to me that Lot did not defer to his uncle Abram.
Lot chose the Jordan Valley, seeing it as a “well-watered land,” located to the east toward Sodom and Gomorrah. He pitched his tent near Sodom. The Scripture says in Genesis 13:13, “the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.” Bad choice for Lot and for his family.
Sometime later, there was war between the kings in the area where Lot lived and a few kings from surrounding territories. This war resulted in the abduction of Lot, his family and household. Fortunately for Lot, Uncle Abram took a small trained army of 300+ men from his household, rescued Lot and his family, and brought them back to safety (14:14–16).
There is no indication that Lot had asked the Lord to direct him where to settle. It is puzzling, knowing the reputation of Sodom, that Lot would choose to live close to that city. After his rescue, Lot chose to return to his home near Sodom. Duh! Later in Genesis even worse things happened to Lot because of his unguided, ill-fated choices.
How do you go about making life-altering decisions? Do you check with God before making those choices, or just expect him to rescue you if things go badly?
How much better to ask God for guidance before making your decisions (Ps. 32:8; 37:5a & Prov. 3:5–6).
Marcy Alves
Extended Scripture: Genesis 13-14, ESV
