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Text: Genesis 13:5-13

A Tale of Two Men

Introduction

I work as a Technical Editor in my secular employment. I am a Documentation Specialist by trade. The job requires a fine balance between careful attention to detail and identification of the main features of an on-line project (computer program, application, etc.). I must keep the basic features clearly in mind, and avoid getting lost in the detail. The same challenge is faced as a preacher. One must avoid overkill on detail that obscures the main points of the message. The challenge of discipleship is striking balance between the major cornerstones that anchor the life and the infinite details that impact our relationship with a Holy God! 

Our purpose in this message is to call attention to two fundamental features of Abraham's life that were conspicuously absent from Lot, notwithstanding the fact that Lot was a believer, and had a just and righteous standing before God. The features? Abraham was a man who was: 

I.  Given to Worship 

There is a conspicuous pattern in Abraham's life that is absence from the life of Lot:

• Altar-building as an expression of WORSHIP! 

• Genesis 12:7 (altar built in the plain of Moreh); Genesis 12:8 (altar built on a mountain east of Bethel); Genesis 13:3-4 (revisits the first altar at Bethel); Genesis 13:18 (builds an altar in Hebron). There is NO INDICATION that Lot ever built the FIRST altar! 

• The three-fold significance of the altar as a place of worship: 

  • The place of affirmation--the place where I willingly bow before the one true God, and expresses to him my recognition of His sovereignty, and my total dependence upon Him. 

  • The place of appreciation--the place where I offer thanksgiving and expressions of gratitude for His goodness and benevolence toward one who is unworthy of such grace and mercy. 

  • The place of affection--the place of emotional engagement, terms of endearment, a longing for Him that exceeds all other longings of the heart! [ Colossians 3:2--"set your affections…" How difficult is it to set your affection upon the One Who first set His affection upon you???]

• Fast forward to Genesis 19:15-16--Note the "lingering" of Lot (hesitation to embark upon the will of God due to inward questioning and internal debate). Why do you suppose Lot had such a tough time with obedience at this critical point? NEGLECT OF THE ALTAR!!! 

• Illustration--consider God's command to Abraham to offer up Isaac! Perhaps more critical, but no lingering in the heart of Abraham. 

• These three realities need continual nurturing and maintenance…not automatic! 

II.  Governed by the Word 

Strife developed between the herdmen of Abraham and Lot…not enough land! 

• Abraham (as the senior figure with authority) held all the options for resolution. 

  • Option 1-- Insist that the land was his by promise, protect his rights, and send Lot and his herdmen away in a direction of his choosing. 

  • Option 2-- Show deference to his nephew, give him the first option on land, and trust God to fulfill His promise without insisting on his own personal rights! 

• Abraham chose Option 2! Why? Because he was convinced that Lot's choice would have no effect whatsoever on God's ability to make good on His promises! Abraham entered the negotiations with the promise given in Genesis 12:7. Abraham separates from Lot with the promise still intact, and reaffirmed by the Lord in Genesis 13:14-17. 

• Application--To what degree is our decision-making governed by the truth as opposed to an insistence upon personal rights or desires? Proverbs 3:5-6 is still applicable!!! 

Conclusion 

What can you expect from a life governed by WORSHIP and the WORD? 

• Sinless perfection? NO…Abraham made his share of blunders, especially in the misrepresentation of facts regarding his wife (also his half-sister) 

• Immunity from problems in relationships? NO…when to listen to Sarah, a fondness for Ishmael, conflict between Ishmael and Isaac 

• What about a life pleasing to God and subject to His direction? YES!!! 

Perhaps today is a good time for you to determine a few things about the place of WORSHIP and the WORD in your life!!!

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