Wake up Call Genesis 13-15

Wake up Call Genesis 13-15

 Over the years I have had a variety of jobs. I owned my own business, managed banks, wrote grants, became a paralegal, designed flowers, taught step aerobics, worked in retail and ...... Each job had it's own ups, downs challenges and learning curve.

The ones I remember most are the ones where I learned the hardest lessons, such as; don't put off customer service items, listen to your supervisor and keep your mouth shut, even if you already know what they are telling you, "know it all's" and "show offs" are miserable people to employ, coach people up and support them versus firing them. You were once in their shoes, and probably drove someone crazy as well.

Each of these lessons was learned at the expense of my employees, my pride, and earned the hard way. 

  

 I seem to have a knack for forgetting the lesson I learned, and require numerous reminders. No matter how many times I try to get away from who I am, I find myself wherever I go. God has had to put me in some very humbling situations to help me remember to do things His way; meaning humility, service, first shall be last, compassion.  Hot shots are not very much fun to work for or with. No matter how talented you are, leadership will always boil to the surface the flaws that need to be dealt with. There God can skim them off, and leave the purified beauty of a soul surrendered to Him.

Abraham had lied twice, and both times God protected, not only Abraham, but Sarah and the kings that were unwittingly involved. I believe Abraham was humbled by God's love and protection even when he failed to obey and trust God. He had taken things into his own hands, and both he and Sarah almost lost it all. 

    Years later (after a name change and some hard lessons) a very different Abram is found unselfishly allowing Lot to choose the better land without concern for himself. Although he may have some concerns about Lot's choices, he freely lets him make it. We read that he humbly turns down a very lucrative offer from a king that asks for help in winning  a war. Abram gives the glory to God.  Abram's heart and mind are surrendered to God and Abram surrenders the right to make choices based on his human perspective and fears. 

God knows how to change each of us according to our own personalities, fears, idols and character. We don't all learn the same way, some of us are more hard headed than others, and some of us more timid.  We can trust that God knows.

 Tidbits on Genesis 13-15

• Wealth in ancient times was measured by herds, gold, silver and jewels, not land.
• We see a very different Abraham here. Instead of a selfish decision to save his own skin, he offers Lot the land of his choice.
• Lot's decision put him dangerously close to a very evil land (chapter 14)
• In this time near the fertile crescent, conquering and making other kinds subservient was very commonplace.
• Abraham helps the king but does not accept payment. Abraham trust God and credits only God for the blessings in his life. He gives no-one else credit. (Chapter 15)
• Abraham shares with God what has been nagging at him, "I still have no child", however God does not let Abraham come up with his own solution in adopting his servant Eliezer. Abraham must wait.
• God affirms His promise to Abraham and foretells of their captivity in Egypt.
•  God shows Abraham the land of promise
• Matthew 5:9
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 
• Romans 12:9-21 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
• 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.
• 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
• “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
      if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c]
• 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Hope Wirta

DIG DEEPER

Read Genesis 13-15
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+13-15&version=NIV

 

 

 

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