Abraham and his wife and his nephew Lot and all their servants and wealth have wandered into the land of the Canaanites, in what will be Israel, the land promised Abraham’s descendants, the Jews, the Hebrews, the Israelites, who at this point are just a hopeful idea; Abraham has had no children.

Abraham and Lot have so much livestock that they are struggling to live together in the same place. Abraham lets Lot choose where he wants to live, and Abraham takes what’s left over. It doesn’t matter. Abraham will be blessed. Lot looks and chooses what seems best. He is living by sight. Abraham has learned to live by faith.

Abraham will be blessed. Lot’s home will be destroyed.

God makes His promise again about giving the land to Abraham’s descendants. Abraham makes another altar to God. He remembers whose he is. He remembers where his blessing comes from. He remembers who he is following. He remembers in whom he has placed his faith and trust.

Abraham didn’t need to defend himself and fight for the best land in the valley. He was able to cheerfully give to others. He wasn’t worried about himself and what he would get.

Is your heart set on yourself or on God? Can you let go of what seems best, knowing that what you have is better than the best?

Our protection and provision, our safety and blessing, come from walking by faith, not by sight, come from following after our God instead of following after what seems best to us.

Jesus teaches us that he who tries to save his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for Christ’s sake will save it.