Practice of Brotherhood

Genesis 13:1-12

GOLDEN TEXT: “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee … for we be brethren.”—Genesis 13:8

IN ALL the annals of history not many instances have been recorded when either individuals or nations which have been in a position to dictate terms of peace have voluntarily suggested that those situated less favorably should first choose what they wanted. It was just this, however, which Abraham did in dealing with his nephew Lot. Abraham’s “herdmen” and Lot’s herdmen quarreled. There wasn’t sufficient grazing area for the flocks of both. Each group of herdmen sought to protect the owner’s interests, hence the quarreling. This called for a peace treaty, and it was Abraham who was in a position to dictate the peace terms.

Abraham’s desire for peace was genuine. The various viewpoints of fallen human wisdom which usually affect such matters did not concern him. He wasn’t interested in “saving face,” as the expression goes. He was rich, but unlike so many who are so situated, he was not anxiously concerned with the problem of maintaining or increasing his holdings. To live in peace with his nephew was of greater value to Abraham than flocks and herds and gold. Abraham really meant it when he said to Lot, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee between me and thee … for we be brethren.”

The best proof that Abraham’s desire for peace was genuine is in the liberal peace terms he offered to Lot. The peace was being disrupted by a “living room” problem, particularly for their flocks. As Abraham viewed matters this was a simple problem. There were extensive areas of rich land available, so he suggested to Lot that he make a survey of the country, determine the section which suited him best, and take possession of it. Abraham stated his willingness to occupy what was left.

This was Abraham’s way of practicing brotherly love. “We are brethren,” he said to Lot; and to Abraham it was well worth making costly concessions in order to have peace with his kinsfolk. God has made all nations of one blood, the apostle declares, but the family relationship has seldom been considered by the nations in their dealings with one another. Selfishness has caused each to strive for the best and the most, with the result that the blood of war blots all the pages of history.

Abraham’s example constitutes a very valuable lesson for Christian “brethren.” We, as followers of the Master, should endeavor to dwell together in peace. The extent to which we succeed depends largely upon our willingness to forego our personal rights and preferences—our willingness to give others their choice. This is the way of love, and in most instances it will be found to be a very workable peace-making formula. Where all concerned are governed by Abraham’s viewpoint, there can be no strife. If, as in the case of Lot, some want the lion’s share, the worst that can happen to the others is the necessity of their being satisfied with a less desirable portion of whatever may be involved.

Paul enjoins that we should live peaceably with all men in so far as it is possible. (Rom. 12:18) But it is not always possible. The Christian will find, at times, that It is necessary to take a firm stand for principle, and this will cause some to become his enemies. We must be loyal to God, and to truth and to righteousness, regardless of the cost; and we must contend for these principles—not with carnal weapons nor with bitter words, but in love and with kind words. But self-advancement, self-enrichment, or self-glory are not principles for which any Christian should strive.

Lot chose the fertile plain area in which were located the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He undoubtedly chose the best so far as material advantage was concerned; but as so many have learned when it was too late, the material wealth which he gained was not abiding, and his association with the sinners of these doomed cities finally cost him the loss of his wife as well as of rich land which he chose for his flocks.

Abraham, on the other hand, while receiving the less desirable land, found his relationship with God strengthened and his eternal riches increased. After Lot was separated from him, God told Abraham to look to the east, the west, the north, and the south; that all the land he could see was to be his as an everlasting possession. Before this, God had promised Abraham that He would give him the land; now He was in the land—although his everlasting possession of it still must wait.

Stephen reminds us that Abraham did not become the undisputed owner of the Promised Land, and that he found it necessary to buy a small plot of it as a burial place for his wife. In the resurrection, however, he will receive it, and his natural “seed” will share it with him. Then they will “not be plucked up” out of the land.—Jer. 24:6

QUESTIONS:

What was Abraham’s motive in giving Lot his choice of the land?

Is it possible for Christians always to live in peace with one another?

Was Lot’s choice a wise one from the standpoint of his relationship to God?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |