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Abraham, a Good Neighbor in Canaan
This chapter is based on Genesis 13 to 15; 17:1-16; 18.
Abraham returned to Canaan “very rich in livestock, in silver,
and in gold.” Lot was with him, and they came to Bethel and pitched
their tents. Through hardships and trials they had lived together in
harmony, but in their prosperity there was danger of conflict. There
was not enough pasture for the flocks and herds of both, and it was
evident that they must separate.
Abraham was the first to propose plans for preserving peace.
Although the whole land had been given to him by God Himself, he
courteously chose not to demand this right. “Let there be no strife,”
he said, “between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your
herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you?
Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the
right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”
Many people under similar circumstances would cling to their
individual rights and preferences. Many homes and many churches
have been divided, making the cause of truth a scandal and a disgrace
among the wicked. The children of God all over the world are
one family, and the same spirit of love and peacemaking should
govern them. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly
love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
Romans 12:10
. A
willingness to do to others as we would wish them to do to us would
prevent or end half the troubles of life. The heart in which the love
of Christ is cherished will possess that unselfish love that “does not
seek its own” (see also
Philippians 2:4
).
Lot did not show any gratitude to his generous uncle. Instead,
he selfishly tried to grasp all the advantages. He “lifted his eyes and
saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere ...
like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.” The most fertile
region in all Palestine was the Jordan valley, reminding its viewers of
the lost Paradise and equaling the beauty and productiveness of the
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