Abram and Lot
Open Your Bible
Genesis 12:10-20, Genesis 13:1-18, Genesis 14:1-24, Hebrews 7:11-22
BY Bailey Gillespie
Today’s reading is packed with action: famine strikes, Pharaoh gets deceived, Abram is kicked out of Egypt. It’s the making of a great summer blockbuster. After Lot and Abram’s respective herdsmen begin quarrelling about their small quarters, Abram sets a boundary. In an attempt to maintain harmony, he gives Lot the hard truth and asks him to separate from the group and make his home elsewhere. “Isn’t the whole land before you?” Abram asks, perhaps with a sweeping gesture of his arm (Genesis 13:9). The surrounding plain of the Jordan River was lush and ready for the taking (v.10).
After Lot gets himself in all sorts of trouble, Abram comes through and rescues him. I imagine he was a little agitated by his nephew’s actions, but it wasn’t in his nature to abandon him to his own folly. With the sweat and dirt of conquest still fresh on his clothes, he’s given bread and wine as the priest Melchizedek proclaims: “Abram is blessed by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:19).
Was Abram blessed by God because he was a victorious warrior? A protective uncle? Although, in this case, it may look like blessing is synonymous with circumstantial favor, we have to dig a little deeper. Abram isn’t necessarily blessed because He was delivered from his physical enemies. We know from other passages in Scripture that this predictable, cause-and-effect sort of way isn’t how God works. So, why does Melchizedek give him this blessing?
The second part of the message the priest brings is “blessed be God Most High who has handed over your enemies to you” (v.20). It appears that Abram isn’t the only one who is blessed—God is, too! Ultimately, God gets the glory for delivering Abram over to his enemies, and it’s His own power and blessing that covers Abram.
Just as Abram was blessed by the God Most High, so are we. Our blessing isn’t dependent on releasing nephews from captivity (although I’d like to think we’d rise to the occasion), but just as Melchizedek came bearing bread and wine, Christ extends His own body and blood to us. When we accept His gift, we enter into abundant life. We are blessed not because of our own merit but simply because He blesses us. Today, let’s carry this story with us as a reminder that God is at work in our lives. Whether in physical circumstances or matters of the heart, He has called us blessed because we are first, and foremost, His.
59 thoughts on "Abram and Lot"
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You know the saying, “if you take anything away from today, let it be this…” ? Well, I got a little lost in all the verses of today’s reading (I’m not perfect) BUT I feel like I’m taking away with me “we are blessed not because of our merit but simply because He blesses us” ❤️
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❤️
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We are blessed not because of our actions or because of the good we do, but because we are children of God….
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I was really able to engage in this passage and be an active reader, which prompted me with a question: why does Abram take an oath that he will not accept anything from the king of Sodom? Or how can I better understand that piece of scripture? I’m really excited that this reading got my brain thinking and trying to understand God’s word better!
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I’m with you Alyssa!
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I am checking in and lurking a bit. Not into this study but love SRT and all the women’s thoughts. Blessings.
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Are you guys getting your orders? I have been charged and have not received my order. Thinking about cancelling. Are they just going to take my money?
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I’ve only had one issue with an order and customer service sorted it out very quickly! Probably easier to email than try to ask for an update via the app.
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Hi Kelly! We’d be happy to check on your order for you if you e-mail us at [email protected]. Thanks for your patience! -The She Reads Truth Team
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To be completely honest, Genesis is proving pretty challenging for me. I love the supplemental writing that comes with these reading plans but I do wish they explained the passages a little more. The only time I’m able to read is 5:30 in the morning so I’m a little foggy brained, haha. Maybe that explains it. Pressing on though!
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Totally agree….need more in the book. I have mostly question marks on my reflection pages.
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I’m glad it’s not just me! I’ve got lots of ? too. I was able to keep up last week, but definitely very confused this week and wished the study book prompted more questions for thought. I have come to realize just today that using the book along side of the app does make understanding a bit easier…
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I agree
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I read with a study bible at hand for more insight. And it helps.
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This is a great resource for me & it comes in handy early in the morning or when you don’t have a ton of time. Lots of short nuggets of helpful info on this site — https://www.blueletterbible.org/
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Courtney, praying peace over you. Praying God take away the anxiety and replace it with His peace that absolutely surpasses ALL understanding, and super excitement at the gift that is coming..
What joy!Sending love and hugs wrapped in prayers..❤
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I love that we are blessed by God because we are “His.” May I live my life like that today, as a blessed daughter of God!❤️
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