Abram and Lot have arrived at Canaan, but between the Canaanites and the Perizzites and Lot’s flocks and Abram’s flocks, there isn’t enough grazing land to go around. So, to keep peace between the quarreling herdsmen, Lot and Abram must separate. Now, Abram is the elder, and he should have the first choice of which land to take, but he graciously allows Lot to take his pick.
Lot looks around and selects the Jordan plain because it is well watered and will provide for his family and livestock. It wasn’t wrong for Lot to want to take care of his family and do what was best for them. But this decision, while great on the surface, had lasting consequences. Because cities were near where Lot pitched his tents, he eventually gave up the nomadic lifestyle and became a city dweller. Unfortunately, the city was Sodom; the inhabitants were already evil and sinful, and they only got worse with time.
While the Bible tells us that Lot remained righteous amid the sin swirling around him, the effects on his family were devastating. The enemy kings capture them. His sons-in-law remained in Sodom and were destroyed by brimstone. His wife is turned into a pillar of salt. His two daughters plot to get him drunk and are impregnated by him while he is under the influence.
Making what seemed to be the right choice for his family instead leads them to ruin. Lot failed to ask God what path he should choose. How many times do we do the same thing? One choice might seem the obvious “right” choice- better pay, nicer neighborhood, bigger house, faster car- and none are wrong in themselves. But if we don’t ask God for guidance, there can be consequences in the future that we cannot have any concept of in the present.
Fortunately, our God knows the past, present, and future, and what will happen based on our choices. Remember to ask God to help us make the best long-term choice. Following him is always the best decision!
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