15 DECEMBER

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM

And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan,
that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord,
like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.”
(Genesis 13:10, NKJV)

God blessed both Abraham and Lot his nephew with great possessions, such that the land could no longer support both of them. Abraham asked his nephew, Lot, to make a choice of land to the left or right of Canaan, where they were to avoid conflicts between their herdsmen.

Lot looked up and saw the lush, well-watered fertile lands to the east. It was very inviting and looked better than the west. He pretended to forget that his uncle should have first choice. And he refused to consider the sacrifices Abraham had made to take him along on the journey. He selfishly chose what seemed to be the best part in his eyes. He moved with joy and pitched his tent near Sodom, a city known for their wickedness and sin. He did not think beyond what he presumed he would gain.

Lot’s greedy choice and desire for possessions and success had consequences. First, he was taken captive during the war between the kings around him. He lost his freedom, possessions and faced torture, slavery or even death. He and his family and possessions were rescued by his God-fearing uncle, Abraham.

Next, he lost all he had acquired when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, including his wife, and just managed to escape with his daughters. Eventually, his daughters, having imbibed the immoral ways of Sodom, conspired to commit incest with him, so they could have children.

Things are not always what they seem. The prosperity and success we covet may enslave us and cause irreparable damages in our lives.

ACTION: Choose to seek God guidance before making your choices.

PRAYER: Purge me, Lord, of all forms of carnality, selfishness and greed. Make my heart align with your righteous purpose always.