“And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren” (Genesis 13:7-8)

‘For we are brethren.’ By this statement, Abram wisely ended an impending chaos. Though Abram was the older and Lot the younger, yet Abram rightly called him brethren. When God spoke to Cain, He asked him: “Where is your brother?” and then “Where is Abel?” (Genesis 4:9), but Cain didn’t regard Abel as a brother. Peace and reconciliation can reign when we receive our brothers and sisters in the faith as our brethren because we have the same Father, since we have placed the our faith in our elder brother Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). In John 20:17, after Jesus had resurrected, He sent Mary to the disciples saying: “But go find My brothers…” He called His disciples His brothers.

Strife thrives on self-centred interests and such interests, as James wrote, have their roots in earthly and material gains or fame (James 4:1-2). Abram understood that he could put strife away, not only between himself and Lot, but also the community of their herdsmen. He offered a sacrificial plan (Genesis 13:9). How impactful it was! The Canaanites and Perizzites might have expected to witness a chaos in this family, but they saw peace! Jesus prayed for His disciples (and us) saying: “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me” (John 17:23). Amen.

#goodmorning

BeEncouraged❤ Freely Received. Freely Give