“When Abraham heard that his nephew [Lot] had been captured, he armed and led out his trained men, born in his own house, [numbering] three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far [north] as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, attacked and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah which is north of Damascus.” – Genesis 14:14-15 (AMP)

In Genesis 12, God had instructed Abraham to move to a land which He would show, but more specifically, to leave his land, family and kindred and embark on this journey only with his immediate family. As he did obey this instruction, he left with Lot, the son of Haran, Abraham’s brother who died in Ur, so, in a way, he felt responsible for the young man who had lost his father, and that was only a logical thing to do. So, Lot went with him to the land which God would speak to him about and show him.

But in Genesis 13, the two had to separate and live in two different lands because there were disagreements and dispute that had no solution other than separation. Abraham did very wisely and chose to relinquish his right to choose the best part of the land where they dwelt and allowed Lot pick that best part. This is one of the things Abraham did to show his selflessness. One who is not selfless cannot be sacrificial. It is not easy to forgo one’s right but Abraham did.

Some times after the separation happened, Lot found himself living amongst the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and war broke out. The kings who allied with the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah lost to the kings that attacked them and their people were taken captive, including Lot and his family. Immediately he heard of the unfortunate incident, he took the step necessary for the deliverance of his nephew. Abraham had trained men, three hundred and eighteen of them, and these he armed and took to battle to recover the captives.

Four kings battled against five kings and won and these were the same people Abraham attacked intentionally in order to rescue his nephew. This was a selfless act and a great risk of life in order to protect what belonged to him. Naturally, he was supposed to be less concerned about the outcome of Lot’s life because of how they separated but Abraham made sure to release Lot wholeheartedly without any bitterness left in his heart against him and for this purpose he could risk his own life and that of his trained men to battle these four kings for their redemption. And thank God, none of them was missing and they were able to recover all that was taken captive.

Dear believer, this is a charge to you that you live like this man, Abraham. Many times you sing Abraham blessings are yours but the greatest challenge is, can you live like Abraham lived? Abraham was human like you, yet he lived a sacrificial life, not counting his own life as anything in order to save a man that could be said have wronged him. He allowed love prevail. If we take love away from our relationship with people, what will be left will be bitterness and desire for revenge. Let love lead in your relationship with people.

Reflections: Am I selfless? Why do I do what I do for people? What can I sacrifice for those I am responsible for to be in good condition?

Confession: I am God’s beloved and I have been taught by Him how to love without hatred and bitterness. I forgive those who offend and when I am in a position to help, I do it with all my heart. I hold no past grudge against anyone.

Related Scriptures: Genesis 13:1-12; Genesis 14:1-17

Bible Reading: John 7