Genesis 14:1-24
Lot gets into some trouble today in Genesis 14. He and all his family and possessions are taken captive and are being taken to another country as prisoners of war. Abram isn't part of this war, but when he gets word of what has happened, he gathers his forces and literally comes to the rescue. Verse 14 tells us that Abram and his men "went in pursuit" and then in verse 16 we see that Abram brings back Lot, his possessions and the women and children. We could all use a relative or friend like Abram.
So how can we make sure we're looking for and helping our family (and friends) when trouble comes their way? What might you do (even today) to be a support to your spouse, children, parents, etc. both before and in the middle of difficult times? Tami W.
Always be prayerful 1st and then I am learning to follow what God presses upon my heart.
Helping family & friends is not always easy, especially when its the same ones who are always getting into trouble!...
Abram apparently wasn't that much in touch with Lot (no cell service ;-)), but the people of the area must have known not only that they are related but had a good relationship, so much so that someone deliberately went out of their way to find and tell Abram. I ask myself the question, what do people think of my realtionship with the 'not so loveable' members of my family and by extension those around me. Do they see the kind of unconditional love and genuine care that they would find me to tell me that someone in my family or in my community is not well or is in trouble, knowing that I would go out of my way to render asssistane??? Hmmmm....
Clearly what I need to do, which is so much easier today with the help of technology, is to be in touch on a more regular basis, with the 'not so nice' relatives... like make some calls today!!! That way I can be there, or they can call me to be near, in time of trouble. I also need to pray that God will give me a heart of love and compassion to be there for others in their time of trouble.
Sometimes it is difficult to warn a person especially a member of family when you can predict trouble coming their way. I am the oldest sibling of 2 and everyonce in awhile I have to be steering the steering wheel for them while they are driving on this road of life. Most of the time, they feel that they can drive by themselves and that they don't need no help, even though the road might be strange. When they do get into trouble however, the most I can do is take them out of that trouble, go to their rescue or pray them through the times where there is a need for supernatural help and I can't do no more.
I am learning not to control everything my siblings do just because I don't want them to fall. But God is teaching me, that sometimes it is necessary for them to fall inorder that they learn and see the hand of God in their lives. When they do fall however or find themselves in trouble, I will be there as a sister cause its then that they will want me and its then that they will be more receptive to my messages.
Abram does not hold a gruge against his nephew. Many times this happens in families. Remember the saying "You can choose your friends but not your family". No matter what some family members do, they are still family. We (I) need to always pray for those that are not saved and those family members that are saved. Abram shows "GOD" to Lot by "coming to the rescue". Even the spoils in battle, Abram is STILL unselfish. He takes only the food his men have eaten and lets his men take some of the spoil, but he wants God to get the glory and credit for his "riches" that he already has. Abram has no geed! Our world today and then (I suppose) had so much of that!!
Abram had a relationship with his nephew. That was a key point in being able to help him. Others knew of this relationship, and, therefore were able to find Abram and let him know of the trouble. Had they had a falling out, Abram would not necessarily have known that Lot was in trouble. Abram was found by the escapee. Sometimes we are needing to sit back and wait for the invitation to help - but be ready to do so. Sometimes we need to forewarn them. We can never force them, however.
So nice to have all those resources and servants to be able to help out a nephew in such troubling times. How many sit at home today wishing they could get their relatives home from overseas now knowing that lies and deciet are birthing of war. Who has the greater responsibility the escapee or Abram. Many storyies come back from overseas . Who is listening. What did Jesus say about the leaders of His day. We can apply this lesson to our more subtle needs for the resources we do have but I am trying to consider the scope of Abrams reach and the purpose of his life relating to a whole world ,afterall it was the Almighty that chose him to be an example for us in scripture.
Hey there P4 family,
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Meredith, P4 Team Member
With my family they knowif they need help in anyway i'm here for them in anyway I can, either with advice, money (if possable),prayer or a helping hand .I would do the same for others if possable. I thank God I am able to be here for them. Praise God !