Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
The characters of Abraham and Lot come out very clearly in this brief story. They are both substantial figures, with large numbers of livestock and large households. When competition for resources leads to conflict, it's Abraham who suggests a peaceful resolution, and gives Lot the advantage of choosing where he will go. He doesn't seek his own advantage at the expense of a rival – a shining example to negotiators today. Lot chooses badly. The grass may have been greener in the lush pastures of the well-watered plains, but the company was far worse: he went to live among the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, with tragic consequences, while Abraham went to the promised land of Canaan.
It's not really possible to try to construct an 'alternative history' of what might have happened if Lot had chosen differently. But the story does remind us that wrong actions very often have bad consequences. Lot thought he saw an advantage for himself over Abraham and took it. His lack of generosity led to his downfall.
God, help me not to seek my own advantage at the expense of others. Help me follow the example of Christ, who emptied himself and took the form of a servant.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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