“4So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.”
Ge 12:4–5a
Abram had been called by God to leave his land and his family, but he only partially obeyed. Abram left his land but, against God’s expressed will, took his relative Lot with him.
Perhaps Abram thought that he needed Lot with him for extra support, but in fact, in the following chapter, Lot becomes nothing but a nuisance to Abram. Abram’s and Lot’s shepherds quarrel so much with each other that they are forced to divide. In addition, Abram gets involved in a war to save his nephew.
When God gives a clear call to walk by faith, it is easy to want to help God a little. Or that you are happy to do what God says, as long as you can do it your own way, on the terms you decide. This never ends well and a lesson dearly learned is usually that it is best, after all, to listen to God’s instructions and do as he says because he knows best.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to listen humbly to your will. Help me to walk in your way as you lead me.