Genesis 14:11-13 NLT, “The victorious invaders then plundered Sodom and Gomorrah and headed for home, taking with them all the spoils of war and the food supplies. They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned. But one of Lot’s men escaped and reported everything to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram’s allies.”
To fight for your family you need allies
In our last series, (Can I Change?), we watched Abram restart his life by returning to the last place he was in God's will. He changed from being selfish and creating problems to becoming a problem solver and a peacemaker. The series ended with Abram separating peacefully from Lot like he was supposed to, freeing God to bless him.
But what happened to Lot?
He found himself in the worst sort of trouble as a prisoner of war. Only Abram could save Lot from a fate worse than death. When one of Lot’s men escaped he confidently ran straight to Abram for help.
Abram was a (peacemaker) and he knew how to network. He had become allies with Mamre, and his relatives Eshcol and Aner. That meant that if Abram was at war, his allies would fight on his side and vice versa. Mamre and his relatives must have been impressed with Abram’s wealth and manpower for them to join him and want his backing.
Another thing to consider is that there is no record of Abram changing his allegiance to the idols these men worshipped or adapting their practices. And yet, the men respected Abram enough to be allied with him. More so, as they got to know Abram, they respected the God that blessed and preserved him and wanted to be on his good side.
I have met Christians that have as little to do with other people as possible. They interact only with their own little circle and do not connect with others. As people, we all have shared interests or common goals to pursue. I am not saying to be unequally yoked, but, I am saying that it is good to be part of the PTA, neighborhood watch, the community center, carpool, voting, etc… be a blessing, offer your services, fulfill your duty as citizens. Connect with others, build bridges into their lives.
I also believe a time is coming when unbelievers will take notice of the way our God blesses and preserves us. They will desire to get in on some of that sweet action which in turn opens the door for us to lead them to Jesus so they can know Him personally.
When Jesus walked this earth, he connected with the undesirables such as the prostitutes and tax collectors. He welcomed them into His sphere of influence. He didn’t sin with them, but shared hospitality and company demonstrating that they were people of value and worth in His eyes. Consider this, Jesus was not buried by family or His closest friends. Nicodemus, a tax collector, supplied the spices for burial and Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Pharisaical Counsel, respectfully approached Pilate for Jesus’ body and provided His grave (John 19:39-40). So, you see, Jesus blessed others by showing them the love of the Father. In turn, they blessed Him and helped Him to complete His destiny. So, if Jesus needed others to help complete His destiny, we certainly do as well.
How does this apply to us today? When our family members are in trouble, give them the help they need. Work with the doctors, pastors, counselors, teachers, rehab centers, etc... Ally with them and create a strong support system for your loved ones. We are always stronger together. A support system not only helps our loved ones, it helps those affected by them.
1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV, "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Pray It:
Father, we are a living testimony of Your love. And if we do not show Your love to others, believers and unbelievers alike, then others will never know Your goodness. Help me to be civically minded and supportive of others. I love You and I thank You for sending others to reach out to me when I did not know You. Thank You for sending Jesus to demonstrate Your love to us. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Say It:
I connect with other people and build bridges.
I demonstrate God’s love towards others.
I offer my services to others.
Do It:
Meditate on Hebrews 12:14, "work at living in peace with everyone and living a holy life in front of them. It’s a daily thing and it’s a process."
But what happened to Lot?
He found himself in the worst sort of trouble as a prisoner of war. Only Abram could save Lot from a fate worse than death. When one of Lot’s men escaped he confidently ran straight to Abram for help.
Abram was a (peacemaker) and he knew how to network. He had become allies with Mamre, and his relatives Eshcol and Aner. That meant that if Abram was at war, his allies would fight on his side and vice versa. Mamre and his relatives must have been impressed with Abram’s wealth and manpower for them to join him and want his backing.
Another thing to consider is that there is no record of Abram changing his allegiance to the idols these men worshipped or adapting their practices. And yet, the men respected Abram enough to be allied with him. More so, as they got to know Abram, they respected the God that blessed and preserved him and wanted to be on his good side.
I have met Christians that have as little to do with other people as possible. They interact only with their own little circle and do not connect with others. As people, we all have shared interests or common goals to pursue. I am not saying to be unequally yoked, but, I am saying that it is good to be part of the PTA, neighborhood watch, the community center, carpool, voting, etc… be a blessing, offer your services, fulfill your duty as citizens. Connect with others, build bridges into their lives.
I also believe a time is coming when unbelievers will take notice of the way our God blesses and preserves us. They will desire to get in on some of that sweet action which in turn opens the door for us to lead them to Jesus so they can know Him personally.
When Jesus walked this earth, he connected with the undesirables such as the prostitutes and tax collectors. He welcomed them into His sphere of influence. He didn’t sin with them, but shared hospitality and company demonstrating that they were people of value and worth in His eyes. Consider this, Jesus was not buried by family or His closest friends. Nicodemus, a tax collector, supplied the spices for burial and Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Pharisaical Counsel, respectfully approached Pilate for Jesus’ body and provided His grave (John 19:39-40). So, you see, Jesus blessed others by showing them the love of the Father. In turn, they blessed Him and helped Him to complete His destiny. So, if Jesus needed others to help complete His destiny, we certainly do as well.
How does this apply to us today? When our family members are in trouble, give them the help they need. Work with the doctors, pastors, counselors, teachers, rehab centers, etc... Ally with them and create a strong support system for your loved ones. We are always stronger together. A support system not only helps our loved ones, it helps those affected by them.
1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV, "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Pray It:
Father, we are a living testimony of Your love. And if we do not show Your love to others, believers and unbelievers alike, then others will never know Your goodness. Help me to be civically minded and supportive of others. I love You and I thank You for sending others to reach out to me when I did not know You. Thank You for sending Jesus to demonstrate Your love to us. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Say It:
I connect with other people and build bridges.
I demonstrate God’s love towards others.
I offer my services to others.
Do It:
Meditate on Hebrews 12:14, "work at living in peace with everyone and living a holy life in front of them. It’s a daily thing and it’s a process."
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