Power and the Peacemaker
Abraham and Lot, Gen 13:5-12
I guess it is because peace does not come easily that I have found so many stories of peacemaking in the Bible. Today let’s look at a story between Lot and Abraham. Lot seems to have grown up with Abraham, his uncle, always around. Once Abraham’s father, Terah, died, he became the head of the household.
Abraham addresses the issue
The story goes that they travelled around together and had so much livestock that the herder’s quarreled with each other. Amicably, Abraham suggested they needed to give each other some space and move on, apart. Abraham then gave Lot the choice of which land he wished to take. As head of household, Abraham had every right and expectation to take what he wanted. He could have surveyed the land and taken the best for himself. He could have wielded his power, instead he relinquished his power in the interest of making peace.
Priority of peace, not wealth, power or winning
Genesis 13 tells us that Abraham was rich in gold and silver and livestock whereas it says the Lot was rich in flocks and herds and tents. Abraham was already ahead and had no need to enrich himself further in land. What he needed was to make peace with his kinsman. Similarly, when we rest in the knowledge that we are blessed by God, why do we always have to have the last word or come out on top or be the winner! God looks at how we play our hand, not how many times we win.
Mercy and Grace in Authority
Abraham relinquished his power and right to choose first so that peace would be established between the families. The power we hold in a position of authority does not obligate us to wield it all the time, it obligates us to use it with mercy and grace. Wisely giving mercy, withholding the bad we deserve, and grace, giving goodness that we have not earned, will grow the character of Christ in us. Using power and authority is not the way to make peace, though it may keep it. Power enables us to balance mercy and grace rather than imposing decisions upon others in conflict.
