“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” – Genesis 13:14,15 

Scripture reading: Genesis 13:5-18; Revelation 7:9

What are you looking at? What is your focus? In today’s passage, we see a stark contrast between Abram’s focus and that of his nephew, Lot. Both had been richly blessed materially, so much so, that the land was no longer big enough for both. To avoid strife, Abram offered Lot first pick of the land so they could part ways. Lot saw dollar signs and chose what would be most lucrative for him. But notice, he ignored the fact that the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked. He pitched his tent near Sodom, seemingly unconcerned, as long as he could succeed financially. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? (Mark 8:36).

This separation would have been sad for Abram, so God came to encourage him. He urged Abram to lift his eyes and remember God’s promises. Where Lot saw dollar signs, Abram saw the promises. “Look,” God said, “one day I will give you this land, but more, your descendants will be as many as the dust of the earth.”

More than flocks, herds, or fat bank accounts, God wants us to know He is gathering peoples from all nations into a multitude you cannot number, like dust of the earth (Rev. 7:9). The question for us is, where are our eyes focused? Where is God and where are His promises in our thinking? Are you thrilled to be one of God’s “so-that” people in this great plan? Where is your focus?

Suggestions for prayer

Reflect on what holds your attention. Are you distracted by the world’s things and ways? Ask God to keep your focus on His promises and to use you “so-that” all peoples may know Him.

Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.