“And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.”

Genesis 13:10-13

In Africa there is a popular fable told of the greedy monkey. One day the monkey went out and found a jar buried in the ground with only the mouth protruding the surface of the earth. The monkey approached and to his delight found that in the jar were fresh bananas. Cupping his hand, he slid it through the narrow opening and grabbed the bunch of bananas. When removing his hand he realized that the mouth was too small for his greedy grasp to escape. Not wanting to let go of his lust the monkey was trapped unto his own destruction as the hunter approached.

As I look at Lot I can’t help but think of the greedy monkey. Lot would look out over the plain of Jordan and when humble Abe trusted the Lord, Lot chose instead to grab up as much greener grass as he could. We would later find that Lot’s greed would lead to Sodom, a place later destroyed by the Lord for its wickedness. Lot traveled east towards Ai, I think it’s fitting that Ai is translated “ruin” in Hebrew, for that’s exactly where greed leads. Lot would move farther and farther from Bethel (the house of God) and deeper into the land of Ruin. Interestingly enough, the one who seemed to come out empty handed, would be the one receiving the greater blessing.

I believe this is a powerful principle to those who seek after a pure love with the Lord. Abram trusted himself and his portion to God. Paul would tell us in the book of Hebrews “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Lot would later be threatened, and endangered in Sodom as he grasped his portion, eventually losing his family, his house, his status, and would find himself barely escaping through the flames with his life. I believe this is the desire of the Hunter…or Satan. He seeks to exploit the sinful lust in man, trapping mankind in ruin. The only way to escape the captivity of greed and the destruction of sinful separation from the Lord is by letting go of lust, keeping our hands free of the flesh and seeking to satisfy the Holy Spirit. Keeping open hands to receive the blessings from the Lord’s loving hands.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Abram calmly waited and trusted while Lot lustfully clinged to the lush land.

Why did Abram calmly stand by while seemingly missing out on everything? Hebrews 11 would tell us “By faith Abram dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Abram knew God would make good on His promises. He wasn’t about to travel away from the house of the One who would bring the goods. Abram wasn’t going farther from God, He was content to be close and wait on the promise of God in faith. Not only getting another blessing to his portion but at the same time growing deeper in his friendship with the Lord. Beyond a reward, Abram was blessed with relationship.

I reckon all of us would be wise to do the same, seek the relationship, by faith draw near and receive your portion. It’s there for all to receive. (Isaiah 55)