A Comparison and Contrast of Lot and Abraham
There are some invaluable lessons to be learned by comparing and contrasting the lives of Abraham and Lot. Leaving Ur of the Chaldees, Abraham and Lot traveled a similar path physically. But because of the choices they made, they traveled a very different path spiritually, and arrived at a very dissimilar end.
The Bible introduces Abraham and Lot in Genesis 11:26-27 “And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.” One similarity between Abraham and Lot is the familial cord. Family members often not only share certain physical features, but also mutual experiences, a common environment, and similar training. In Lot’s case, this would more than likely be enhanced, because his father died before his grandfather (Genesis 11:28), and it appears Terah raised him (Genesis 11:31). After Terah died, Abraham stepped in and took Lot under his wing (Genesis 12:4). Abraham and Lot shared many common experiences.
During their travels together, Abraham and Lot shared the same journey, first from Ur to Haran, then to Canaan, next to Egypt, and then back to Canaan. During these travels, both men experienced the direction and leading of the Lord. They also faced a grievous famine together (Genesis 12:10). When Abraham was confronted with doubts and fear that he might be killed by the Egyptians for his beautiful wife Sarah, Abraham had Sarah say she was his sister. This deception was unquestionably one of the low points in Abraham’s life of faith. Abraham realized this, and Lot witnessed it first hand.
God’s blessing was upon both Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:5-6). They had “flocks, and herds, and tents.” So much was God blessing, that the Scriptures record that “… the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great …” The resulting strife caused Abraham to seek peace. He tells Lot that they must separate. Abraham, to whom God had promised the land, honorably allows Lot to pick what portion he wants, and Abraham takes what is left.
One is left to wonder if Lot could have ever dreamed how far reaching this decision, as well as those to follow, would be. Genesis 13:9-11 becomes a pivotal point in the lives of these men. Abraham, believing God, and walking by faith, allows Lot to choose which land he wants. Lot, not believing his good fortune, and walking by sight, chooses the well watered plain and pitches his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:10-12). Genesis 13:13 gives the commentary “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” Lot obviously could not see the godlessness for the gold. The decision made “in the flesh” will continue to feed the flesh, and eventually cause Lot’s ruin.
One contrast between Abraham and Lot is revealed in the dividing of the land. Abraham, with his gracious spirit, defers to Lot. Lot “lifted up his eyes” (Genesis 13:10) and saw with his fleshly eyes. No consideration for the spiritual, no seeking God’s direction, no consideration for Abraham – or the promises of God – only the thought of getting the best for me, for now. This initial decision, which perhaps seemed so small, so innocent, lays a foundation for things to come.
God determined to judge Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:17 we read “And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Here, it is evident that Abraham enjoys fellowship and communion with God. God, here, reveals his plans to Abraham. God also shows confidence that Abraham would lead his family to follow God. This is affirmed in the passage in Genesis 22 where God asks Abraham to offer his only son as a sacrifice to test Abraham. In verse 7, Abraham and Isaac have headed to the mountain to offer the sacrifice. Notice the conversation between father and son, “Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” The point is that Abraham had trained his son – he knew a sacrifice was needed. Contrast this to Lot, who, after the intercession of Abraham, was warned of God’s impending judgment, went to warn his family, but he “… he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law” (Genesis 19:14).
One final contrast is seen after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot, admittedly in a drunken stupor, commits incest with his two surviving daughters on succeeding nights and subsequently has children by them (Genesis 19:31-38). Abraham, on the other hand, sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, his son, of his “country and kindred” because he did not want him to intermarry with the heathen (Genesis 24).
Modern man claims that we need only provide a proper environment for man to succeed and prosper. The comparison of Abraham and Lot reveals the flaws in that philosophy. Abraham’s place in history is established. Isaiah 41:8 records “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.” In James 2:23 we read “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” One might speculate on Lot’s destiny – were it not for 2 Peter 2:7. Here we read that God “… delivered just Lot.” According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words, the word “just” means “righteous.” 2 Peter 2:7-8 adds, after asserting that Lot was righteous, that he was “ … vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).” Lot lost his wife, his family, the wealth and worldliness he so desired – but he did not lose his soul.
One might ask, was it worth it? Yet before casting stones at Lot, how many today trade the trinkets of this world for the pleasure of God.
