In Genesis 13 we read about Abraham and Lot. Their Treasures have multiplied so much that the region where they lived could not support them and their shepherds quarreled because of it. Because of this situation, Abraham offers Lot a solution to separate from him and choose which way he wants to go and live.
1. What did Lot see when he raised his eyes?
Genesis 13:10-13 we read all that Lot sees when he lifts his eyes. A Hebrew word vividly describes part of this Jordan Valley as an oval, the land of Egypt. Cause of its abundance and the amount of water it was what is the closest to Eden. Lot chose well. What did his eyes see? They saw the soaked valley as a garden of Yahweh. What better choice? Bingo. He seemed to know exactly to choose the best. I don’t know if he scanned the other option as well. What would happen if he chose differently? Maybe he wouldn’t lose his wife.
What Lot saw was something wonderful at first. He was the first to choose. He chose for himself what he thought was best. Is our best always best for us? He saw how well all of Jordan’s valley was soaked. He knew that without water he would be doomed. In our region, one of the richest valleys is Neretva’s valley. If we raised our eyes and saw the Neretva’s valley, we would choose it. The first part of the tenth verse is perfect like the garden of Yahweh, but the second part is equal to the fall of man. In the garden of Yahweh you walk with God, in the fall you are outside the garden.
2. What did Abraham see when he lifted up his eyes?
Genesis 13, 14-17. Abraham is not looking alone. He is not in a position to take what he has left. Here we say: “He fell alone, he destroy himself”. He has only himself to blame for giving such a good-soaked valley to his cousin. We do not know how much time has passed since Lot left him. Well, he did not leave the same second. Abraham had time to think about his decision, and what did he do and he could cry over “spilled milk”. We don’t know what Abraham thought. The Bible doesn’t talk about it. We can only guess. Lot raised his eyes and saw what he saw.
But now, God tells Abraham to raise his eyes! The word raise has the following meanings: to raise oneself, to stand up, to take, to carry, to forgive, and accept. One of the meanings of the word eyes is a fountain.
- Abraham saw and heard God’s promise. (v15)
- Instead of arguing, Abraham trusted God to take care of him and his needs.
- As proof that he is telling the truth, God tells him to go through the land! ‘See for yourself!’
Both, Abraham and Lot raised their eyes! One looked with his physical eyes, saw everything beautiful, and thought that was it. That he chose the best part. The Lord himself said to the second one to lift up his eyes and he went with what he saw in faith. Because he hasn’t walked that path yet through the valley to see all that water and abundance. Lot chose for himself what he thought was the best and Abraham chose what God thought was the best.
Two views, two different outcomes. We know what happened to Lot. He almost lost his head because he lived in Sodom.
3. What do we see when we raise our eyes?
I am one of the few who returned from Germany to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1994. Today, everyone goes to Germany and hardly anyone comes back. I did not raise my eyes in Germany and see peace and tranquility in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Neretva’s Valley full of water and fruit. I saw God and the call to come back rang! Nothing else. Nothing spectacular. Just that: I will build my own church in Jajce. I would do the same again!
Maybe sometimes we feel that someone has taken something that belongs to us. Maybe Abraham also felt that way when he let Lot choose. But that is not so. What is yours from the Lord, it cannot be taken.
What do you see when you raise your eyes? Do you see the invitation from Jesus: “Follow me”? That call is in the good and in the bad. Both in sickness and in health. And when the ministry is flourishing and when it seems to be withering! And when that call lives in us then it’s perfectly fine for someone else to choose first because my eyes don’t look at the Neretva’s Valley but in God.