THE DECISION OF TWO FATHERS
Abraham and Lot lived together as close relatives until the time when they had to separate for:“the land was not able to bear them that they might dwell together; for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell, as there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the headsmen of Lot's cattle…” – Gen 13:6-7.
As they agreed to separate, Abraham allowed Lot to choose first where to go. The cat of separation brought out a decisive difference in the Two men – a difference of vision.\
“And Lot lifted up his eyes and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere….even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt…” – Gen 13:10
Lot's vision determined the choice he took. He was obviously attracted to the wealth, prosperity and fertility of Sodom and did not consider the extreme sinfulness and perversion of the people of Sodom. He was a man of now, and walked by sight.
While Abraham's vision went beyond the things of now, out of this world, into an eternal future: “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb 11:10)
Abraham made his choices in life with his eyes fixed on an eternal destination while Lot on the other hand saw no further than his present surroundings.
Some years later, the nations of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God, and Lot managed to escape alive, with only his two unmarried daughters and lived the remainder of his life in the mountains. He ended up regrettably becoming a father of the two sons of his daughters (Gen 19:35-38).
Beloved, it is very clear to us, that Lot made a wrong choice and would have deeply regretted it. As a father and husband, as you are celebrating the father's day today, have you closely watched the choices and decisions you have been making for your family? Are you giving your family eternal purposes and standards to live by or are you compromising standards for the sake of material prosperity and worldly success? This is another opportunity to reconsider choices and decisions already taken before it becomes late.
Wishing all our fathers a happy father's day and God's grace to make good choices that will focus on eternity.
I also use this opportunity to remember one of our fathers who celebrated with us last year on this occasion, acted the part of a landlord in a drama presented by our men and fathers in the church. He was a good father, a great man, committed worker and tither and loved by all in Solution Centre.
Bro Samson Afremu was called home by the Lord in April, 2016. He lived a short time but ended well and is with the Lord. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. I miss you dearly my co-labourer and spiritual son.
Pastor Kelechi Nzeh.
