Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke.

In our previous lesson we considered the impact of a person Abram (later named Abraham) brought with his family from Egypt. He left the place the Lord sent him because of a famine and lived in Egypt for a season. The famine passed and the family returned to Canaan. However, two things were brought with Abram when he returned. The first was the Egyptian maid we discussed earlier.

The second thing that accompanied him on his return was great riches.

“And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Gen. 13:1-2). This is the first time we read of Abram being wealthy, and the first mention of cattle. It is these very herds of animals that ultimately lead to strife between the servants of Abram and Lot (Abram’s nephew). “And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents” (Gen. 13:5). It was not Abram and Lot who had strife, but their herdsmen. To avoid further problems that might divide the family, Abram suggested they separate. We will follow this story later. For now, let us focus on the effect of riches.

We are told where at least some of their wealth was obtained in Genesis 12. The Bible tells us that Pharaoh wanted Sarah for his wife and apparently gave a considerable number of sheep, cattle, donkeys and servants to Abram. He was unaware that Sarah was the wife of Abram who was slow to inform the Egyptians of this important information. He feared for his life and therefore said she was his sister. This is certainly not the look of a God-called servant, but this is what happened. Personally I don’t believe Abam lied to gain wealth, but rather because his faith was weak and he was afraid he would be killed so another could have Sarah.

The Bible does warn us about making wealth too important. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Tim. 6:9,10).