We be brethren

Bible Reading: Genesis 12-15

Genesis 13:8-9 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. 9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Strife between brethren is unthinkable. It is a most awful thing. God gave us families with brothers and sisters and we are to love one another. Abraham remembered the very first family and what strife led to between Cain and Abel!

Abram's reasoning for not striving is the very fact that they are brethren. Moses reasoned the same way with some Hebrew men that he saw striving with one another.

Exodus 2:13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

Brethren should not strive against one another. They should strive together with one another against the enemy. The Bible pronounces a wonderful blessing upon brethren that dwell together in unity.

Psalm 133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Since Abram and Lot's herdsmen could not get along and their livestock made it necessary for them to separate, Abram gave Lot the choice . He would not make demands or tell the younger man what must happen. He would let Lot choose and trust God to provide for him. Peace between brethren was that important to Abram. It should be that important to us also.

Jesus has called us to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34-35). We need not strive but love the brethren.

In Christ,
Rody