January 6: Of Rights and Faith

Genesis 13:5-15:21

Matthew 5:27-48

Psalm 6:1-10

Proverbs 1:28-33

The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first 10 amendments to the constitution of the United States, is a list of encumbrances on government authority.  And where do these rights come from?  Well, the founding fathers declared the rights of man came from God.  In the declaration of independence, we read "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men...are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."and the constitution articulated that the government was created to protect those rights.  What this means is that when the government tries to restrict a right - say, stifle free speech, for example - one can demand - demand! - to be able to speak freely.  Because it is our right. 

Abram was different - he didn't demand.  He gave, and he gave in.  Consider: uncle to Lot, presumably with the right to choose first, in order to resolve a quarrel between them, he gave up the more fruitful land to his nephew.  When Lot was taken capture, he fought the captors at great risk, and rescued Lot, and recovered the plunder taken from the King of Sodom.  And when the king suggested he keep the plunder, which many in Abram's shoes would argue he had every right to, he refused.  

Why?  Because it seems Abram's trust was in the Lord.  He believed God would provide for him, even if he gave up the more fruitful land.  He didn't want anyone to think he depended on anyone except God, which is why he refused the plunder.    

What did it get him?  What only God could give - an heir in his old age, an inheritance, and a future for his people.  These aren't things he could have gotten for himself, grabbing land and gathering plunder.  If he were in our shoes today, he likely would have rejected the $500MM lottery jackpots if they'd been offered him.  

Father, at the start of the year, we pray for such a relationship with you as Abram had, that we understand the things of this earth are unable to give us what we seek, and all we seek can be found in You and You alone.