Pointing to Jesus (Genesis 13)

Summary:

In Genesis 13, Abram returns from Egypt with great wealth, accompanied by his nephew Lot. 

Their combined herds and possessions become too large for the land to support, leading to strife between their herdsmen. 

To resolve this, Abram generously allows Lot to choose his portion of the land first. 

Lot selects the fertile plain of the Jordan, which appears lush like the Garden of Eden but is near the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. 

Abram settles in Canaan, where God reaffirms His promise: Abram’s descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth, and the land will be given to them forever. 

Abram builds an altar to worship the Lord at Hebron.

Pointing to Jesus:

Genesis 13 typologically foreshadows Christ in several ways. Abram, as the elect patriarch, embodies faith in God’s promises amid worldly temptations—his selfless deference to Lot mirrors Christ’s humility and self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-8), prioritizing divine inheritance over immediate gain. 

Lot’s choice of the verdant but sinful Jordan plain represents humanity’s inclination toward self-reliance and worldly allure, leading to bondage (as seen later in Sodom), while Abram’s separation unto God’s chosen land highlights election by grace alone, not merit. 

The divine promise of land and innumerable offspring points forward to Christ as the true Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), through whom the covenant blessings are fulfilled: the “land” becomes the eternal kingdom (Hebrews 11:8-10), and the descendants are the elect from all nations, justified by faith (Romans 4:13-17). 

God’s initiative in reaffirming the promise underscores sola gratia—salvation as God’s unilateral act, culminating in Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, where He secures the ultimate inheritance for His people.

Reflection:

This narrative challenges Christians to emulate Abram’s faith by choosing separation from worldly enticements, trusting in God’s sovereign promises rather than visible prosperity—like Lot’s ill-fated decision. 

It reminds us that our election in Christ calls us to live as pilgrims in this world (Hebrews 11:13-16), prioritizing spiritual inheritance through grace-fueled obedience. 

Practically, this means discerning God’s will in daily choices, such as career or relationships, resting in His provision, and building “altars” of worship amid uncertainty, assured that Christ has already won our eternal home.