Today we move into Genesis chapter 13 where we find our word רִיב dispute, brawl, quarrel, strife. It is used 61 times in the Old Testament. Throughout the Old Testament we see our word as something that is destructive to relationships and needs to be either avoided or settled as soon as possible. Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with רִיב strife. Proverbs 20:3 It is to one’s honor to avoid רִיב strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 26:17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a רִיב quarrel not their own. Jesus repeats this theme in the New Testament. Matthew 5:25 Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. When we look back to our chapter in Genesis 13 we have Abram being a great example of God’s direction that רִיב strife and quarreling is something that is destructive to relationships and needs to be either avoided or settled as soon as possible. Genesis 13:6-9 The land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was רִיב strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock … Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no רִיב strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” Wow that shows a lot of maturity and trust in God. This is one of the reasons he will later be called the father of our faith because he is showing us how to trust God. He is modeling how to trust God with your future. He let’s Lot who is his younger nephew make the decision knowing that God will ultimately work out these free will choices for everyone’s benefit. This is not easy for us to do. It takes this kind of humility, wisdom and trust in God to be willing to do this. Notice how we see this theme throughout the Bible. Proverbs 18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. Abram valued his relationship with his nephew more than his material possessions. Jesus called a brother out for not doing this. Luke 12:13-15 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” We do well when we remember to trust God when we see strife coming to avoid it or settle it quickly even if it costs us personally like Abram did. Some Christians in the church in Corinth failed to do this. 1 Corinthians 6:7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Our relationships are important so we need to follow God’s direction Ephesians 4:3 this is a great reminder Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
