Lot and Abram were both saved. Both are in the Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11). Yet only one had their name and identity changed while on Earth. Why?

Because Abram left the culture to follow God. Did he still sin? Sure he did. Sometimes catastrophically. Yet, he continually left the culture to find the voice of God.

God over a long period made him a new man.

Abraham was willing to give up his own son to God. He did so fully trusting that his son would somehow be brought back to life. Abraham had a heart like God’s heart in that he was willing to give up his promised son. God gave up his Promised Son to eternally make Abram in to Abraham. This is the Gospel that Abraham only in foreshadows of grace trusted.

Lot left his non-believing family and left with Abram. Yet, Lot later refused to leave the culture. He first wanted the best of the land. Later he moved to the city. He sought familial alliances with non-believers. He sought prestige in the city gates. He compromised his testimony so greatly no one on Earth believed that he was credible. Yet with God, he too was declared righteous. This is the Gospel to but it does not leave us with the same taste of faithfulness that changed Abram in to Abraham.

A more consuming question is which life brings God more glory.

What is the difference between these two men? One submitted to God in this life and thus his identity was changed in this life. The other had to wait to the next life for that change to more fully come.

Father Abraham kept his new identity in heaven. Abraham also left a legacy of faith for all his children to inherit.

I wonder who Lot has become in heaven. I wonder who he would have become if he had submitted all of himself to God in this life. What glory to God did he forfeit?

I wonder am I more like Abraham or Lot? What glory am I forfeiting to give God?

Prayer: Oh God may you grant me to be a Abraham in this life and not a Lot. May you be my passion and strength. May you grant me your grace to be a Abraham and forsake the riches of this culture for a Kingdom that never ends. May I give you glory! Amen.