We want it all!

I think there are times in our lives when we read the story of Abram and the only think we walk away with is that he "got it all". We then begin to hope and dream that someday we too will get more. More because we helped someone, or gave them first choice. So why did God give Abram all that land and promise of descendants?

Gen 13:14-14:1
14 The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, " Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; 15 for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. 16 "I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. 17 "Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you." 18 Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord. NAS

First, there was a command to obey. Separate from him. Leave behind that things of this world, including Lot. But all that we see coming to Abram comes only because of God's grace. Abram didn't earn it in any way shape or form. This isn't a reward for obedience or some future look at Abram's life and God giving him an "advance" on his pay.

Abram's reaction to this promise was to built and altar and worship the Lord.

You and I can never earn anything from the Lord. We can't obey to receive rewards. God blesses us as He chooses. Our responsibility is to worship Him.