The Lot account in the Pentateuch provides a powerful example of residual blessing. After Lot's father passed away, Abram and Sarai welcomed Lot into their family, sharing their prosperity and blessings with him. This act of “adoption” shows us that there is always someone we can bring into God’s story of abundance and blessing through our lives.

Abram and Sarai were childless when God told Abram to leave his native country, his relatives, and his father's family. The Lord promised to make Abram into a great nation that would be a blessing to others, and Abram obeyed God. He traveled with his wife to Canaan, taking his nephew, Lot, since Abram’s brother, Haran, had died. Lot was now an orphan, but Abram and Sarai treated Lot as if he were their son (12:1–6).

Abraham was wealthy, and because Lot traveled with him, he also became wealthy. As their flocks of sheep and goats and herds of cattle multiplied, their herdsmen began to argue. Abram decided it was time to separate. He gave Lot the first choice of the best land. Lot chose the Jordan Valley to the east and moved near Sodom, but the people were wicked and sinned against the Lord. Abram settled in Canaan, and God promised to give him all the land and many descendants (13:5–18).

When war erupted between the kings in the region (14:1), Lot was captured, and everything he owned was taken. One of Lot's men escaped to tell Abram about what happened. Without hesitation, Abram rallied 318 of his trained men to rescue Lot and all his possessions.

Application: Like Abram and Sarai, we can open our hearts and homes to children living in foster care waiting to be adopted in obedience to James 1:27. By embracing and including children who need forever families into our church and family, we bless them with the chance to learn about Jesus and join His family of faith. Explore partnerships with social services to bring children in foster care to church, because every child deserves a church family! Yes?

• How has adoption changed the lives of those you know in your family or church?
• What opportunities are there for adults who may have an extra bedroom in their home to welcome a child who needs their love and care?
• How can we, as a church and community, reduce the number of African American children who are disproportionately represented in the system?
• What ministry might the church adopt today to embrace children living in foster care? (Covenants For Kids might be one option https://www.covenantsforkids.org/index.html)

Conclusion: Adoption is a beautiful way to change a child's life, but it's not always easy. All children need parental guidance, and as adults, some make decisions that break our hearts. Children who are adopted are no different. And God will bless us when we obey!

Lesson Summary

In the account of Abram and Lot in the book of Genesis, we see a powerful example of familial love and loyalty:

• Abram and Sarai welcomed Lot into their family and treated him as their own despite being childless.
• Abram's obedience to God led to his prosperity, which he shared with Lot.
• Abram and Lot separated amicably, showing selflessness and valuing peace over possessions.
• When Lot was captured, Abram swiftly rescued him and his possessions, demonstrating deep loyalty and love.

This narrative provides lessons for how we should care for those in need:

• We should open our hearts and homes to those in need, as Abram did for Lot.
• Resolve conflicts peacefully and prioritize harmony over material possessions.
• Be loyal and protective towards our family, church, and community, showing unwavering commitment and love.
• God calls us to offer love and support to one another in need, following the example set by Abram and Sarai.

The lesson also encourages:

• Embracing and including children awaiting adoption in our families and churches.
• Partnering with social services to bring children in foster care to church, giving them a church family.
• Considering ways to reduce the overrepresentation of African American children in the foster care system.
• Finding ministry opportunities to support children in foster care.

Overall, the story of Abram and Lot illustrates the importance of familial love, loyalty, and care for those in need, prompting us to follow their example in our own lives.

Lesson Plan

(Download the HBLT Handout)

Objective: By the end of a 30-minute lesson on adoption from Genesis 12:1-6, 13:5-18, and 14:12-16, we will commit to helping children in foster care by evaluating Abram's care of his nephew, Lot.

HOOK: Play the trailer from Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot (or watch the entire movie).

BOOK: Abram obeyed God and left his country with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew, Lot. Although the word "adoption" is not explicitly used in this biblical account, Abram decides to "adopt" Lot into the family. He provides a family for his deceased brother's son. As they travel together, Lot benefits from Abram's wealth. When it's time for them to separate, Abram gives Lot first choice. Later, Abram rescues Lot when he is in trouble.

LOOK: Celebrate the families in your church who are foster or adoptive parents. Be sure to connect with them a week before this lesson so they are not caught off guard and their children are not embarrassed or surprised. Consider having a social worker or foster care advocate from your church discuss the opportunities to become foster or adoptive parents.

TOOK: Invite listeners to the sign-up table for more information on foster care and adoption.

SONG/VIDEO: "Send Me," The Brown Four—https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNvg8GwQMbQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

COOK: Have you ever waited for God to answer your prayers and wonder if He ever will? We'll talk about this next week!

Teacher Nugget: God sees how you care for the people in your congregation or the children in your class. Be encouraged! He is pleased with your efforts!

Children's Sermon: We Are Welcome

Invite children aged 5 to 11 to the front of the church and ask them to sit in a semicircle. The pastor-teacher, with an open Bible and a puppet, sits at the opening of the semicircle and introduces the puppet, naming it to the children. After the puppet welcomes the children, they introduce themselves by saying their names. Next, ask the lesson questions; there are no wrong answers. Conclude this 10-minute children's sermon by giving children a craft project. They may return to their seats or go to a separate area where teens and adults assist in completing the project. Children present or display their crafts at the end of the service.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of a 7- to 10-minute lesson on Lot's adoption in Genesis 12:1-6, 13:5-18, and 14:12-16, children will celebrate welcoming new children by accepting a welcome bag.

MATERIAL: Gift bags for children ordered from: https://buildfaith.org/welcome-bags-for-children/

HOOK: Isn't it wonderful to welcome new children? Who is here for the first or second time? How can we make them feel welcome?

BOOK: Let's say "Baruch Aba" to one another. It's Hebrew and means, "You are a welcome blessing!" In Genesis, Abraham and Sarah welcomed Lot into their family. They shared what they had with him and helped him whenever they could.

LOOK: How can we let you know that you are a blessing to us?

TOOK: One way is to give you this welcome bag. We'll open the bag together in a few minutes. Thank you for being such good listeners. (Pastor-teacher, thank God that each child is a gift from God to the church. Release the children to open their welcome bags together.)

SONG/VIDEO: "Send Me," The Brown Four—https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNvg8GwQMbQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

COOK: We can talk to God every day. This is what we'll talk about next week!