(Fourth Reading)
Abram's nephew Lot accompanied him to the Promised Land. Abram was too idealistic for Lot, so Lot left him, settling in Sodom, near the Dead Sea, When the Land of Israel was invaded by a coalition of nations who captured Lot, Abram pursued them in Lot's defense.
When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he armed his attendants.
Bereishit 14:14
We would have expected Lot, Abram's kinsman and companion, to become his foremost disciple. Yet, Lot eventually rejected both Abram and G-d, and even chose to live in Sodom, the center of immorality and corruption.
Nonetheless, even when Abram had no choice but to send Lot away, he assured him that he would always remain close enough to protect him should the need arise. When it did, Abram did not hesitate to risk his own life to save Lot's.
Abram's perseverance with Lot paid off: Lot maintained some of the praiseworthy practices Abram taught him. For example, Lot insisted on providing hospitality to visitors in Sodom even though it was a capital offense there. Ultimately, Lot became the ancestor of Ruth, King David, and the Messiah.
Following Abram's example, we should realize that our efforts to inspire others, even if they appear to be in vain, will have positive results that we cannot always foresee.
--From Kehot's
Daily Wisdom #2