Genesis 14 -- Character In Conquest

Lot had allied himself with the world and it cost him his freedom in the first war recorded in the Bible.  He was captured in the Jordan Valley and taken to what would one day become the northern edge of Israel.

“Abraham did not get involved in the war until he heard that Lot had been captured, and then he began to act.  Abraham was separated, but not isolated; he was independent, but not indifferent,” my commentary said.  Despite Lot’s desire for the world, Abraham went to rescue him.  “Neither the Lord’s chastening nor the Lord’s goodness in rescuing Lot did him any good.  The goodness of God should have led him to repentance, but instead of repenting, Lot returned to Sodom … Lot was the father of all such as are scarcely saved,” my commentary added. 

After defeating the enemy kings and rescuing Lot, Abram was met by the king of Salem and the king of Sodom, who offered to let him keep the spoils if he’d just return the people of his city.  But Sodom’s treasures were not what Abram wanted, and he returned everything except what his soldiers had eaten, for it was important to him that nothing of Sodom’s could be said to have enriched him.  The king of Salem – also the high priest – Melchizedek, offered him the blessing of the Most High God, offering to strengthen Abram after the battle, for the victory, for temptation so often occurs after a spiritual victory.  In not keeping the spoils of Sodom, which were rightfully his to claim, Abram was following the wise counsel, “Others may – you cannot.”

Abram tithed part of the bounty to Melchizedek, giving out of the heart to God in thankfulness for His provision.  In our own giving, it’s important to remember that our giving is a true act of worship, and we are not giving to a church but to the Lord, so we want to give our very best, and 10% is only a good place to start, since it is all His anyway.

Father, help me to pattern my responses to Your workings in my life after what Abram did here.  Allow me to acknowledge Your watchcare and provision, and help me not to spoil my witness by keeping what might be legal, but not of You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford