Genesis 14
Today's Scripture

More of Abram's character traits are revealed in his passage. We see warfare described for the first time in the Bible. Abram, primarily a man of peace, rallies members of his household for battle in order to take back his nephew Lot, who has been captured. Though his household is large, the number of men who engaged in battle is only 318. Yet God grants them victory and Lot and all his possessions are recovered.

Melchizedek king of Salem then appears on the scene. More can be read about this king in Hebrews 6 and 7. He brought out bread and wine to Abram and gave him a blessing from God, demonstrating how God's favor was on Abram. Even when the king of Sodom wanted Abram to keep all the plunder, Abram refused, not wanting this reward to look as though he had gained wealth by the hand of anyone but God alone.

Abram exhibits love, protection, loyalty, and courage in relation to his nephew. God honors him for these characteristics and his action. Even in the face of what must have been overwhelming odds, Abram wasn't afraid to do what was right in reclaiming his nephew and what he owned. And when he was offered payment, he refused. Indeed--he gave a tenth of the plunder to the king of Salem who came to bless him for his faithfulness.

When we seek God in impossible times, he will reward us with his presence. He promised to be with us always. Our reward may not be in this lifetime--although God does richly bless us in many ways on this earth. But the greatest reward will be eternal life with him--when we one day will be able to worship him face to face.
- posted by Suzi @ 11:39 AM