relationships (Genesis 14:1-24) Rely on God for Everything

(Genesis 14:1-24)   And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar. 8 And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, 9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. 11 Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. 12 They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom.

13 Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.

17 Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. 19 He blessed him and said,

     “Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
     Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 And blessed be God Most High,
     Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

He gave him a tenth of all. 21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” 22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

First of all, we see Abram's caring relationship towards his nephew Lot, and his willingness to get him out of captivity.  But also notice that Lot was taken captive without any provocation on his part, therefore Abram was not enabling any bad behavior in saving him.

Secondly, we can see that Abram had a good relationship with those working for him, as well as those who lived around him, so he had good allies he could depend on.  This also makes for a much more peaceful living environment.  Also notice that Abram didn't just save and return Lot, but all of the women, servants and possession that had been taken.  This was a decent thing to do which would have put Abram and his people in the good graces of these other nearby nations.

Thirdly, Abram had a loving respect for spiritual leaders.    After Melchizedek, the priest, nourished him physically and spiritually, Abram gave a "tithe" - ten percent - to Melchizedek.  When we tithe to our church, we are not only helping to support our pastors and maintain the building/s, but we are giving back to God, who gives us everything.

This brings us to the fourth and most important point.  Abram was developing a relationship with the Lord, depending on Him for everything!  Abram refused to take any reward from the king of Solomon, as he wanted to make the point to everyone and anyone around him, that everything comes from the Lord.  Whatever we do should reflect God and His will, as we put Him first in our lives, above any king, government, culture, friend or family member.   

As we put our relationship with God first, our relationships with others will improve.  It is important to mention that in doing the right thing by not taking the reward, Abram didn't speak for the others or expect the others to do the same.  In fact, he made sure that they would be rewarded for their help.  

Now, in following God's will, one can definitely run into tense relationships with others when they are "enemies" of God.  But the benefits of living in God's will definitely outweigh trying to appease any enemy!  Turning down the reward from the king of Solomon was both spiritually sound as well as "politically" astute.  

One doesn't want to "owe anything" to someone who is essentially evil.  At some point, those people will call on you for a favor, and it will probably be something that compromises your walk with God, and gets you into trouble with others, and maybe even with the law.  We are told in God's word to even avoid the appearance of evil, so in our dealings with others, we do need to be careful and wise.  Always, rely on the Lord, seeking His approval and not the approval of others.