Reading Through The Bible: Number 38
The example of Abraham as one who loved and trusted God is to me, the feature of Genesis chapter 14. Although he had moved away from the region of Sodom where Lot has settled, he still responded with grace toward his selfish nephew when trouble came upon him.
Sodom was attacked and ransacked by a confederacy of nations and Lot, along with the other inhabitants was taken off in bondage, no doubt to be used as slaves of the victors.
When Abraham is informed of Lot’s plight he immediately arms his young men (numbering just 318) and sets out to rescue them. Without the blessing of God, this would have been a hopeless task for such a tiny group but Abraham was no doubt in close contact with and under the special direction and protection of God. Overtaking the invaders, who are no doubt in party mode and unprepared to fight, he skilfully overwhelms them and returns the prisoners to Sodom.
Sodom’s king offers Abraham a huge reward, but always wanting to give glory to God, he refuses to make himself rich at the expense of others and rejects it.
Here’s how the Bible records it: “Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’”
I wonder how many men today would pass up such an offer? Abraham sets an example for us as he pays tithe on the booty to the high priest Melchizedek and receives a blessing from him. His connection with God had made him courageous enough to do what was right in defending the oppressed. “No charge!” He says and returns to his quiet country home!
God’s instruction to His people is “you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.” Do so and He will bless you to!!
Have a great day!