Good Morning “Pursued by The Father.” Today we are in Genesis Chapter 14.
14 is another one of those chapters filled with names difficult to pronounce. Furthermore at first glance it may seem empty of direct application for us. It isn’t. In fact it’s full of amazing events as once again we see God working His plan, laying the groundwork far in advance of future events, while at the same time reminding us who He is.
The story opens with 5 kings oppressed - in subject to 4 kings for 12 years. In the 13th year they had enough. As we see the kings named, we recognize for the first time in Scripture non-Hebrew names. Remember in ch 11 when God confused their language and scattered the peoples amongst the earth? This is also the first organized military event we see in Scripture. It’s interesting to note that as Kedorlaomer and the Kings allied with him advanced, they would conquer and clear lands that would later be occupied by descendants of Abram. God needed those lands cleared.
Last chapter Lot pitched his tent near Sodom. Now he’s abandoned his tent and is living in Sodom. He’s right smack in the thick of it, worn down by the sin around him according to Peter. In the conquest he is taken with the spoils of Sodom.
A man who escaped the conquest goes to Abram to report Lot had been taken. It’s interesting that Abram is referred to as the Hebrew here. Abram had so distinguished himself as different than the culture he was in, that they named him - “The Hebrew”.
Abram rallies 318 men from his own household. Likely NOT professional soldiers and goes to retrieve Lot. The land area he covers in pursuit of Lot is more than 100 miles. Even after dividing his army he not only conquers but drives the opposing army back, seemingly still searching for Lot.
With Abrams tiny army of novice fighters it’s obvious the Lord gets credit for the victory. Abram understands this, evidenced by the tithe that he gives to the priest Melchizedek - who also gives Glory to God.
Abram takes all the remaining collected war spoils and returns them to where they belong. The King of Sodom offers a share of the spoils with Abram but he will have none of it. Not even the strap off of a sandal. He wants NOTHING from Sodom. Imagine this testimony in the face of Lot who was drawn by the sin of Sodom ultimately dwelling there.
This story depicts the consequence of entertaining sin - as we see Lot drawn into Sodom. It reminds us God is always working His plan. More than that though, we get a picture of The Father in merciless pursuit of us, those He loves, as we often head the other direction. It’s been said, our Father will chase us until we catch Him.
Love you all! Dig in! Quit running!
14 is another one of those chapters filled with names difficult to pronounce. Furthermore at first glance it may seem empty of direct application for us. It isn’t. In fact it’s full of amazing events as once again we see God working His plan, laying the groundwork far in advance of future events, while at the same time reminding us who He is.
The story opens with 5 kings oppressed - in subject to 4 kings for 12 years. In the 13th year they had enough. As we see the kings named, we recognize for the first time in Scripture non-Hebrew names. Remember in ch 11 when God confused their language and scattered the peoples amongst the earth? This is also the first organized military event we see in Scripture. It’s interesting to note that as Kedorlaomer and the Kings allied with him advanced, they would conquer and clear lands that would later be occupied by descendants of Abram. God needed those lands cleared.
Last chapter Lot pitched his tent near Sodom. Now he’s abandoned his tent and is living in Sodom. He’s right smack in the thick of it, worn down by the sin around him according to Peter. In the conquest he is taken with the spoils of Sodom.
A man who escaped the conquest goes to Abram to report Lot had been taken. It’s interesting that Abram is referred to as the Hebrew here. Abram had so distinguished himself as different than the culture he was in, that they named him - “The Hebrew”.
Abram rallies 318 men from his own household. Likely NOT professional soldiers and goes to retrieve Lot. The land area he covers in pursuit of Lot is more than 100 miles. Even after dividing his army he not only conquers but drives the opposing army back, seemingly still searching for Lot.
With Abrams tiny army of novice fighters it’s obvious the Lord gets credit for the victory. Abram understands this, evidenced by the tithe that he gives to the priest Melchizedek - who also gives Glory to God.
Abram takes all the remaining collected war spoils and returns them to where they belong. The King of Sodom offers a share of the spoils with Abram but he will have none of it. Not even the strap off of a sandal. He wants NOTHING from Sodom. Imagine this testimony in the face of Lot who was drawn by the sin of Sodom ultimately dwelling there.
This story depicts the consequence of entertaining sin - as we see Lot drawn into Sodom. It reminds us God is always working His plan. More than that though, we get a picture of The Father in merciless pursuit of us, those He loves, as we often head the other direction. It’s been said, our Father will chase us until we catch Him.
Love you all! Dig in! Quit running!
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