Genesis 14:17-21 - Sacrifice of worldly gain
Scripture:
Genesis 14:17-21
17 Then after his (Abram's) 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."
NASU
Thoughts:
After Abram's victory over the kings that had conquered Sodom and
Lot, he is greeted by 2 kings. One, the mysterious Melchizedek,
possibly a visit from the pre-incarnate Christ. He clearly
represents what is holy. The other king, from Sodom, clearly
represents sin. The sinful king offers material goods to Abram
(verse 21) which he refuses.
Genesis 14:22-23
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
NASU
Instead, Abram makes an offering to the righteous king (verse
20b).
I don't want to simply allegorize this and sell the text short,
but it does reflect a greater reality. Sin always appears to
offer us a blessing, but will ensnare and destroy. Righteousness
however, costs us the things of this world, but brings a lasting
peace and reward. That cost may not be monetary like Abram's
here, but certainly we give up opportunities that the world offers
for things like our popularity and pleasure, in order to live a
holy life in Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to choose to live righteously, today. I want to set
my eyes on that which lasts for eternity. Help me to say no to
the sinful offers of this world. Help me Jesus, my King of Salem
(Peace).
Amen