Holy Devotion
Bible Devotional
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

 
Links
Welcome
How to Know God, Personally
About the Author
Special Thanks
Contact Us

Online Devotionals
Search Devotionals
Old Testament
Genesis
1 Kings
Ecclesiastes
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Micah
Zephaniah
 
New Testament
Mark
Luke
Acts
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 John
2 John
3 John