Welcome to Genesis 14, the go-to chapter for tithe advocates who claim that tithing predated the Mosaic Law, and that Abraham was a tither. We’ve been reading about Abraham since Genesis 11, and his story goes on to chapter 25. Call him a “walker”, and you’ll be correct. Call him a “worshipper” and you’ll be correct. But to call him a “tither” will be stretching the scriptures to say what it’s not saying. This subject was well dealt with in Pastor Dammy’s teachings.
- To understand the history and story behind Abraham’s “tithe” payment to Melchizedek, listen to: Tithing & The Believer — Part 4
- For a deep and detailed study of the Bible character “Melchizedek”, his history, prophetic mention, and typology, listen to: Tithing & The Believer — Part 5
Today’s review will explore some lessons that we can pick from this chapter.
1. SATAN SUBJUGATES…
Genesis 14:1-2 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; That these 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, which is Zoar.
After Lot moved to Sodom, an alliance of four eastern kings subjugated five other kingdoms. Chedorlaomer was the ringleader of this subjugation. Like King Chedorlaomer, Satan subjugates and imprisons his own people. Jesus referred to him as “the ruler of this world.” (John 12:31). Paul also called him the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2) and the “god of this world” (2Cor. 4:4).
Unbelievers are under the rule, power and dominion of Satan — his darkness and his demons. He has placed them in an environment of chaos and misery. They cannot get themselves out of Satan’s subjugation. They need the Deliverer — JESUS — to save them.
Genesis 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Satan goes an extra length by oppressing carnal believers like Lot. Lot had been consumed by covetousness, choosing to live in Sodom. But the pleasure that Satan offers through covetousness will never last long (Heb. 11:25; Luke 12:19-20). Lustful desires can become a prison for carnal believers. Covetousness only generates more covetousness, and it becomes a prison of addiction. Greed is insatiable (Isa. 56:11, Prov. 30:16). Alcohol and drug addiction is a prison (Hab. 2:5). These prisons only lead to grief and sorrow (1Tim. 6:10; Psa. 40:12; Psa. 116:3).
Dear Gogolights, let us give no room for the devil. He is like a roaring lion, seeking whom to devour. Let us stay with the Word, walk with the Spirit, and live sanctified lives. Sanctification destroys whatever is meant to destroy us. Although we cannot lose our salvation, and Satan cannot destroy our eternal life, we cannot afford to be messed up by Satan.
2. REDEEMER RESCUES…
Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
It is important to note how Abram acted in response to the news of Lot’s capture:
- He acted swiftly (v. 4)
- He acted sensibly (v. 15)
- He acted successfully (v. 16)
Abram’s rescue of his kinsman Lot is a picture of how our Kinsman Redeemer (Jesus) rescued us from the Enemy. We were enslaved in sin and shame, only to be rescued by One who left His glory (safety and happiness). Our Kinsman Redeemer went a great distance, through great trouble, to defeat and disarm the mighty enemy that had put us in bondage, and He took all the enemy’s spoil.
Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Psalms 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Hallelujah!
3. BELIEVER BEHAVES…
Every believer has choices to make on how they behave, and there are consequences for these choices. After he was rescued by Abram, Lot went back to the unholy things that entrapped him. He returned to the evil city of Sodom. The grace that saved us is not a license to sin. If we have believed rightly, we should behave rightly.
Abram, on the other hand displayed the right behaviour befitting of a believer. He had meetings with two Kings after the successful battle, and we can pick some lessons from his behaviour towards them:
A. The Significant Meeting with the King of Salem
Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Melchizedek served Abram bread and wine. I see this as a pointer to Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice. God ordained bread and wine for Passover — another pointer to Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice. At the Lord’s Table, Jesus served bread and wine as a symbol of His redeeming sacrifice.
After feasting together, Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and they both blessed God. A believer’s behaviour is entrenched in worship. We do everything we do as a form of worship to God. Whether it is giving, or singing, or preaching, or loving, or praying, we worship God intentionally.
B. The Sinister Meeting with the King of Sodom
Genesis 14:21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
After receiving Melchizedek’s blessing, the King of Sodom tempted Abraham by offering to let him keep the goods in exchange for the rescued people.
Abram refused any portion of the plunder because he would not allow the King of Sodom say that he’s the source of Abram’s riches. He determined to give all of the honour for his success and wealth to God and God alone.
Abram was tempted to use God’s victory for personal gain, but he refused the offer. The king of Sodom came with a bargain, but the king of Salem came with a blessing. We experience both offers in our daily lives. Our responses to them reflect the behaviour we choose to exhibit.
Dear Gogolights, let us do well to jealously guard our Christian testimony. Some believers will be saved “so as by fire” (1Cor. 3:15), but it is far better to have “an abundant entrance” into our Lord’s everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:11).
Grace to you, Church!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.