Passage: Genesis 14 Speaker: Pastor Lukus Counterman Series: By Faith
Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Genesis 14 is a chapter that describes an international skirmish in the ancient world. There were powerful city-states that formed a coalition to subjugate rebellious vassals living on the edge of the land promised to Abram. In the midst of the war, Lot, his family and his possessions were taken captive. Upon hearing the news, Abram mustered his trained men and, together with his allies, pursued and defeated the invaders in a night attack, rescuing Lot and all his possessions. What motivated his courageous pursuit? It was his realization that victory and blessings rest upon God. On his return from battle, Abram was met by two kings who could not possibly have been more different. The king of Sodom offered riches which Abram swore that he would not take lest the blessing of God be tarnished. Melchizedek, the king of Salem offered Abram a blessing. Abram had learned to discern between worldly benefits and divine blessings. He decided to wait patiently upon the Lord. In the end, Abram and Melchizedek communed together with bread and wine and Abram raised his hand to the God Most High.