- Scripture: Genesis 14:1–14:24
- The Anchor: “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram…” – Genesis 14:18–19
A major war was fought between five local kings near Sodom and Gomorrah and four powerful kings from further out east. The critical part of the fight is that Lot was captured by the four kings as a spoil of war. When Abram heard of this, he gathered his personal army to rescue Lot, defeating the enemy and bringing back his nephew along with all the possessions that had been plundered. Afterward, a mysterious figure named Melchizedek came to visit Abram to declare that he was blessed by God Most High, and Abram gave him a tenth of everything. When the king of Sodom later offered to reward Abram with riches for his victory, Abram flatly rejected it, stating he would take absolutely nothing.
This passage is extremely packed. First, Abram gathered an army of just 318 trained men to go against a massive, combined alliance of four victorious kings. God clearly did something miraculous that day to give Abram the victory. Even when things seem impossible, God makes a way to work everything out for His plan.
Reading about Melchizedek made me fall straight down a rabbit hole. Hebrews is a highly underrated book of the Bible, and chapters 5 through 7 talk all about the priestly order of Melchizedek and how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of him. There is so much symbolism here looking forward to Christ—Melchizedek brings out bread and wine, which mirrors the Last Supper. Plus, Melchizedek was uniquely both a priest and a king, and so is Jesus (who is also our Prophet).
Next, notice how Abram rejected the king of Sodom’s materialistic reward. He did this because he fully trusted that God would provide for him, and he didn’t want the wicked king of Sodom taking credit for making him rich. Trusting God is a constant theme right now, and Abram is a great example of it.
Finally, Abram’s rescue mission really gives me “leaving the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep” vibes. Even though the context is different, Abram risking everything and gathering an army to track down and save his captured nephew resembles how Jesus relentlessly pursues us. It is an amazing reassurance that Jesus is present in all parts of the Bible, and that He always seeks me out whenever I am lost.
Reflection
- Abram refused to take even a single thread or sandal strap from the king of Sodom so that a worldly king could never claim responsibility for his success. When you succeed in school, sports, music, or competitions like Science Olympiad, do you tend to rely on worldly recognition, or do you actively give God the credit?
- Abram didn’t hesitate to assemble his 318 men to rescue Lot the second he heard he was in trouble. Who is the “one sheep” in your daily circles—a friend, a classmate, or a teammate who is struggling or feels left out—that you can intentionally seek out and support this week?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You are my Prophet, Priest, and King, and that You relentlessly pursue me whenever I am lost or wandering. Give me the faith of Abram to trust Your provision so completely that I don’t look to worldly things for my security or credit. Amen.