A STUDY IN GENESIS
We now come to part two in our mini-series over Genesis chapter 14:1-17. Today, I want us to understand that God’s word is more than just perfect and accurate, but it is alive. This means that it is clearly applicable to you and I today. This might sound strange to those who just read verses 1 through 17, but I can assure you it is very touching to you and I today. Let’s begin!
There is a war between two sides. Last week we touched on part of this bad group is Nephelim and that they had returned. Many sound Biblical scholars will try to refute this argument, however I believe the scripture itself is clear and we are dealing with another incursion of angelic human off-breading. Take a brief moment and examine the post war outcome and see how Sodom and Gomorrah had succumbed to ill fate during the war and were determined to “fix” the issue. They sought to have their own angelic interbreeding. This is the reason why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, this is why they wanted the two angels and not the virgin daughters of Lot. Connecting these dots helps us understand why their fate was sealed with God taking the righteous out and leaving the rest to die. This is why it was different than with other wicked cities such as Ninovah or Babylon.
Nevertheless, we need to continue. Abram identifies what I believe to be a major applicable part to Christians today. The challenge we face today is the following, “Do we join wars that are not our own?” As always we can look at scripture and see that God has provided an answer. Abram was not part of this war. He could have told Lot that his fate was in his own hands and that he wanted to be a pacifist. Both sides were not perfect, for goodness sake, the good guys in this war included Sodom and Gomorrah. However, Abram understood the need for righteousness sake and that he needed to act. When good men fail to act, evil wins. Abram had many failures in his life, to include some we will talk about in the coming weeks. However, we can say without a shadow of doubt, Abram was a man of action. He was not going to allow the axis of evil in his day to overcome the region and slay his nephew. Instead of being a pacifist, he took up arms, rallied soldiers, and fought the needed fight.
Several places in the Old and New Testament you will see God identify it is better to ignore sacrifices and pursue righteousness and help the widow and the orphan. I would point that what Abram is doing is exactly that. Look at Verse 16 and see who comes back with him. Genesis 14:16 “So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.” Now what does this mean for you and I? We need to be active in being ambassadors for Christ, loving all and telling everyone about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And at times, be discerning and recognize the moments that we need to step into the affairs of men and be the righteous action that God has called us to be. This event shows that one man can make a difference, Abram rallied his soldiers, fought the good fight needed in his day, and brought victory and rescue for those captured. Next week we will end our small mini series, but until that time, do not forget that we have more to learn from Abram than what many dare talk about.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL