Wednesday, January 16: Genesis 14- Random thoughts.

Who was this king of Salem (Jerusalem), Melchizedek and why did Abram give him a tithe (10%)?  My hunch from the flow of the text is the giving of the tenth was in response to the blessing Melchizedek bestowed on Abram on behalf of God Most High. The book of Hebrews many references to Melchizedek in chapters 5-7 helps me understand that this is an important passage in Jewish understanding.

Abram, as the patriarch, risks his life to save his nephew. This says much to me about responsibility, since Abram was responsible for bringing Lot to the Promised Land.

Abram musters 318 men.  It seems that this massive battle of 4 vs. 5 kings was not a ‘world war.’ Instead it was city-states fighting against one another.

Humans have been fighting since Cain attacked Abel. Some people seem to romanticize ancient peoples and tribal cultures speaking of them as if they are so good compared to modern warring cultures. But the truth is ancient peoples were just as fallen and sin-filled as we are. No society human beings create is a sin-free, pain-free culture. Our sin and selfishness rears its ugly head in the bush, in the cities and in the suburbs, among the poor and rich, too. Human sin and selfishness reared its head in the ‘so named’ first world, the second world and in third world societies.

Just as Lot needed a savior to save him from the clutches of King Kedorlaomer and his allies, so we need a savior to save us from our sins and the clutches of the Satan, ruler of this world. Jesus is the one who can save us from Satan’s clutches. He is there. Will you let Him save you?

Lord, Jesus, thank You for saving me from my own sins and the clutches of Satan who longs to destroy me. Amen.