Abram Rescues Lot

Study the Scripture

Read in Genesis 14:12-20  

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REFLECTION

Riding a Horse into a Tank Fight

by Mary McGinnis

Today’s story is an excerpt from a larger story, the story of Abram.  Let me set the scene.  God had told Abram to leave his homeland and go settle in the far-off land of Canaan.  He took with him his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. 

When they arrived outside of Canaan, Abram told Lot to choose one direction to settle and Abram would take the opposite. Lot chose the rich, fertile plains of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Abram settled in Canaan. 

There was a lot of political unrest, and the rulers of the surround areas were all jockeying for position and power. (Sounds a lot like today, right?)  Five Kings joined forces and rebelled against the dominating ruler, King Chedorlaomer and his three allies. 

When the battle ended, the five rebelling Kings were defeated. In victory, King Chedorlaomer and his 3 King allies rushed in and took the plunder from the rebel cities, including Sodom and Gomorrah.  They took Lot and his family captive and took all his possessions.   

Abram immediately musters his entire household and servants, 318 trained men.  He strategically attacks at night.

How many trained men do you think were in the four conquering Kings’ armies?  More than 318?  How many more?  

Abram took brave action to rescue his beloved nephew, despite the likely insurmountable odds.  But Abram did not defeat these four Kings with the military skill of his 318 men.  He did not outsmart them by the skill of his tactical strategies.   

His real power was recounted by the mysterious King of Salem and High Priest, Melchizedek: 

 “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and

blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

Are you facing insurmountable odds right now?  Are your loved ones being taken captive?  Be bold, take action.  

But do not ride a horse into a tank fight.  Place your trust in the power of the Most High God to grant you deliverance from your enemies.

 

Prayer Practice: Abram sees the threat to Lot and takes action. He will intervene on behalf of Lot more than once in the story of Genesis. We have been learning today how God will be faithful both to punish sin, and to save His people. Who do you know that still needs to experience salvation through Jesus? Set aside time to pray for that person today, and if you feel led to do so, perhaps send them an encouraging note telling them about what Jesus has done in your life.