God Nourishes

"You must know that God was with Abram and his men.... they battled, but God was the strength behind the sword." (Sure Steps)

The battle against Kedorlaomer and his allies was finished.  Have no doubt that it was God's victory as he enabled Abram, yet again, to do more than he could humanly do in his own strength.   I can only imagine how tired and weary Abram and his men were at this point.  Have you ever been through a battle with a something big and felt God gave you a victory over it?  There is such a rush after all is said and done, but often we are left weary.  Last week, I was battling a decision with the Lord and once I finally came to the realization of what He was calling me to do, there was relief.... but, I was a little weary from the struggle.  Have you been there?  I think most of us have at some point.  Often, that is when God provides the nourishment we need- a scripture, encouraging word from a friend, physical rest and the list could go on.  God continually nourishes us and prepares us for what is next on His purpose-filled agenda for us.  That is where we find Abram at the end of chapter 14 in Genesis.

"After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.” (Genesis 14:17-24 NLT)

As Abram is returning with his men and allies, he is greeted by the king of Sodom and Melchizedek who is described as a priest of the God Most High.  There is much debate over  Melchizedek's appearance in the scriptures and who, in fact, he was.... some have believed he was a real man while others have even wondered if he was an appearance of the preincarnate Christ.  My desire is to focus on the two things I do know about him- that he was used by God on this day and that he was a committed follower of the Most High God.  When he came to meet Abram, his purpose was to refresh physically as well as spiritually.  He brought bread and wine to nourish the physical bodies, but he also packed a blessing for Abram.  "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you." He was that word of encouragement to Abram to continue trusting and believing in the seed of hope that God had planted within- to trust and see whose strength and hands Abram was firmly rooted in...  the Most High God.  For Melchizedek to come to this point in his own journey with the Father reveals that He has a deep rooted faith as well.  He had been given eyes to see, ears to hear, and wisdom to know that God was real, alive and active in their lives.  Abram honors him by giving a tenth of all the goods that had been recovered to him- much like our giving a tenth of our income to the church. 

Then, Abram must handle his other "guest," the king of Sodom.  If you haven't made the connection yet- you soon will- Sodom was NOT a God-honoring city.  We will soon find out just how bad things were in that city, but at this point, this king is attempting to recover the people who were taken when Kedorlaomer plundered them.  Abram, by the wisdom of God, had already committed in his heart not to take a thing from the wealth recovered.  He was fully entitled to it; so, why would he not claim it and add to his riches?  It was impure wealth that would taint Abram-others might link his success to the cities who were plundered rather than God.  He wanted only the Father to get credit for the blessings in his life.... what a life lesson for us.  How often do we view our successes as our own?  My friend, nothing we have comes from anything other than God.  Our talents, abilities, gifts, and provision all come from the Father- it is all His, but ours to use for a time.  That is why it is so important to acknowledge that with our tithes and offerings to Him.  By doing so, we recognize that it is HE who grants, blesses and uses us for His purpose and glory.

Today, my friend, let us give praise to Him for all that He is doing in our lives.  Even if you are in the midst of a struggle, give a praise offering- sacrifice- for what He is going to do in and through you.  He will bring you out of that hard journey when you seek Him.  If God is doing something special in your life right now- praise Him and share with others what He is doing.  Our world needs to know what Melchizedek knew- that He is real, alive and active in our lives.  Use this day, to truly recognize all that He is to you and praise Him for it.

Blessings!