Genesis 14 & 15

Genesis chapter 14

It  doesn't take long for Lot's choice to catch up with him. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah decide to stop paying homage to Chedorlaomer. Of course, this doesn't go over very well and Chedorlaomer and his other loyal subject kings decide to come and defeat the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and take their people and possessions. I guess you don't refuse homage if you can't defend yourself.

Someone escapes from this battle comes to tell Abram and his allies Eschol and Aner about the events that transpired. Abram uses his hundreds of 'trained' servants and goes with his allies to get back Lot and all of the possessions of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible records that he split his men up and attacked and defeated Chedorlaomer and his army.

After Abram's return we encounter the king of Salem, Melchizedek. This is a mysterious character in the Bible but we do know he is God's priest, and servant and can bless on God's behalf. After the offering by Melchizedek, Abram gives tithes of all victory.

Bera the King of Sodom tries to give Abram all the spoils of war, but Abram won't have any of that. He tells the king that he won't have it said of him that Bera made him rich. He gives back everything but what his allies used and the food his servants ate. God truly does provide if we rely on him.


Genesis chapter 15

Abram (later Abraham) is an example for us all when we doubt. We can go around and complain to whoever might listen about our problems and seemingly unanswered prayers. In the end we will feel worse for it and be no better off. Abram again and again went to God with his doubts. Abram wasn't perfect, and he did sin, but then he would go back and confide in God. If we confided in our Savior as much as we complained, our prayer lives would greatly benefit.

Abram argues with God and says that his only heir is not his own blood. Abram knew how old he and his wife was. There is no other reason for Sarai to conceive when she did but by an absolute miracle of God. God reassures Abram that indeed his heirs will be of his own blood. Isn't that the way with Salvation? God makes us not only adopted heirs but full heirs by Jesus' blood.

God commands Abram to take all of his sacrifices and do as commanded. Abram not only does this but makes sure that no animals or birds take any party of the offering until God answers. Oh, and God answered him through a deep sleep with a grand and terrible vision. God reveals that Abram will die of old age, but his children's children will be in captivity in Egypt. Not to have fear though, because God will bring them out and deliver them into a land of their promise.

Notice that in God's promises he doesn't leave anything out? He also gives great care and detail, for it is nothing for God to fulfill what he says will come to pass.