Abram “GIVES BACK” S1e74 Gen14:17
Yesterday Ab. Was a good example of FAITH with boots on and swords drawn
Abram defeats the 4 kings, 11, 16 armies
Unbearable, unreasonable, impossible task did it by faith.
Abram found himself in a situation that ONLY GOD could deliver him from
Military Victory from a non-military man
Dividing inferior forces turns into superior effectiveness
divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.
Wins with a windfall—now what Today GIVES Back
Runs into a frankly strange biblical figure that emphasizes his place in the big picture, the big hierarchy
GOD has delievered your enemies into your hand
The enemy of my kinsman is my enemy
The enemy of the people of God are my enemy
ABRAM gives back: 10% of a big blessing is still a big blessing
Abram Blessed by Melchizedek
17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.”
Who is Melchizedek
Little known, priest/king of Jerusalem
He is a priest AND king
(two offices of Israel that are separated except for Jesus)
Superior to Abram, gives a tenth
Heb 7 makes argument : Abram was UNDER Melch.
Jesus is superior to all: angels, priest, patriarchs
Mel. Prefigures Christ and His actions
Meets Melchizedek
Is blessed by God by Mel.
Give a tithe, OT quantifiable measure of gratefulness, tribute, acknowledgment to the King and Priest of Salem (peace)
Meets Sodom king
Can I have my people back?
