GOD ADVOCATES FOR HIS PEOPLE

In Genesis 12 and 20, we have unusual stories of God protecting Abraham and Sarah while they were living in areas controlled by the Egyptian Empire.   In chapter 20, they were actually in an area that would later become part of Israel - very near what we would call the Gaza strip today.

In both cases we see what appears to be a lack of faith on Abraham's part to trust God to protect him and Sarah.  He literally lies to the local kings, telling them that his wife, Sarah, is actually his sister.  This is only partly a lie [Genesis 20:12], since she was the daughter of Abraham's father, but not his mother.  

In each case, Sarah - being noticeably beautiful, even at an older age - was taken into the harem of these foreign kings.  This is preposterous to us as we read it today!  It seems completely inconsiderate of Abraham to allow such a thing to happen!  Abraham's self-preservation offends us!  In the first case, Sarah is there long enough to have made an impression on the king!   

However, in each situation God takes up Sarah's case by intervening with these foreign kings.  

In chapter 12, the king's household begins to suffer a severe skin disease as a punishment for the Pharaoh's sin.  He realizes that it is because of his sin with Sarah and immediately releases her.  Having given tremendous wealth to Abraham, the Pharaoh then asked Abraham to leave the area with his massive flocks and family system.  

In chapter 20, God spoke to Abimelech in a dream, warning him: "'Look, you are a dead man because the woman you have taken into your harem is a married woman.'  Up to this point, Abimelech had not physically approached her."  [v.3-4]  

This episode is peculiarly interesting because of God's validation of the King of Gerar:

ABIMELECH:  I took her in my harem without knowing the truth.  I acted with integrity.  I am completely innocent.

Then God replied to him still in his dream.

ETERNAL ONE:  Yes, I know you did this with integrity in your heart.  It was I who prevented you from crossing the line.  I protected you from yourself by not letting you touch her.  Now do the right thing. Return the man's wife.  He is one of my prophets.  He will pray and intercede for you, and you will live. But if you do not give her back, I assure you, you will die - you and everyone associated with you.  [vs.5-7]  [All scriptures are from The Voice Bible]

 The odd thing about these passages is that Abraham comes off as being the one with a lack of faith!  But, in his shortfall, God steps in to protect him and Sarah, as well as the Egyptian kings and their families!  

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There are several things we can presuppose from these incidents:

1. God is always watching!  He knows the intricate details of our lives and circumstances.  He misses nothing!

2.  Not only is God always watching, but He intervenes!  God has not left this world like a clock that is wound and is now winding down!  He is engaged!  He inserts Himself in the affairs of His people!  He cares!  God acts!

3. God protects us!  One of the wonders we will marvel at someday in the distant future is when God reveals His actions on our behalf!  We have benefitted from His protection at times and in ways that we have no awareness of!  Some of our greatest - most passionate praise - will come when these things are revealed!  Some of us have stretched the duty of our guardian angels by our careless and wreckless behavior!  😉

4. There are people who cross our lives who are faith-driven although we may never know it!  Abimelech was clearly a God-fearing man who was concerned to live his life with integrity!  We should never assume that people we deal with in the discourse of our day are spiritually lost people!  God's people are sprinkled everywhere!  The person who rear-ended you last week may be a believer who was simply distracted.  Bring an awareness into every connection you make, watching for signs that this person (or these people) may be Christ-followers!  

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Kind and Loving God,

Thank You for protecting us 24/7!  Thank You for advocating for us even when we are unaware that You are doing so!  Thank You that You are always pressing forward in people and places that might surprise us - to make Your love and Word known!  

You're an awesome God, and it's our privilege to serve You!  Amen.

 

TAKE YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH!

I’m glad my parents took me to church! At the time, I wasn’t always delighted that we went there so much, but I benefitted in ways that I didn’t see then.

The church’s children’s ministry helped me by teaching me the many Bible stories of the Old and New Testaments. The youth group gave me a camaraderie of friends who were learning to share the values of the Christian faith. I was provided lots of older role models in those a stage or two ahead of me! Many of the adults engaged me regularly and encouraged me. I participated in rich worship times that moved me deeply inside! I was challenged by the many testimonies that were shared in the church culture that I grew up in. My parents taught me to tithe from my TV Guide route. My dad asked the treasurer for a book of envelopes so that I could use them for my two dimes. I was deeply moved while watching people respond to the altar for prayer and seeing others – who cared for them – join them there.

I can’t put a value on this experience! In my developmental years [after the nursery class], I had one female teacher [Betty Paugh – who made the Bible stories come alive for me!] and a long list of male teachers who impacted my life on Sundays and Tuesdays [at Christian Youth Crusaders]: Neil Castilucci, Joe Douglas, Paul Funkhouser, Carl Geissinger, Bob Curtiss, Jim Rudolph, Udele Gallagher, Gordon Aiken and probably a few others. They made an impact on me. I admired and respected them! I wanted to be like them!

Parents: take your kids to church! Give them the chance to experience this rich, godly fellowship! This is an environment that will impact them and provide them with lots of examples to emulate! You may not see the impact, but it will be there!
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Thank You so much, Lord, for the New Brighton Free Methodist Church! It wasn’t perfect. There were tensions and problems. But it did a lot of things right and provided a rich environment for families! That fellowship nurtured me and helped to determine and direct my path! I learned to respect adults. I saw the extremely high value placed on God’s Word! I saw generosity and kindness acted out regularly. I am largely who I am today because of the impact of this fellowship of believers!

May it continue to be so today! May children and youth be valued, instructed and guided by the people they engage with and observe at church. As adults, help us to notice and interact with these in the formative stages of life! Prompt us to notice them, speak to them, encourage them, applaud them, and pray for them! We CAN make a difference! Remind us today – and every Lord’s Day – that we are making a difference in the lives of those we worship with! Thanks be to God! Amen.

TIME FLIES - A 72 YEAR REVIEW

·         Born in 1952.  Rough entry: Dr. Chadwick had to break my collar bone to get me here!

·         In the mid-fifties, our family made a trip out west for several weeks.  I don’t remember it at all.  I was later told that I was potty-trained on that trip.  Gas stations back then had two-seat outhouses.  My dad apparently set me beside him and I learned to go!  I know, TMI.

·         I was in eighth grade – in Mr. Angle’s class – when we learned that President Kennedy had been shot!

·         The New Brighton Free Methodist Church was a BIG part of my life while growing up!

·         I have no memory of living with my sister, Jeannette [15 years older than me], or my brother, Ira, [12 years older than me].  My sister, Beverly, was around until I was eleven.  After that, I was like an only child.

·         My dad started me working when I was eleven.  I took care of our doctor’s yard – mostly on Saturdays when I rode my bike to his house near the Beaver Valley Country Club.  Gradually, I picked up five more lawns and cared for them until I left home.  One of them was our principal, Mr. Taylor, but I never let anyone know that!  

·         My dad bought a second car when I turned sixteen!  He said: “This is your mother’s car, but when she’s not using it – you can use it.”  [My Mom never used the car!  ;-)]

·         In 1968, Debbie Whippo asked me out on our first date!  J

·         I graduated in 1969, and left home permanently three days later for Philadelphia where my brother got me a ‘helper’ job working for a roofing, heating and air conditioning company.  I made $2/hour!!!!!!

·         I started at Roberts Wesleyan College in fall, 1969, and graduated in 1973.

·         Debbie and I were married in August, 1973, and moved to Kentucky after our honeymoon.

·         We attended Asbury Theological Seminary for three years. During this time I became a student-pastor to the Tunnel Hill FMC in English, IN. 

·         We bought our first home in Wilmore:  a 40’ x 8’ old, mobile home; we paid $1,800.  Travis was born while we lived there.  We later sold it for $1,800.  J

·         In 1976, I quit school and was assigned to my first full-time church:  Jeannette, PA.

·         In 1978, I was appointed to the McClellandtown FMC.  Troy [1980] and Tracie [1981] were born while there.  My mom died in 1981, when I was 29.

·         In 1982, I was appointed to the Oakland FMC where I served for thirteen years!  Travis started and finished school while in East Liverpool [unusual for a preacher’s kid].

·         Having decided to continue my seminary education, I attended classes at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary for a number of years, graduating in 1987.

·         In 1991, I graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with an MA in Counseling. In 1992, my father died at the end of Family Camp.

·        In 1995, Travis graduated from high school and we moved to Maryland where I led the Spencerville FMC.  Travis’ Naval career eventually led him to the U.S. Naval Academy which was twenty-six miles away! 

·         At the end of 1996, we went through a period of adjustment and eventually found a new home and job in Akron, OH., running a licensed home for behaviorally challenged children.  In early 1997, I also began working part time at Cornerstone Church.  Several months later, I became the full time lead associate.  Troy and Tracie each left home during this period.

·         In 2003, I was appointed to the Free Methodist Community Church in New Middletown, OH. 

·         In January, 2005, Tracie married Jon Kerstetter! 

·         In September, 2007, my favorite granddaughter was born:  Rylie Grace Kerstetter!  J

·         In March, 2009, my favorite grandson was born:  Coltin Eugene Kerstetter!  J

·         In February, 2012, Troy and Missy were married! 

·         In August, 2012, we left for Changchun, PRC, to teach English for three years at the Changchun University of Science and Technology.

·         We returned in July, 2015, and lived for a year on the farm where Debbie was raised.  I led the Kittanning FMC as a commuting, part-time pastor for a year and a half.  During that time, Travis died.  Shortly after, Deb’s dad died on Christmas night.

·         I retired in June, 2016, and we established our home in Herron Woods!  That same year, Troy and I built a two-car garage on our lot.  :-)

·         After working as a Lyft driver for five years, I retired again in August, 2023

·         In August, 2023, Deb and I celebrated 50 years of marriage!

 Thank You, Lord!  It's been quite a journey!

LET'S MAKE A DEAL

In Genesis 18, we have the account of three men visiting Abraham and Sarah to announce that within a year, Sarah would become pregnant and give birth to a son.  The Voice Bible adds that "They seemed to appear out of nowhere." [v.2]  They clearly represent God and speak on His behalf.  Abram immediately recognizes them as the divine presence and treats them with the highest regard, even preparing a special meal for them.  They then have a very interesting dialogue.  But it's the latter part of the chapter that is my focus for today.

As the special visitors prepare to leave, the leader of the three speaks to the other two without Abraham being able to hear.

A note is necessary here:  The Voice Bible refers to this leader as the Eternal One.  The Hebrew word is the [big word alert] 'Tetragrammaton'.  In Exodus 3:14, God announces His name to Moses as four Hebrew consonants:  YHWH.  Various versions choose different ways to translate this holy name.  The King James Version - which was dominant for several hundred years - chose LORD, as did the painfully accurate Revised Standard Version.  Suffice it to say, for our purposes, that this visitation seems to be YHWH [Yahweh/Jehovah] and two attendants.  This leaves plenty of room for supposition; and there have been many postulations regarding this visitation.

The Eternal One asks His attendants if He should share  His plans with Abraham.  Although they don't respond, the Eternal One considers the important role that Abraham is going to play as the father of many great and mighty nations.  

He then reveals to Abraham that He is going to Sodom and Gomorrah because there has apparently been a large outcry of prayer regarding the sinfulness of these cities.  This seems to indicate that Lot, his wife, and his daughters have been pleading with God to intervene because of the horrendous acts of evil there.  

In reality, we don't know who was creating this outcry to God.  If there were other believers there, we can only wonder how God dealt with them?  We're not even certain that Lot and his family were still living faithful to God.  But some people somewhere were assaulting the throne of God for a divine intervention in these two cities.  We can only imagine the horrific things that were taking place there.

When Abraham hears of this grave situation, he fears for the lives of his family members who live in (or near) these cities.  His fear and compassion are so compelling that he speaks words of intercession to the Eternal One.   These words reveal his boldness, passion, and depth of relationship with the Eternal One.

Abraham (to God): God, would You really sweep away the people who do what is right along with those who are wicked?  What if there were 50 upright people within the city? Would You still wipe the place out and not spare it on behalf of the 50 upright people who live there?  Surely it can’t be Your nature to do something like that—to kill the right-living along with those who act wickedly, to consign the innocent to the same fate as the guilty. It is inconceivable to me that You, my God, would do anything like that! Will not the “Merciful and loving Judge” of all the earth do what is just?

Eternal One:  If I find 50 good and true people in the city of Sodom, I give you My word I will spare the entire city on their behalf.

Abraham (emboldened):  Look, I know I am just a human being, scooped from the dust and ashes of the earth, but if I might implore You, Lord, a bit further:  What if the city lacked 5 of those 50 right-living people? What then? Would You destroy the entire city because it lacked those 5?

Eternal One: I won’t destroy the city if I find 45 good and true people there.

Abraham (persisting):  Suppose 40 are found there.

Eternal One: I won’t destroy the city for the sake of 40.

Abraham:  Please don’t be angry, Lord, at my boldness. Let me ask this: What if You found 30 there who are good and true?

Eternal One: I will not do it, even if I find only 30 there.

Abraham:  Since I have implored the Lord this far, may I ask: What if there were 20?

Eternal One: For the sake of 20, I will not destroy the city.

Abraham:  Please don’t be angry, Lord, at my boldness. Let me ask this just once more: suppose only 10 are found?

Eternal One: For the sake of only 10, I still will not destroy it.

That's how this chapter ends.

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 KEEP IN MIND:

1. Abraham is interceding with God for lost and imperiled people, some of whom he knows and loves.  The lives of many people hang in the balance.  
2. He does so with a significant sense of urgency!
3. He is gentle but persistent!

In The Voice Bible adds an editorial comment (part of which reads):

Abraham has followed God long enough and knows Him well enough to stand confident as he presses and probes the extent of God's mercy.  God's mercy, he learns, runs deep; but there are limits, and Sodom has crossed the line.

It's probable that we all know some people who we may deem have crossed the line in defying God.  Like Abraham's situation, they may even be family members!  Are we pressing into God - as Abraham did - to seek God's mercy for them?  Are we interceding on their behalf?  Is anyone?  

It seems that this passage is a prompt for us to press into God and also perhaps, to be lovingly confrontational with those we know who may be testing the limits of God's mercy.  

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Eternal One,

We place before You the names of those we fear may be testing the limits of Your mercy: [Name here those you bear concern for] ____________________________________________________

Help us to live as signposts before them to shine Your light on their lives.  

For the Kingdom's sake.  Amen. 

PARTNER WITH ME TODAY, LORD

‘The Chosen’ television series portrays the Sermon on the Mount as something that Jesus worked on for a long time, realizing that it was going to launch His ministry.  Whether or not this is true, it is difficult to read these chapters without being shocked, shaken and challenged.

I just read Matthew 5 and feel like it's enough to chew on for a long time.

And blessed are you, blessed are all of you, when people persecute you or denigrate you or despise you or tell lies about you on My account.  But when this happens, rejoice. Be glad.  Remember that God's prophets have been persecuted in the past.  And know that in heaven, you have a great reward.  [vs.11-12  All references are from The Voice Bible unless otherwise marked.]

I suppose you - like me - find it easy to rejoice when people do you wrong.

Yeah, right!  

It hurts me when people are mean to me, slander me or take advantage of me.  My two key responses are, (1) to shut them out of my life so they can't do it again; or (2) to fantasize about hurting them back [which I almost never do].  

But God reminds us that His people have always been persecuted!  It's as though He is saying to us:

Good job!  The fact that you're being treated this way is evidence that you're living right and annoying people by your determination to be a godly man or woman. 

But Jesus doesn't stop there. He goes on to teach:

...don't fight against the one who is working evil against you.  If someone strikes you on the right cheek, you are to turn and offer him your left cheek.  If someone connives to get your shirt, give him your jacket as well.  If someone forces you to walk with him for a mile, walk with him for two instead.  If someone asks you for something, give it to him.  If someone wants to borrow something from you, do not turn away...Pray for those who torment you and persecute you - in so doing, you become children of your Father in heaven.  He, after all, loves each of us - good and evil, kind and cruel. He causes the rain to water the fields of the righteous and the fields of the sinner.  It is easy to love those who love you - even a tax collector can love those who love him. And it is easy to greet your friends - even outsiders do that!  But you are called to something higher: "Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect."  [vs.39-48]

Is this hard?   Of course it's hard!  Very hard!  It runs counter to our human nature.  It challenges us to draw on the divine nature of our God and Father through the power of His Holy Spirit!  We will inevitably have to cry out over and over again: "Help me, Lord!"  "Help me to be sweet and forgiving!"  "Help me to love this irritating person!"  "Help me not to be vindictive!"  "God, I need You and Your resources!"

And this is how we get through our days!  

It's called dependence!  :-)  We can't do this on our own!  Not even the best of us.  We MUST rely on the grace, strength and goodness of our God!  

And WOO HOO!  He stands ready to supply our need!  

Stay close to Him today!

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Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Thank You for being so faithful and available!  I'm going to need Your resources repeatedly to get through this day!  Thank You for being so available to me!  No interference, no poor reception, no downed lines - You always hear, always listen, and always respond with abundance!  

I think I can make it through this day, knowing that You are available when I face opposition, cruelty, rudeness, injustice, obstacles and inconveniences.  Help me to be a difference-maker today - FOR YOUR GLORY!  Amen.

COULD GOD BE TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION?

This is an excerpt from an editorial comment in the midst of Isaiah 11 in The Voice Bible:

“When God judges—when God punishes—He does so for a reason. His judgment is always measured, finite, and based on His covenant loyalty. God takes no delight in His people’s suffering; but sometimes, tragically, it is necessary. Willful ignorance and blatant disregard for God and others cannot be ignored. In the end, God’s purpose is to repair a world deeply injured by sin and its consequences. So His next move is to rescue and restore His covenant partners. Reconciliation and grace always follow destruction.”

This is an attempt to understand that there are consequences when we stray from God – whether deliberately through rebellion and evil action, or subtly by distraction or laziness.  When we stray, God will use situations and circumstances to get our attention!  He wants us back BECAUSE HE LOVES US! 

Consider a similar message from the New Testament text: 

See that you don’t turn away from the One who is speaking; for if the ones who heard and refused the One who spoke on earth faced punishment, then how much more will we suffer if we turn away from the One speaking from heaven— [Hebrews 12:25 All quotes from The Voice Bible] 

Earlier in this same passage, this message is even more clear:

My child, do not ignore the instruction that comes from the Lord,
or lose heart when He steps in to correct you;
For the Lord disciplines those He loves,
and He corrects each one He takes as His own.

Endure hardship as God’s discipline and rejoice that He is treating you as His children, for what child doesn’t experience discipline from a parent? But if you are not experiencing the correction that all true children receive, then it may be that you are not His children after all. Remember, when our human parents disciplined us, we respected them. If that was true, shouldn’t we respect and live under the correction of the Father of all spirits even more? Our parents corrected us for a time as seemed good to them, but God only corrects us to our good so that we may share in His holiness. [Hebrews 12:6-10]

When we feel as though we are being punished, we should not get angry with God and shake our fist in His face.  Rather, we should submit ourselves to Him humbly and seek His face! 

If, indeed, God has brought circumstances to bear in our lives, won’t He willingly show us the way through – if we humbly seek Him and deliberately change our ways?

The author of Hebrews likens God to a loving parent who disciplines their children in hopes of helping them to learn, adjust their behavior and act responsibly.  God is the same!  He wants us to be at our best and to achieve that which He purposed for us since we were formed in our mother’s womb! 

Sometimes, we may not be sure why we’re suffering.  So, go to God and ask!

Lord,

 

I’m in pain!  Things are not going well.  Our problems are overwhelming us!  We need Your guidance! 

 

Are we doing something displeasing to You?

Have we been unjust in our dealings?

Have we slipped in our devotion to You?

Have we sinned and separated ourselves from Your love and grace?

 

As little Samuel learned from the high priest Eli, we must pray:  "Speak, Lord, for Your servant heareth."  [I Samuel 3:6 KJV]

Learning to listen in prayer is a VERY IMPORTANT lesson!  God wants you to respond!  God will find a way to communicate with you.  He might use His Word – which is a very common way for Him to instruct us.  He may use a pastor or counselor.  He may use worship times to correct and instruct us.  Just stay focused and be sincere!  Seeking Him is the key!

If you need a prayer partner or want to talk about this season you’re passing through, feel free to contact me via a private message.  I’d be honored to walk with you and pray with you! 

THE GARDEN OF EDEN

We know that the Garden of Eden existed somewhere in the middle east – an area known as the fertile crescent. 

This envelops the current countries of Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Syria, and parts of Iraq and Iran.

Now, I’ve not visited this part of the world [except for an overnight in the Qatar airport – a miserable night], but the pictures, reports and video I’ve seen seems to reveal an area that is desolate, made up of desert and huge areas of wilderness.  [My perspective may need to be corrected – feel free to correct me.  These thoughts have been ruminating for years and I’m putting them out there today.]

When I’ve read through the Bible, I read repeatedly about the lush forests of Lebanon - so up until that time, apparently at least part of this area was still thriving ecologically.  For instance, in I Kings 5, Solomon made arrangements with Hiram, King of Tyre, to cut and transport Lebanon’s cedars to Jerusalem to build the Lord’s Temple! 

I have wondered frequently through the years how this region - that was once a paradise of fertility - has become a desert.

In reading Isaiah 10 today, I found myself pondering this again.  God is using Isaiah to warn His people that He is bringing His wrath - in the form of the Assyrian army - because the people have become so corrupt.  This judgment of God will cause the king of Assyria to sweep through Israel [the northern kingdom] and then Judea [the southern kingdom].  God/Isaiah warns that this destruction will be devastating! 

Some of the lines awaken my wonder about the ensuing deforestation of this rich area:

The light of God’s people will be like a fire that burns up the thorns and briars in a single day.  [v.17  -  All quotes from The Voice Bible unless otherwise noted]

 

God will consume the grandeur of his forest and fruitful fields [v.18]

 

So few trees will remain of his glorious forest that a child could count them. [v.19]

 

He [the Lord, the Eternal Commander of heavenly armies (v.33)] will wield the ax and cut down the brushy undergrowth of the forest; even the cedars of Lebanon fall before the Mighty One’s blow. [v.34]

Was God’s anger and disappointment with His people [and the neighboring countries] so severe that He brought about the devastation of the fertile crescent?

I did some light research on the effect of Israel’s return to the ‘Promised Land’ in 1948.  Clearly a transformation was begun at that time that continues to this day. 

“The Land of Israel before 1948 was a curious mixture of ancient, slow-moving and traditional ways of life…Jewish immigration and land purchases were increasingly changing a seemingly forgotten place. Jewish immigrants rapidly reinvigorated a land that had barely seen any infrastructure or modernization during a 400-year rule.

 

Jewish immigrants rapidly reinvigorated a land that had barely seen any infrastructure or modernization during a 400-year [Ottoman Empire] rule.

 

The physical landscape changed as advancements in water technology – which continued apace during the British Mandate period – particularly, irrigation and the ability to use even brackish water for agriculture, showed that even in the desert, human life could be sustained.

 

In addition, small towns began to grow into cities and new neighborhoods began to spill out from existing conurbations.” [https://honestreporting.com/land-of-israel-before-1948/]

Isn't this conundrum potentially one of the greatest - and longest lasting - lessons that we can observe from ancient times to the present?

It echoes God’s frustration with the rebellious people of Noah’s day.

“At that point God’s heart broke, and He regretted having made man in the first place.” [Genesis 6:6]

Wasn’t the defoliation of the fertile crescent a similar act of an angry and disappointed God who used the Assyrian army to join in the punishment of a people and their land?  After all, the people had clearly lost their sense of responsibility for being caretakers of the world God had created.

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” [Genesis 1:26-28 NASB]

Is it possible that we’ve missed one of the grandest expressions of God’s disappointment with humanity by failing to observe that He not only loves us, but He also loves the world that He created!  He gave us direct responsibility for being caretakers of this world He made!  The people He made have raped His creation and continue to show a massive disregard for the beauty that was originally produced by His hand. 

My deduction – if valid – seems to compel us, as His followers, to be much more engaged in our assigned role of ruling over THIS INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL AND FERTILE EARTH!

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Almighty God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit,

We observe the chronic negligence of Your people throughout history to appropriately prize, value and care for this spectacular creation You have made and given into our care. 

Forgive us! 

It affects us every day through litter control, wise use of limited resources, preserving beautiful sites, and careless disregard for our impact on an overwhelmed ecological balance. 

Teach us how to truly care for this creation that You love!  Help us to responsibly rediscover how to be the caretakers that You intended us to be!  May Your people lead the way in this endeavor! 

As we fulfill this mission, may we rediscover joy that comes in the process of loving what You made and what You love!

For Your Kingdom’s sake, Amen!

TWO GODLY MEN

Genesis 14 is the recording of an ancient battle between an alliance of four kings against the joined forces of five other kings. After very significant victories against numerous enemies, the four kings turned their attention to the five kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela.  A battle ensued in the valley of Siddim. 

Once again the coalition of four kings was victorious and the victors “…captured all of the spoils of battle from the retreating forces of Sodom and Gomorrah—their provisions, weapons, and other supplies. Then they left. But before they left they took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother who lived in Sodom, prisoner along with all of his goods. [vs.11-12  All scripture references will be from The Voice Bible]

Now we understand why this report has been included in our Old Testament! 

“…one of the men who had escaped the battle went and found Abram…He told Abram what had happened…As soon as Abram heard that his nephew had been taken prisoner, he secured his own camp and then took 318 “…of his most reliable and best-trained men (all born in his household) and pursued the enemy.” [vs.13-14]       

 

“When he caught up with them, Abram divided up his men, surrounded the enemy, and attacked them during the night. He and his soldiers crushed the invaders and pursued any survivors… After the battle Abram recovered all the spoils the enemy had taken and brought them back with him. He rescued his nephew Lot and brought him back, along with his goods; there were other captives, too, including some women whom he rescued.” [vs.15-16]

 Then something interesting and mysterious happened. 

The priest-king of Jerusalem, Melchizedek, came out to meet him as well and brought out bread and wine for them. Melchizedek was a priest of the One whom he called the “the Most High God.” Priest-king Melchizedek offered a special blessing to Abram. 

King Melchizedek: May Abram be blessed by the Most High God, Creator of the heavens and earth.  Blessing and honor to the Most High God, who has clearly delivered your enemies into your hands!

Abram gave the priest-king a tenth of all of the captured goods he was bringing back with him. [vs.18-20]

Then Melchizadek asked Abram for the people he had rescued, but offered all the spoils to Abram! However, Abram had pledged before God not to take anything except the food that his men had eaten –

“That way you could never take credit for any wealth of mine.” [v.23]  He did, however, advocate for three groups of men who had joined him in this battle: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.  Abram asked that they be given an appropriate share of the spoils. 

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Here we have the intersection of two godly men! 

Abram is drawn into a battle because of the poor choices his nephew, Lot, had made.  He – apparently without delay – came to Lot’s rescue.  There is no reference to Abram scolding Lot.  Lot was family!  There was no choice to be made!  Abram’s response was immediate and decisive! 

Abram maintained integrity throughout.  He rescued those who were not part of his family; and then turned them over to Melchizadek!  In keeping a promise he had made to God, Abram refused to participate in the dividing of the spoils of the war.  Abram lived for God, and God alone!  His complete dependence was on God.  He didn’t want or need the wealth of the considerable spoils.  God was already meeting all of his needs!

Melchizadek is a mysterious character [mentioned also in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7].  He was a priest of “the Most High God.” [v.18]  He was also the king of Salem [which would later become Jerusalem]! 

This is a remarkable report that is one of many instances indicating that God was working in many places – in addition to the calling of the people of Israel!  Many questions remain unanswered:

o   Who was this Melchizadek?

o   Where did he come from?

o   Who made him a priest?

o   Why did Abram treat him with such respect – giving him “…a tenth of all the captured goods” [v.20]?

We can only marvel that God was at work using different threads in different places to introduce Himself to the people spread across the land! 

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QUESTIONS TO PONDER PERSONALLY:

·         Are we men and women of sole commitment to God as Abram and Melchizadek?

·         Are we dependent on God – and God alone – to provide for all our needs?

·         Do we make commitments to God, and then honor those commitments no matter what happens?

·         Do we come to the rescue of family members who have fallen into harsh situations or who have made poor decisions?