Active Faith - Part 2 (Genesis 14:1–24)

“During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.” (Genesis 14:15–16, NIV).

Five Canaanite kings rebelled against four Mesopotamian overlords. The four kings led forces to quell the uprising.  The battle occurred in the Siddim Valley.  Lot, living in Sodom was captured and his uncle, Abram mounted a force to rescue him.  The account is summarized in only a few verses, but as one can readily see, that was no small adventure to chase these forces from the Siddim Valley to Damascus.  With 318 men, Abram "brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot." [1] 

This kinsman Lot, we must remember, recently quarreled with Abram and when given a choice, took the best land (Genesis 30:10-11).  Now Abram when given the choice, rescues his ungrateful nephew from the hands of his oppressors.  "Justly might Abram have upbraided Lot with his folly in quarreling with him and removing from him, and have told him that he was well enough served, he might have known when he was well off; but, in the charitable breast of pious Abram, it is all forgiven and forgotten, and he takes this opportunity to give a real proof of the sincerity of his reconciliation." [2] 

Like the "Seed" that would come from Abram, many years, who would be the blessing to all families of all nations, Abram gave up his rights for Lot. Paul wrote: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV).  

Father our rebellion and quarrel with you is a million times more horrid than Lot to Abram.  Abram risked his life to rescue Lot.  The Lord Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, gave His life that we could be free.   With Charles Wesley we sing, "How can it be, that thou my God should'est die for me?" Amazing love!  Grant me today not only the grace to help my brothers and sisters in need, but even to show Christ-like love for my enemies.  

 

_____________________________

1.  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ge 14:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

2. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (38). Peabody: Hendrickson.