(Genesis 14) give us the story of Abraham's kinsman, Lot being taken captive, along with his wives, and all of his possessions, by four kings who made war against the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela. When Abraham heard Lot had been taken prisoner, He went out with his "trained men". He pursued the four kings who defeated those of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela, and defeated them. Then, he brought Lot back, along with Lot's possessions, along with his women and people.
After this, the King of Sodom tried to pay tribute to Abraham. "And the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself." You all remember that God later destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness, right? Abraham refused to take any of the goods, saying, "I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth (or sworn a solemn oath), 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.' 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." In (Job 2:4), Satan said, "Skin for skin; a man will give up all he has for his life."
Do you get the feeling that Abram didn't want anything to do with whatever goods belonged to this wicked king? He didn't want to be indebted to him, did he? I also got the feeling that he really didn't want to be considered an ally, or even be associated with that wicked king. There's a lesson in that for us. When you think about what position that might have put Abram in later, when God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, we can see that Abram didn't want to weaken his faith in any way, or his relationship with the LORD. By refusing the goods, Abram was sparing himself any confusion, and/or hesitance on his part later. If I'm not indebted to, or associated with you, I won't have to have that conversation with myself. I'm just going to go right on down the road like I have been, and obey the LORD. It was Abraham, who later interceded on Job's behalf. That's why the two angels showed up in Sodom to save Lot and his family.
We can put ourselves into precarious positions when we align and associate ourselves with the wrong people, places, and things. (1Cor. 10:21) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.(2Cor. 6:15) What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? Although we're expected to be respectful and live peaceably with everyone, we're also expected to serve the LORD whole-heartedly, and we are not to put ourselves into compromising positions. In effect, that is building our house on sand. We have to be careful not to allow the standards and boundaries to become confused and crossed. And, we can see, that Abraham did have to intercede for Lot in order to save him and his family. His position may not have been as strong had he forged an association or alliance with the king of Sodom. Abram made sure there were absolutely "no strings attached." We have to do the same.
Love you from Café du Mondieu
Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, December 5, 2022, 1:22 p.m.
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