Genesis 14:1-24

Again we see that Lot provides the occasion for an important event in Abram’s journey of faith.  Sodom and the other cities in the area were attack by the king of Babylon (Shinar), a known figure in history (known as Kedar-Lagamar or Kedar-el-Ahmar).  He, with several other kings, had allied themselves that they might subjugate other nations of the day.  The kings of the 5 cities of the plain of the Jordan at the southern end of the Dead Sea rebelled and thus brought on themselves a war which they did not win.  The result was that Lot and his family and possessions were taken captive along with the rest.

Now we might think that Abram had some alternate choices.  The most logical is that he should simply say, Lot made his bed; let him lay in it.  But the fact is that Abraham feels a responsibility for the son of his dead brother.  Even though Lot made a poor decision Abram is not able to turn away from Lot in his time of need.

One aspect of faith that we see in Abram’s actions is the willingness to step down in order to step up.  He is willing to condescend in helping Lot.  Not only does he save his mistaken nephew; he also saves the wicked people of Sodom.  This speaks to us of our Lord Jesus Christ who humbled Himself, leaving the glory of heaven that He might give His life on the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).

Another aspect of faith is seen when Abram refuses to enrich himself by the wealth of Sodom (v22-24).  It may have been that as Abram worshiped with Melchizedek (we will more fully consider Him later) that he had made this promise of faith to the Lord that he would not accept anything from the wicked king.  Both Melchizedek and Abram use the name God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.  

Abram honors God by his refusal to depend on the wicked for the fulfillment of God’s promise.  At stake is the truth of God Most High.  This is a name of God, first used here in Scripture.  This name is used in the dealings of God’s people with the people of the world.  As we have noted, worship was part of every nation that was coming into existence after the flood.  But for the most part that worship was corrupted, as was the case in Sodom.  Abram’s faith here was in the one God who is above all gods, God Most High.  

Abram had stepped down to help Lot; but in the end he exalted God.  Faith unashamedly exalts God before the people of this world.