Journey Through the Bible in a Year
Reading God's Word and learning more about His plan for my life each day!
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Introduction to Journey Through the Bible
A note about online study
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, today is an important day in the life of our congregation, as we start our Wednesday nurture and discipleship ministry for all ages. I pray that you will bless all the leaders as well as the participants that we will put You first in all that we think, say and do. I claim the promise of Your word for each and everyone of us that if we seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness that You will add all that we need for our daily living. I pray that we may, indeed, seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness first in our lives, that You may be glorified in us and receive all the honor due Your Holy name. These things I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
My Journey Verses for Today
Genesis 14:1-20
1 About this time war broke out in the region. King Amraphel of Babylonia, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Kedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim 2 fought against King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (now called Zoar). 3 The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela formed an alliance and mobilized their armies in Siddim Valley (that is, the valley of the Dead Sea). 4 For twelve years they had all been subject to King Kedorlaomer, but now in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 One year later, Kedorlaomer and his allies arrived. They conquered the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in the plain of Kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in Mount Seir, as far as El-paran at the edge of the wilderness. 7 Then they swung around to En-mishpat (now called Kadesh) and destroyed the Amalekites, and also the Amorites living in Hazazon-tamar. 8 But now the army of the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (now called Zoar) prepared for battle in the valley of the Dead Sea 9 against King Kedorlaomer of Elam and the kings of Goiim, Babylonia, and Ellasar – four kings against five. 10 As it happened, the valley was filled with tar pits. And as the army of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some slipped into the tar pits, while the rest escaped into the mountains. 11 The victorious invaders then plundered Sodom and Gomorrah and began their long journey home, taking all the wealth and food with them. 12 They also captured Lot – Abram's nephew who lived in Sodom – and took everything he owned. 13 One of the men who escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was camped at the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram's allies. 14 When Abram learned that Lot had been captured, he called together the men born into his household, 318 of them in all. He chased after Kedorlaomer's army until he caught up with them in Dan. 15 There he divided his men and attacked during the night from several directions. Kedorlaomer's army fled, but Abram chased them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Abram and his allies recovered everything – the goods that had been taken, Abram's nephew Lot with his possessions, and all the women and other captives. 17 As Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and his allies, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18 Then Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought him bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who has helped you conquer your enemies." Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
Reflecting on God's Word for My Journey
When have you most felt that others around you were making a concerted effort to do you harm?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word for My Journey
What is the situation described in today’s reading? (14:1-12)
How did Abram respond to the situation and what was the outcome? (14:13-20)
Understanding God's Will for My Journey
What is the significance of Abram’s intervention on Lot’s part in today’s reading?
Why did Abram give Melchizedek a tithe of the “spoils” of the battle?
Applying What God's Word Tells Me to My Journey
What can you take from this account of an ancient battle involving Abram, that you can apply to your life TODAY?
My Personal Journey Thought for the Day—“Abram to the Rescue!”
Today’s account offers us a long description of the political alliances in the region of Canaan in Abram’s day. Notice that Lot is a “pawn” in the picture, while Abram isn’t even part of the “game.” Lot, who had chosen the “best” land, also became part and parcel of the culture of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abram, on the other hand, kept himself separate from the situation, and trusted God to watch over and care for Him. Eventually, Lot’s connection with the culture cost him and his family their freedom. Thankfully, one of Lot’s servants escaped with the news that Lot and his family had been taken captive and shared it with Abram. Abram immediately gathered together a relatively small fighting force and followed after Lot’s captors. We are told that God delivered victory to Abram. Upon his return, Abram was met by the priest, Melchizedek. We are told in Hebrews that Melchizedek is a “type” of Jesus, as he had no parents and no beginning or end. In any case, Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe of the spoils of the battle, and Melchizedek blessed Abram. After this encounter Lot returned to his home, and more trouble would follow as we shall see. Abram also returned home where he received even more blessings from the Lord. The contrasts between Lot and Abram show us that following the Lord has abundant practical benefits that choosing the “best” the world has to offer can never bring! As we go about this day, may we remember to choose God, and the best will be ours!
To view other studies from our Journey Through the Bible, click here.