God Most High Series

El Elyon – God Most High

A tale of Two Kings

In Genesis 14 we read a tale of two kings - each one was the regent of a different city - Bera, was the King of Sodom and Melchizadek, was the King of Salem.

When you read this story you will see Sodom’s decadence compared to Salem’s decency. Bera’s opulence is sharply contrasted with Melchizadek’s holiness. And the compelling nature of evil stands along side that which is righteous and good.

Each king expected and claimed the homage and respect of Abram. Each one required his heart and his honor.

Abram was forced to choose between Bera and Melchizadek and he chose well.

This is a story that is repeated in every day, in every community, and in every person

It is a story that it has many layers and much complexity. This is a story of power and pride - of subtle persuasion and overt temptation. There is exaltation of the victory won and weariness of the battle fought.

There are as many stories as there are people. It is the story of life that is repeated every time a young man is awarded the MVP for his performance on the field of sports and he has to choose to be proud, accepting the accolades of his fans as one who deserves them or to be humble and wear them in the name of the team that got him there.

It is repeated every time a young woman decides whether she will look for love and acceptance in the free and easy love of a casual hook-up or she’ll determine that her love and acceptance will come from her loving Father-God.

It’s repeated every time an executive chooses to pad the expense report, co-mingle some accounts, or to tell a lie to a customer to get the sale

Lloyd Carr after the MSU & UM game

On a recent Saturday afternoon MSU played Michigan and lost. After the game with the a reporter stepped onto the football field and asked Lloyd Carr, the head coach for Michigan about the pass play in the final few minutes that almost lost them the game. He said, "who made the decision to call that play that almost ended in a disaster for your team?"

In his answer he could have blamed the offensive coach for his choice of the play. He could have said it was the quarterbacks call. He did neither. Lloyd Carr hesitated for the briefest instant and said, "I’m responsible". That’s leadership and that’s integrity.

Here is a man who has determinied who he is and how he will live.

You must also chose how you will live. Will you live to gain for yourself or will you live to serve others? Everyone has to make these choices. It starts with the 3 fundamental questions.

There are 3 questions everyone answer.

What is my goal in life? Or in other words, whom do I serve?

What is my reward in life? Or in other words, where do I get my blessings?

Where do I give my life? Or in other words, where do I bring my worship?

First, Abram’s Goal in life: Serve God Most High

A little background on the battle. Abram today would be called a “warlord”. Lot was part of his family and was taken captive by a combined group of warlords from another territory. Abram found out and took 390 of his men and went after him. He fought the battle with a classic pincer movement and routed his enemies.

When Abram returned from his victory over Chedorlaomer he was met by two kings. Bera, the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, King of Salem, brought to him bread and wine.

Genesis 14:17-18 (NCV)

17 After defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, Abram went home. As he was returning, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (now called King’s Valley).

18 Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was a priest for God Most High

Melchizedek is described as the priest of God Most High. Melchizedek means king of righteousness

His city was called “Salem” – lit. “peace”

He is describe as a man without mother or father

Melchizedek brought Abram the symbols of life. Bread which is the staff of life. Wine which is the blood where the life dwells.

Abram understood who he served. This is important and this is first.

Second, Abram’s Reward in Life: The Blessing of God Most High

Genesis 14:18-20 (NCV)

18 Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was a priest for God Most High 19 and blessed Abram, saying, “Abram, may you be blessed by God Most High, the God who made heaven and earth. 20 And we praise God Most High, who has helped you to defeat your enemies.”…