In the previous sermon we studied in depth about the need to make wise, and godly choices. We were reminded that while some decisions are inconsequential, others have a permanent effect on our lives. We considered Abraham and his nephew Lot. Lot made some wrong choices that landed him in Sodom, as a result of which he encountered numerous problems. We must seek God to help us make the right choices, knowing that for every erroneous choice, there will be untold consequences.
Every decision has consequence
Initially when God called Abraham, Lot made a wise choice to leave his country, and the gods he worshipped to go along with Abraham. However, when there was increase in his livestock, Lot’s eyes got fixed towards the wealth he acquired, and so decided to part ways with Abraham. The consequence was that when some kings rallied together against Sodom, they defeated Sodom, carried away everything from Sodom, including Lot, his family and all his possessions. Lot was now in a despicable situation, and lost all that he thought he could keep securely with him.
It is important for us to examine ourselves to see what we have our eyes focused on.
We read in James 4:4 “whoever wants to be a friend to the world puts himself down as an enemy to God.” (Williams)
We too like Lot have begun this journey of faith, but only if our eyes are fixed on Jesus will we be able to attain the promise land that God has prepared for us. Anyone who chooses to be a friend of this world, will certainly become an enemy of God.
Training is vital for our spiritual growth
Abraham too made certain decisions. When Abraham heard about Lot’s predicament, that he was taken captive by kings from Sodom, he took along with him the servants whom he had trained for warfare. Though Abraham had everything, he was not idle, but made every effort to train the servants in his home, so that when encountered with a crisis the men were ready for battle. They went out fought and won the battle, bringing back Lot, his family and everything that was taken away from him.
When we are born again we are like new born babes in a spiritual sense. If we intend to grow we too need to be nourished and trained, just like Abraham trained his servants. A good example of this is of how parents rejoice when a baby is born, and celebrate with elation when the baby completes a year. However, if after five years the child still has no development, their joy would most certainly turn to sorrow. So also, if we have been born into the Kingdom of God, and are not growing as the Lord desires of us, the rejoicing that was in heaven when we came to know the Lord will turn to grief. We must therefore be trained to grow in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Don’t make the same mistakes over and over again
When Abraham brought Lot back from captivity, Lot had a choice to be reconciled, and stay with Abraham. However, Lot chose to go back to Sodom and lived there.
To those who have prayed and received deliverance from the Lord in some areas, it would be unwise to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. We must choose to not go back to Sodom like Lot did.
A few lessons from Genesis 14
In Genesis chapter 14 the word ‘king’ or ‘kings’ appears 28 times. In the New Testament in Revelation 1:6 we read, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; (KJV) We are referred to as kings and priests. A king is one who has a kingdom, and is endowed with power and authority. There are three types of kings that I was able to identify in this chapter.
1. King of Covetousness
The first thought that comes to our mind when we think of a king is of someone who goes to war. The main reason kings went to war, was that they sought to extend their territory, and were never satisfied with what they had.
We read in James 4:1, What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren't they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you? (GW)
There are some people who have this kind of spirit of quarrelling. They fight at home, with their neighbors, on the streets and at their work place. In many families there is constant conflict between spouses or siblings. These disputes primarily begin in our mind. Whenever we have a sense of dissatisfaction, and are filled with selfish desires, there is bound to be dissensions.
Seeking God and His Kingdom should be our top priority
When Jesus was preaching in one place about the Kingdom of heaven, someone in the crowd said to him as recorded in Luke 12:13, “Teacher, tell my brother to give me my share of the inheritance that our father left us." (GW)
In Luke 12:14, And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? (KJV)
As Jesus was teaching the great crowds that had gathered to hear him, about important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, and exhorting them to boldly confess what they believe when a man in the crowd shouted out to Jesus asking him to command his brother to give him his share of the inheritance. The main purpose of Jesus coming to the earth was to preach about the Kingdom of God, and enable people to realize that that they were bound to hell because of their sins, but that salvation was possible only through His redemptive work on the cross.
Here was a man who instead of listening to the valuable teaching of Jesus, was so preoccupied with his earthly possessions, that he failed to receive the word, and instead sought Jesus to act as an arbiter between him and his brother to help him get what was his due. Jesus was categorical that this was not his job, because He did not come to play judge or divider between people.
If like that man the sole purpose of our seeking God is for material blessings, this is the exact response we will receive from the Lord. The thing that matters most to God is that our soul should be saved, and we must find entrance into the Kingdom of God. Our desire therefore must be to believe in Jesus, and obey His word implicitly, for only then all else will fall into place. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)
The reason why we have so much of sin, sickness, poverty, troubles in this world is because of sin which entered this world, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Jesus Christ came to set this right which is really the basis for all other problems that we face. Instead of settling this issue of sin and getting right with God, many are trying to rectify the problems that appear on the surface. When we become true citizens of the Kingdom of God, all that seems in disarray will be set right by God.
We read in Luke 12:15, And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (BBE)
This world is constantly seeking for material things, and there always seems to be something better, so the heart of man is never satisfied. For example one may purchase a cell phone or a television. A year or so later it seems that the model is outdated, and then they start making all excuses as to why they need a better, and latest model. Jesus is forthright that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses. Let us learn to be thankful to the Lord for all that he has graciously entrusted to us. Instead when we seek after the Lord, in His perfect time He will provide us with what He thinks is best for us.
When Jesus ministering here on earth, He had no place to call his own or to lay His head. Often he had to walk long distances between places, and yet when He had to enter Jerusalem, there was a donkey that belonged to someone that was readily available for Jesus to use. So also when Jesus had to celebrate the Passover feast with His disciples, He sent two of His disciples who found that someone had kept a room prepared for Jesus, and His disciples to observe the Passover. We have a God who can take care of every need, and provide for us what is necessary at just the right time. We must only learn to have a heart of thankfulness and contentment.
Many children are constantly demanding things from their parents. It is good for children to realize that they should complete their studies, find a job, work hard and then buy things that they desire to have. Children should in no way be a constant source of burden to their parents, and must be willing to accept when parents refuse to get them some things, knowing that it is for their own good.
We read in Colossians 3:1-2, If then you have a new life with Christ, give your attention to the things of heaven where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Keep your mind on the higher things, not on the things of earth. (BBE)
Here Paul is exhorting the church that if they have truly been risen with Christ, they should set their minds or attention on heavenly things, and not get distracted by earthly possessions. It does not imply that we have to live like paupers here on earth, but the fact of the matter is that when we sincerely seek after the Lord, He is faithful to meet all of our earthly needs without any delay. Let us be reminded from Proverbs 10:22, The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. (NLT), which goes to imply that the blessings that come from man will not give joy, but sorrow.
2. King of Peace
We read in Genesis 14:18, Then King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High. (GW)
We also read in Hebrews 7:2 (b), The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” (NLT)
Melchizedek who appeared to Abraham, was a king of peace who was united with God. He was also a priest of God Most High.
It is necessary for us to analyze if we are those who create conflict or those who bring peace in situations that are tumultuous. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (ESV) We therefore infer that those who constantly quarrel or cause dissensions are most certainly the sons of the evil one.
We read in Genesis 14:20, Blessed is God Most High, who has handed your enemies over to you." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (GW)
When Abraham fought, won the battle and brought back Lot, his family and all his possessions back, on the way back Abraham met Melchizedek, who greeted him with these words as found in Genesis 14:20. Just in case Abraham had an inkling of pride that he and his men had accomplished a great feat by defeating the kings, and rescuing Lot, Melchizedek had to remind him that it was God Most High who gave him the victory over his enemies.
Our victories come not because of our skill, our efficiencies, our education or hard work but only by the grace of God, for every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father in heaven. It is only when we acknowledge the Lord in every blessing can we be assured of His continued hand of grace to be upon our lives. It is only the grace of God that keeps us standing firm, and saves us from destruction. Our hearts must be filled with gratefulness to the Lord for our life, our health, our family, children and for every blessing that He has graciously bestowed on us.
When Melchizedek met Abraham, he brought him bread and wine. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus which was broken for us, and the wine represents the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross for our sins. We celebrate communion, by breaking bread and drinking wine, because Jesus commanded us to do so as often as we can, to remember his death, burial and resurrection. We are directed to do so, until the day when Jesus will come again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is not a tradition, but as a remembrance of Jesus’ finished work on the cross on our behalf.
The table of the Lord is open to all. When Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the Passover, one of those present at the table was Judas Iscariot the one who betrayed. Jesus knew the beginning and the end of Judas Iscariot, but He still did not hinder him from participating at that Passover meal. The Lord’s table is open to all, but we have to examine our hearts, repent and be rid of all our sins, remind ourselves that our curses are broken, our sins are forgiven and we are reassured that we are children of God. Nobody should make us feel guilty or unworthy, but we have to examine ourselves before God every time we partake of the communion. None of us are worthy by ourselves, or by our own righteousness for it is only by the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross have we received the right to be called sons and daughters of God.
When Adam and Eve sinned, what followed was that all other human beings were plunged into sin, despair and were at enmity with God. We had no hope that is why Jesus came down to redeem us from sin, and the clutches of the evil one, by living a sinless life, and dying a sacrificial death on our behalf on the cross of Calvary. The bread and wine we partake in the communion is a reminder that Jesus took our place, and therefore we are to be aware that we cannot continue to live in sin. Jesus restored back the friendship and fellowship with God the Father which mankind had lost because of sin. Jesus restored back to us the blessed privilege whereby we can call God ‘Abba Father’.
The peace that we enjoy today, is only because God the Father willingly sent Jesus to take our sins and die in our place. It was His immense love, and sacrifice that made it possible for us to be recipients of this beautiful relationship of being at peace with God. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission for our sins. No pilgrimage or sacrifice can ever rid us of our sins, for only the precious blood of Jesus can accomplish that for us. It cost Jesus His life, but it is absolutely free for anyone who believes and is willing to accept this. We read in Isaiah 53:5, He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. (GW)
3. King of this World
We read in Genesis 14:21-23, The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and keep everything else for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I now raise my hand and solemnly swear to the LORD God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, that I won't take a thread or a sandal strap. I won't take anything that is yours so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' (GW)
The King of Sodom represents those whom the enemy uses to tempt us to acquire things that are contrary to God’s will. When the King of Sodom tempted Abram with all the wealth and riches, he refused to accept any of it, because Abram knew that the source of all his blessings was God Himself. Abram was not willing to take a thread or a sandal strap, because his hands were lifted up towards the Lord Most High, maker of heaven and earth whom Abraham knew had bestowed him with bountiful riches. He did not wish to share the glory that was due to God alone to an ordinary human, even if he was a king.
When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he took Him to a very high mountain, showed him all the splendor of the world and said he could give it to Him, if He was willing to bow down and worship him. Jesus replied him and said, ‘away from me Satan, worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’
There are many believers who are associated with the wrong people, and have ended up in much trouble, therefore it is crucial that we are cautious about the kind of company we keep. When Abraham was allured he resisted because his confidence was in God who had richly blessed him, so also we must acknowledge that all of our blessings come from God alone.
Jesus said in John 14:30, I will no longer speak many things with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. (EMTV)
Jesus warned us that Satan, who is the ruler of this world was coming, and that He was firm that he would have nothing to do with Him. We too must have nothing to do with those people who are under the influence of the evil one.
In conclusion let us examine ourselves to know if we are those who have the peace of God inside us, and are instruments of peace wherever we go. We must never be those who are covetous who create conflict, and dissensions amongst others. We live in a world that is constantly alluring us with things, but we should seek the wisdom from God to discern, and a firm heart to shun those things that are not from the Lord. May the peace of God fill our hearts so that we will be ministers of peace and reconciliation.
Rev. F. Andrew Dixon
www.goodnewsfriends.net
