A Man of Faith, Genesis 14:18—24

God had called Abram, and Abram was obedient and set out from Ur, to a location God had not disclosed to him. Lot went Abram. And Abram followed God. In the course of time, we find Lot living in Sodom. Soon we find Lot not only living in Sodom, but a captive in Sodom. Without a doubt we learn that worldliness will always lead to spiritual bondage. But I wish to examine Abram’s character, not Lot’s. In this incident, we see Abram as—

1. A man of understanding, verses 13, 14. How would we have responded to such news? “I told him it would come to this.” “What did he expect would happen?” “He’s only getting what he deserves.” And so it goes; Christian compassion on display. Bondage is the wage of worldliness. Even so, Lot seeks help and deliverance. And those who walk in faith; who walk in fellowship with God should not and cannot be indifferent to the sufferings, pain and sorrows of their brothers. Abram was not indifferent. He was sympathetic and compassionate.

2. A man of courage, Verses 14, 15. With a handful of servants, Abram marches against the four kings. A man of faith can attempt and accomplish great things. The man of faith knows that God can use the weak things to the world confound the mighty. Abram’s faith was motivated by love; he loved Lot, and that love and care compelled him to do this great deed. Great faith always attempts to do what seems impossible. WE can think of Nehemiah, Moses and Paul (Philippians 4:13).

3. A man of power, verse 16. Abram, as the “separated man,” lived and walked in the presence of God. He went out to battle after having been in the holy, soul-inspiring presence of God. The victory is complete. Lot mingled with the ungodly and was totally unable to help himself. Only the separated one can come to the aid of others. If we would walk and live in victory, we need to be separated from the world unto God. The branch that would produce fruit my always abide in the vine!

4. A man of independence, verse 23. Abram took all he could get from the King of Salem, but he was a priest of God; but Abram would take nothing from the godless king of Sodom. God supplied Abram’s needs. God prospered Abram. Abram would take nothing that would rob God of any of the glory He deserved. Abram was independent because he knew God was his source and he didn’t need the riches of the world. A believer is independent when he is totally dependent on God. Deuteronomy 32:9 is clear: The Lord is the portion of His people.

5. A man approved by God, verses 18, 19. He also refreshed him with “bread and wine.” Jesus Christ, the Priest of the Most High God, also blesses and refreshes all those who, like Abram, move ahead in faith, in His Name, to walk and to work for the Lord and to make war against the enemies of the faith. It is a singular blessing to meet the Priest who blesses when we need Him the most. We find Jesus when we are at our lowest ebb; tired and battle weary from the struggle of faith. For the one who lives by faith—the separated one—many a battle will be fought on behalf of others. But Jesus, the One who knows our strengths and our weaknesses, will meet us with help and blessing. Don’t you want to hear those words: “Well done” spoken to you?