Where has the time gone?! It’s 3:00 on Wednesday afternoon, and I’m finally getting around to posting this week’s summary. This is our last lesson until after Christmas. I’m always amazed at how God gives me this break just when I need it! It will be nice to set aside my weekly BSF preparations to focus on personal quiet time and family events over the next few weeks.
Speaking of preparations, this lesson shows us how Abram prepared for a battle, before it happened. Do I prepare spiritually for my battles every day? God gives me everything I need to fight my spiritual battles.
Abram found out that Lot was taken captive in a battle of warring kings. Without hesitation, Abram took his trained men to rescue Lot. Abram had a battle plan, which included training men in his household and attacking the enemy’s camp at night. Abram and his men were successful. They rescued Lot, his family and his possessions.
God doesn’t give us physical weapons today. But He does give us His Word, His promises, His Spirit, His character, prayer and even other warriors who help us fight our battles. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 to discover the armor of God that He gives to every believer. We discussed this more in depth last year. We don’t prepare for battle just one time. The continual, lifelong process called sanctification strengthens us for battle every day.
Do I have a battle plan? Do I use the other warriors in the trenches with me to help me fight my battles? Who needs me to come alongside them as they fight a battle? How am I preparing for battles now so I’m ready to fight them when they come?
Abram had a godly attitude toward Lot, even after Lot treated him so badly. Abram forgave Lot, did not have any bitterness, did not hold a grudge and was not angry. Abram saw that Lot was in need, and he quickly helped him. How do I respond to the needs of those who have hurt me? How quickly do I respond to someone who needs me? When I respond, do I have the right heart attitude like Abram?
After Abram’s victory, two of the “winning” kings met Abram and his warriors. The first is King Melchizedek. He brought refreshment and blessings for Abram and his men. Melchizedek was a king and a priest. He is a picture of Jesus as our High Priest and King. Melchizedek’s brief appearance in Genesis set the stage for Jesus to fulfill this prophecy 1,000 years later!
Melchizedek blessed Abram for serving God Most High and gave God the glory for the victory in the battle. Abram offered a tenth (tithe) of his possessions to God through Melchizedek as a way to worship God.
The other king who met Abram was the king of Sodom. He offered to pay Abram with the spoils of war, and Abram was entitled to this payment. But he refused it and instead gave God the credit for his victory. What do I do with the credit man gives to me? Do I turn it back and give glory to God?
This semester break offers a good chance to review where we’ve been this year. It’s hard to believe that we’re almost halfway through this study. I said that I wanted to learn more about God’s character this year. The most compelling thing I’ve seen about God so far in this study is His sovereignty, His absolute power over everything. He is sovereign in all of His plans. I’ve seen His sovereignty in creating the universe and mankind, in offering salvation even after we failed Him, in providing a way out for Noah and his family and in being present with Abram.
I’ve also been amazed at Abram’s close relationship with God, which led to his obedience. We’ve already seen Abram fail when he went to Egypt, and we’ll see him fail again. But through these missteps, Abram continued to trust God and His sovereign plan for his life.
What have you enjoyed about our first 14 weeks in Genesis?
Avery has refused to say her verse on camera this week! Maybe I can get her to cooperate later this week.