Nothing More Than Was Left Over….

Abram (not yet Abraham) had many flaws in his character, but he also had several qualities that God saw in him that made him the right man for the task God had for him. Abram was smart, tough, and humble. He has brilliant glimpses of selflessness. Here in Genesis chapter 14 we get a small view of His character. He could’ve hoarded all the spoils of his victory in battle, but he chose to take nothing more than what was left over after rewarding his men and giving the king of Sodom what belonged to him. Then on top of that he gave Melchizedek 10% of all he recovered from the raid. Abram had a lot, for He was very rich, but he did not covet what he had, and he did not pursue acquiring more. When you get to a certain point in your life where you do not desire things, God will start using you in different ways to recover what was lost. It’s very a rewarding process, intrinsically speaking.

17 After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some 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 defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies–Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.” Genesis 14:17-24