Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Holy Qurbana – Commemoration & Experience of the Salvic Event
Key Verse: Genesis 14:20 – “Worthy of praise is the Most High God, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
Genesis chapter 14 begins with a description of an alliance between 4 kings (Amraphel, Arioch, Kedorlaomer, and Tidal) who went to war against 5 kings (Bera, Birsha, Shinab, Shemeber, and Zoar). These were all kings of city states in those times and the war took place in the valley of Siddim. In today’s time this is the valley of the Dead Sea. This happened in the 13th year of the rebellion of the 5 kings against the 4 kings alliance.
Verses 5-7 describes the fighting between the two groups and the ultimate result (verse 8-11) of the 4 kings prevailing over the 5 kings.
In verses 12-16, we see that Lot (Abram’s nephew) was a part of the group that was conquered by the 4 kings. When Abram (Abraham) was informed of this, he rallied 318 soldiers, defeated the people of the 4 kings and rescued Lot, his possessions, the women, and the rest of the people.
As we focus on the passage starting from verse 17, we see that when Abram returned in victory, Melchizedek king of Salem, greeted Abram with bread and wine. The significance of Melchizedek is that he was considered a King and Priest of the Most High God. When Abram was praised, he was thankful to Melchizedek and offered a tenth of everything as tithe. This is one of the places where we see this custom which we have all learned. Further, we see that the King of Sodom (who’s a part of the 5 kings) came to Abram after his victory and say, “Give me the people and take the possessions for yourself.” Abram refused and said he did not want any from him as he did not want words to be spread that the King of Sodom made Abram rich.
The moral of this entire passage is that family was something Abram was willing to risk dying for, just as Jesus Christ died for us. He knew that going against thousands with only 318 soldiers would be difficult, but he was willing to risk it all to save Lot and his family. Jesus Christ knew from the time as a child that His life would be difficult and that His sacrifice was required for us to have eternal life.
Thereafter, Abram was tempted to receive rewards for his success, but refused because he knew that he did not need earthly things. His reward was Heavenly and something that has been passed to all of us for generations.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, we thank you for the many blessings you have provided. We thank you for the sacrifices you have made for us to have an opportunity for salvation. We thank you for the lesson you taught through Abram that anything is possible through your power and that you should be the one that receives the glory in all our blessing.
Thought for the Day
Know that God is there during all struggles; big and small. He will provide for you and all you must do is believe and give Him glory.
Bobby Mathew
Sehion Mar Thoma Church ,Dallas, Texas
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church