Blessing: From God or Man?

The four kings (Chedorlaomer, Tidal, Amraphel and Arioch) took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food and went on. They also took Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, for he was living in Sodom, and they went on. Genesis 14:11,12

Lot was finding out what went with living in Sodom, bondage. It is amazing how something or someone can look so good but be so wrong. Lot chose to live near Sodom in the well watered plains. I wonder if he knew the history and that the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah plus a few others were in bondage to Chedorlaomer and planned to rebel. Their rebellion ended up in war and Lot ended up a spoil of the war.

Abram was informed and took 318 men from his camp, trained in warfare, and they pursued Chedorlaomer and surprised him and was able to bring Lot and all the possessions taken back. 

Abram was met on his return by two kings: the king of Sodom and Melchizedek. Melchizedek suddenly appears out of no where, to us that is, and blesses Abram with a word from The Lord. Then Abram gives him a tenth of everything. 

The king of Sodom offers Abram all the possessions but Abram knows the difference. He chose the Lord's blessing over the man of flesh. He said: "I have raised my hand in an oath to Yahweh, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or sandal strap or anything that belongs to you, so you can never say, 'I made Abram rich. I will take nothing except what the servants have eaten. But as for the share of the men who came with me, they can take their share.'

Why did Melchizedek appear at this precise moment? Was he protecting Abram? Was he testing him? Probably both but what I sense was a deepening relationship with The Lord. Abram was beginning to understand and cherish God above all else. This is how He does relationship. Oh to wait, trust and allow Him into our lives is treasure indeed. God's presence and His blessing is better than any other. Gid visits those who trust Him. Let Him in, give Him honour, make Him room. Amen!

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