First, my apologies because this post is a bit later than normal.
Genesis today includes a vivid picture of the type of tribal conflicts in the Middle East that still make the headlines today. Notice that Abram goes after a coalition of kings using trained men from his own household. It says much about the level of their training and trust for each other.
When he returns, Abram meets a mysterious person named Melchizedek. This meeting has great significance and we will see it referred to much later this year when we read the New Testament book of Hebrews. Some scholars think that this may have been the first time in his life that Abram met another person who believed in only One, true God. Everyone around him worshiped many different gods, but not Abram. He is so moved that he presents a tenth of his battle spoils to this "Prince of Salem." Salem means peace and was also the name for ancient Jerusalem. What do you think about that?
At the close of the Genesis passage, Abram enters a blood covenant with God. Remember, forgiveness of sins requires blood to be shed.
Matthew is from the Sermon on the Mount and shows a deeper view of God's true standard. It's not enough that we outwardly try to obey. Our hearts must be changed. My personal blog today talks about that, if you care to take a look.
If Psalms doesn't express your heart experience today, I'm sure you can remember a time when you were broken because of your sins and failures.
In Proverbs, wisdom is crying out for attention.
Great comments yesterday! Dive in!
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Hi Pastor Sam -- do you think that Lot was being punished for being greedy (taking the most fertile land, water, etc.. Why is Abram building altars to the lord? a place to worship GOd? thanks michelle
ReplyDeleteGreat questions, Michelle. I don't know if it was so much that Lot was being punished as it was Lot ignored the dangers around him and focused on his own desires. He WAS being greedy and wanted the best for himself so he chose not to see the damage that could come from it.
ReplyDeleteYes, Abram was building altars to God because a permanent place of worship hadn't been established. That wouldn't happen until much later.
Hope this helps.
Sam