Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” (Genesis 14:22–23 NAS95)
Abram had just won a battle to rescue his nephew Lot and the king of Sodom wanted to share the spoils of war with him. In this context, Abram recalls a promise he made to God. These words point to a real, felt and trusted relationship with a personal God, Who Abram knew to be present. The bond with God produced a deep loyalty in Abram, so he expressed his desire that God alone would be the source of his riches.
The walk from Ur to the rescue of Lot included thousands of talks with God. Those talks marked Abram’s soul with God’s goodness. In fact, normal for Abram, included daily interaction with God — not just the times we see in Scripture. That’s why Abram recognizes as true the words Melchizedek had just spoken, that God had blessed, protected and granted the victory. To honor his relationship with God, Abram refused to be enriched by any other and he’d made a promise to keep it that way. He desired all to know the reality of the goodness of God. I stand amazed at the enhanced experience in life that Abram had by simply engaging in regular conversation with God.
For Reflection:
“I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.” (Psalms 17:6 NAS95)
- Take a moment to consider how your conversations with God have influenced your life? What do you notice?
- How would you describe your “normal” for interacting with God?
