God is always testing our loyalty and faithfulness to Him. He measures our convictions. He looks to see if we are interesting in serving self or God and others. As we advance in maturity, He tests our inner motivations. It’s one thing to obey instructions given by someone—even God. It’s another thing to do what you believe deep inside is right and follow your convictions.
RELEVANCE
Abraham was given an interesting opportunity to sense good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness. A figure, introduced as Melchizedek king ofSalem, appears before Abraham with bread and wine. Scripture says he was the priest of God Most High.
Immediately, Abraham gives him a tithe. Who really was this individual, that he deserved the title—priest of God Most High? How did Abraham really know who he was? Why did Abraham give Him his tithe?
Another individual appears on the scene; the king ofSodom, land of sin. He boldly says to Abraham, “Give me the people (literally, souls) and take the goods for yourself.” Abraham responds, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” (Genesis 14:18-23)
Abraham passed an important test. He honored God. He acknowledged Melchizedek’s priestly role and authority as representing God. It would later be revealed in Hebrews 7:3 that Melchizedek was “made like the Son of God.”
Truly, it was in faith out of his own free will, not by requirement of the law, that he gave the LORD a tithe. This occurred several hundred years before Moses. He, therefore, had conviction of heart that his giving was totally to the LORD.
God, therefore, acknowledged Abraham’s faith, and in a dream declared, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) Abraham scored big. He demonstrated that God could trust him. He solidified God’s favor.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What issues are you dealing with as it relates to giving? What is your heart revealing to God, who alone sees your deepest motivations?
REFERENCES
Genesis 14:1-24; Galatians 6:22-24