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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Melchizedek declared you to be, “God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth” (Gen 14:19). You own the earth and all it contains. You deliver some and you overthrow others. With Abram, I acknowledge your lordship and praise your name. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about a man named Abram. Abram, a descendant of Shem, was an ordinary man living a pagan life in Ur. You sovereignly chose him to be the father of your future people Israel and the ancestor of Jesus, the Messiah. You preached the gospel to him when you said, “And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Gen 12:3; Gal 3:8). Abram responded to your call in faith (Heb 11:8), and by faith he lived in his own land as a sojourner, patiently waiting on your time-table (Heb 11:9). When Lot was captured by Chedorlaomer’s coalition of kings, Abram pursued them with his servants and attacked them near Damascus. With your help, he defeated them and recovered Lot, his family and their possessions. Afterward, he was privileged to meet the high priest Melchizedek, who was a type of your Son, Jesus Christ (Ps 110:4). This incident revealed two important facts about Abram’s character: 1) he had courage that came from you, for when facing a powerful foe, he attacked, and 2) he was prepared, for his men had been trained for a potential conflict. I never know when I might be called on to complete a difficult task. Like Abram, I should prepare for those times and take courage from you when they come.[1] Reflection The story of Abraham deceiving Pharaoh is convicting. How many times have I tried to solve my problems on my own, or taken matters into my own hands out of fear? How often have others, especially those closest to me, been hurt by my lack of faith? Request Father, remind me to bring my fears and concerns to you and to trust in your providential care. Help me, like Sarah, to submit to my earthly and spiritual authorities, even when I think their decisions are wrong. Thanksgiving Thank you for your guidance and protection. You are leading me through life just like you led Abram. How wonderful to be under your watchful eye! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “To Abraham and Sarah” by Judith Fetter. Meditation Verse: Genesis 14:22–23. |
[1] Chronological Life Application Study Bible NLT. Tyndale House Publishers.