The Battle After the Battle

“I will not take a thread or sandal strap or anything that belongs to you.” —Genesis 14:23

Abram had just fought and won against a massive military alliance from the east while rescuing his nephew, Lot. This was a public battle, a supernatural outcome, a God thing.

But when Abram returned, he was faced with a second battle. He was met by two kings. Melchizedek, the king-priest of Salem—thought to be a preincarnate appearance of Christ Himself—fed Abram with bread and wine, blessed him in the name of God Most High, and led him to worship. The king of Sodom, however, bargained with Abram by encouraging him to “take the possessions for yourself” (Gen. 14:21).

Abram could have justified accepting the pagan king’s offer. But he had sought his refreshment first in the fellowship and presence of the Lord, and as a result was able to resist the temptation to seek relief in fleshly pursuits or temporal rewards.

We’re sure to lose the “battle after the battle” if we don’t quickly receive the provision, rest, and replenishment of soul that Christ, our King of Salem (peace), offers.

------------------

The Quiet Place: Daily Devotional Readings
©2012 Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Scripture taken from The CSB