May 21: A FADING ECHO OF BENEDICTION

So [Abram] brought back all the goods and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people. Genesis 14:16

The concept of restoration accompanies this account of bringing back all the goods…and the people following the attack of the Elamites and their allies. As the king of Sodom, who had fled in the midst of battle, went out to meet Abram upon his return (v.17), the attention of the people was suddenly directed heavenward.

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. Genesis 14:18

When Lot had first moved to the plain, the level of corruption there had not yet reached its fulness. In His mercy, God sent rays of light to pierce the moral darkness of the cities on the plain. The people of Sodom knew Abram, and they had ridiculed his worship of an invisible God. But the victory of his tiny army over the vastly superior (humanly speaking) combined armies of Elam and allies gained much attention. In addition, the magnanimous manner in which Abram returned people and goods sparked admiration. Such an unselfish spirit was foreign to the self-seeking people. Abram undertook the rescue expedition with no expectation of gain. He refused to take advantage of the situation in any way (see vv.21-24).

Melchizedek’s mysterious appearance is sudden and purposeful. He pronounced a blessing upon Abram: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” (vv19-20) The bread and wine that Melchizedek had brought proved to be a refreshment for Abram and his army, along with the verbal blessings. It goes without saying that the fresh memory of the disturbing scenes of carnage from Abram’s military mission surely harassed the thoughts of this man of peace (see Hebrews 7:1). He had always shunned strife and enmity as far as it was possible to do so (see Romans 12:18). “But the nations whose forces he had defeated would doubtless renew the invasion of Canaan, and make him the special object of their vengeance. Becoming thus involved in national quarrels, the peaceful quiet of his life would be broken.” PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS by EGW (p.136)

This insight prophetically outlines the logic of God’s determination to bring all rebellion to an end (see Nahum 1:9). Under the influence of Satan, weak-willed and undiscerning people will continue to fall under his sway. The benediction pronounced by Melchizedek was, by the generous providence of God, a bright ray of light for the benefit of the people of the plain. But, just as every time before, the light was rejected. Little did they know that it was their last opportunity to embrace truth.

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1