abrahamlesson3

O yes Abraham! A necessary element in the life of God’s people is th

at of testing. We should never be surprised when a time of testing follows hard on the heels of a time of blessing. For it is in the fires of testing that character is refined. This was the assurance the Lord gave to Zechariah. “I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call upon my name and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’ ”

Abraham now found himself caught up in a war that broke out in the region near what would become the Dead Sea. Edersheim[1] tells us that it was “a district which, like the rest of Canaan at the time of Joshua’s conquest, was subdivided among a number of small kings, each probably ruling over a city and the immediately surrounding neighbourhood. For twelve years had this whole district been tributary to Chedorlaomer. In the thirteenth year they rebelled. Abraham could not avoid becoming involved in the conflict that resulted. How will he come through this latest test?

Before searching for clues as to how he responded then, let’s see if we can discover some of the things that happened that will be instructive for us today. For disagreements that may even develop into war can arise among God’s people. Notice first that …

News reached Abraham of the approach of the armed forces of four powerful kings from the east led by Chedorlaomer. Their aim was to put down the rebellion of five lesser kings who ruled over tributaries in the Jordan Valley region. The invading force would have most probably travelled first west to join the King’s Highway at Damascus then followed it southwards to the region of the five cities of the Jordanian kings. D. J. Wiseman[2] tells us that “the route was in use between the 23^rd and 20^th centuries BC, being marked along its length by early bronze settlements and fortresses. It was, therefore, likely that Chedorlaomer and his allies approached Sodom and Gomorrah by this way …”

It was not long before the two sides took up their opposing positions and the battle began.

Likewise among God’s people down through the ages and again today. Some issue arises. It may be procedural such as the calling of a new pastor, the handling of finances, the choice of committee members to arrange a coming event, the appointment of elders. It may be concerned with method such as the conflict that arose in the 19^th century during the times of the great spiritual awakenings in America in the 19^th century. One side took the position that the evangelistic methods of preachers like Charles Finney produced too much emotion while the other maintained that preaching that produced no feeling response was cold and lifeless. Keith Hardman[3] describes this conflict under the chapter headings of his book, ‘Gathering Storm Clouds,’ and ‘Civil War in Zion.’

Or the issue that divides may be doctrinal. Such as the great divide between those who emphasise God’s initiative in a person’s conversion and those who focus on personal choice. The former would say that Christians are a chosen people, the latter that we are a choosing people. War could be avoided if it were acknowledged that both positions are reasonable—that both initiatives work together in bringing about a person’s salvation. Like the people of Israel, the redeemed are both a chosen and a choosing people.

Wars do not start by themselves. Someone sows the seeds out of which wars grow. Paul mentioned a person who did that in a letter he wrote to a young pastor. It seems that the man took issue with what Paul was teaching and took up a position against him. Paul writes, “Alexander the coppersmith has done me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.” (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

God’s people are warned to guard against the sowing of seeds that lead to divisions. “Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favour of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you.” (Hebrews 12:15). It is also good to remember that quarrels are initiated as the result of people’s inner turmoil. It is the war within a person that spills over into disagreement with others. James goes to the heart of the problem when he writes, “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? (James 4:1).

Christians are not immune to such quarrels and fights. Paul reminds us, “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:30-32).

Those involved in the regional conflict of Abraham’s time formed alliances among themselves. Chedorlaomer gathered the support of three other rulers to support his position. “The kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela, formed an alliance and mobilised their armies in Siddim Valley, (that is, the valley of the Dead Sea).” (vs. 3). Chedorlaomer was intent on quelling the revolt in his tributaries while the Jordanian leaders were wanting freedom after twelve years of subjection to the ruler from Mesopotamia. Each group formulated strategies to defeat the other as they assembled their combined forces.

Sadly, something similar can happen among God’s people even today. I know of a church for example, where one group began referring to the other as ‘the enemy’. It was not long before the church fractured. Paul warned against people who cause divisions when he wrote to the Christians in Rome. “And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” (Romans 16:17-18). And to the Corinthians he made the plea, “Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

There Is A Gradual Build Up Of Tension Before The War Actually Begins. (vs. 5)

The tension began when the seeds of rebellion were sown among the people of the tributaries. It grew more and more intense as the months went by. Angry words were exchanged as couriers ran to and fro between the parties. The arms build up began to accelerate. After a year of verbal jousting and failed diplomacy the war began.

And so it is in church disputes. Disagreements remain suppressed for a time as a genuine effort is made to keep the peace. But then something is said with a touch of anger. People become guarded as the weeks go by. Hard feelings turning into distrust begin to take root. One discusses grievances with another. Groups form around the issue. Sides are taken and battle lines are drawn up.

Disharmony needs to be nipped in the bud before it grows into all out war. This is why Paul wrote, “Dear friends, I close my letter with these words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other in Christian love.” (2 Corinthians 13:11).

In War The People Who Are Not Involved Are Likely To Be Hurt As Well. (vs. 5-7)

As the armies from the east tramped along the King’s Highway to engage the forces of the five Jordanian kings, others along the way were drawn into the conflict. There was great loss of life and territory.

Likewise in Christian work. The effects of argument are never limited to the local scene. They flow on to others even to succeeding generations. The principle emerges in the dispute Cain initiated with his brother Abel recorded in the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis. Every generation since has been touched by that quarrel.

The fact that the results of disagreements cannot be held within the immediate community can be seen in the consolidating of church denominations down through the generations, each concentrating on its distinctives to the detriment of a clear presentation of Biblical truth. Paul was concerned about the formation of parties as growing numbers became drawn into the controversies promoted by individuals. Issues that grow out of the desire for power and influence. Paul drew the attention of the Christians in Corinth to this aspect of disagreement, “You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your own desires? You are acting like people who do don’t belong to the Lord. When one of you says, ‘I am a follower of Paul,’ and another says, ‘I prefer Apollos,’ aren’t you acting like those who are not Christians?” (1 Corinthians 3:3-4).

The forces of the rebellious tributaries found it hard going against those of their masters from the east. They also found the nature of the terrain difficult. Overcome by the invaders they were soon in full retreat. Everything of value was taken from Sodom and Gomorrah as the cities were overrun. Abraham’s nephew Lot and his family were taken prisoner. The four eastern kings emerged as the winners. The five Jordanian kings as the losers.

There is a sense however in which both groups were losers. Soldiers were lost on both sides. Then there was the loss of human dignity, the loss of resources that could be used to advance the people’s quality of life, and the loss of any real sense of accomplishment even for the victors. For that which is gained through fighting can turn out to be a burden—more of a loss than a gain. This is true of fighting among God’s people. James makes the observation, “You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2 NIV. And the Psalmist reminds us that although the people of Israel gained what they craved and fought for on the way to their new land, it came with a downside. “In the wilderness, their desires ran wild, testing God’s patience in that dry land. So he gave them what they asked for but he sent a plague along with it.” (Psalm 106:14-15).

Abraham is comfortably settled in Hebron with his family. He is blessed with wife and servants, and vast riches in livestock, silver and gold. So far he has been able to remain outside the war zone. But now with the capture of Lot and his family the war has touched him personally. What will he do? The first thing we discover is that …

One of the captives is able to escape and bring news to Abraham concerning Lot and his family. Abraham listens carefully and thinks about what to do. He is challenged by his nephew’s situation. He knows that he should do something to help.

News of people needing help is also reaching us from all parts of our world. Are we listening? Paul was one

who did not close his ears to a cry for help. Luke describes it for us. “That night Paul had a vision. He saw a man from Macedonia in northern Greece, pleading with him, ‘Come over here and help us.’ So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once ... “ (Acts 16:9-10). And Jesus himself has left us an example to follow. He heard even the faintest whisper for help during his earthly ministry, even as he does today. Matthew tells us of the Gentile woman who came to ask Jesus’ help for her daughter. While those around him urged him not to listen Jesus listened carefully as she came with her plea, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15:25).

As well as the friends he has made in the neighbourhood Abraham has 318 members of his household. These are mainly the families of the men who helped in the running of his extensive farm lands. Many of them have been born during his travels from Haran. He had plenty of help at his disposal.

We too are not left without resources as we look to respond to the needs around us. Paul puts the rhetorical question to his readers, “And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:16). Paul is reminding his readers that the task is too big. None of us are adequate. But then he goes on to point us to the Lord who provides us with all the resources we need. “It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5).

- His provision for our own needs as we share with others in theirs. Paul writes to the churches in Corinth and Greece, “Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). And to the Christians in Philippi, “At the moment I have all I need—more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus … And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:18-19).

His strength for my weakness. Paul was reassured of this at a time he became despondent because of a burden he was carrying. He writes, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My gracious favour is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

- His peace when the stress builds up. To his disciples Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27).

- His wisdom to cover my lack of it. As James explains, “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.” (James 1:5).

- His guidance in uncertain times. “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’ ” (Psalm 32:8).

- His protection in times of trouble. David’s assures us of the shelter God provides. “The LORD saves the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them and they find shelter in him.” (Psalm 37:40).

- His grace sufficient for every situation. The New Testament encourages us to bring every need to the Lord. Referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, the author of one book writes, “This High priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

He sets out on a rescue mission. His motivation is not revenge but the recovery of what has been lost. He makes the right moves. He closes in on the problem with the result that, “Abram and his allies recovered everything—the goods that had been taken, Abram’s nephew Lot with his possessions, and all the women and other captives.” (vs. 16).

No matter what the loss, recovery is possible. It may be that the years have slipped by leaving us with the feeling that nothing much has been accomplished. We are reminded of lost opportunities. It may seem that much of life has been eaten away leaving us with an empty feeling. The Lord is able to make up to us the loss of those years. As he promised the people of Israel, “I will make up to you for the years the swarming locust has eaten.” (Joel 2:25 NASB).

It may be that the Christian life has lost its freshness. Perhaps some sin has clouded the relationship with the Lord, meaning that it’s time to pray with David, “Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (Psalm 51:12). Recovery in situations like this is often helped by the understanding of Christian friends. Paul has this in mind when he writes, “Dear friends, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” (Galatians 6:1).

It is interesting to note that the Greek word translated here by the words ‘help …back onto the right path’ is καταρτιζω (katartizō). In the primary sense of its meaning the word refers to the mending of something. Mark uses it to describe the repairing of torn fishing nets. “A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat mending their nets. He called them too, and immediately they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men and went with him.” (Mark 1:19-20). William Barclay[4] tells us that “it is the word commonly used for setting a fracture … for mending nets. It means to supply that which is missing, to mend that which is broken.”

Is a relationship fractured? Are the emotions torn apart? Does something seem to have gone missing from your Christian life? Have you lost your way? Recovery is possible. For, as Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10). It should be remembered however that there is a part for us to play in the recovery process. While trusting the Lord to implement the recovery, we do need to take positive action towards it. For Zacchaeus the first step was to climb down from the tree in which he was hiding. For the son who left the security of his family for greener fields, the recovery began when he stepped out of the pig pen he had been sloshing around in and took the first steps towards home. “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired men have food enough to spare, and here I am, dying of hunger. I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man.’ ” (Luke 15:17-19). And what a recovery the son experienced as his father welcomed him back. Calling together his family and servants he joyfully declared, “We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost but now he is found.” (Luke 15:23-24).

An aspect of the recovery process that should not be overlooked is that sometimes the Lord may include suffering as part of it. Peter touches on this when he writes, “In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (1 Peter 5:10). Here we find once more the word we have become familiar with, καταρτιζω (katartizō), translated this time as ‘restore’. Peter would have been drawing his word picture from those many occasions when his fishing nets were in need of repair.

We would expect now to find Abraham arranging for a joyous celebration following on from such a victory. But instead we discover that he is faced with yet another test.

The place of testing was the Valley of Shaveh, also known as the King’s Valley. This was one of the valleys around Jerusalem. Just why Abraham was there at this time is not clear. And as to why it was known as the King’s Valley is also not mentioned in the story. The guide books I have don’t offer any suggestions either.

A search for the meaning of the Hebrew word may help us. The name Shav

eh comes from the verb 'shavah' meaning ‘to agree with, be like, or resemble.’ This suggests that it may have been a place where rival kings met to discuss their differences, with the hope of reaching an agreement. Perhaps treaties were hammered out here. What is clear however, is that it became a place of decision for Abraham as he was met there by two kings both seeking a response from him. One was Melchizedek king of Salem, the other the king of Sodom.

The two kings represent two opposing world views. Melchizedek was not only a king but “a priest of God Most High.” (vs. 18). The meaning of his name is ‘king of righteousness.’ But who was he? Griffith Thomas[5] suggests, “He seems to have been one of the faithful few; one of those who still retained the purity of their allegiance to the one true God. He was a link with the past age of Shem, and amidst the surrounding departure from God still witnessed to the reality of the Divine presence and its claim upon men.” He is keeping alive the godly line of those who followed the way of Abel as distinct from those who followed the way of Cain. In Jerusalem as king and priest, he serves those who follow the ways of creator God. As such he is a picture of Christ who is “a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:6). He is the kind of witness Paul and Barnabas spoke of while they were in Lystra. “Friends …We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things to the Living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. In earlier days he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left himself without a witness.” (Acts 14:15-17). Here in the King’s Valley he stands before Abraham as God’s representative. In bringing him gifts of bread and wine he offers Abraham the opportunity to give thanks to God for the victory just accomplished, for as he reminds him, it is “God Most High who has helped you conquer your enemies.” (vs. 20).

The king of Sodom on the other hand comes with a subtle proposal. He offers Abraham the chance to keep all the spoils of victory for himself. “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” (vs. 21). The purpose of this offer is to put Abraham in a position where he would be subject to any future demands from the king. He would for ever be under an obligation to respond the king’s requests. The king of Sodom represented to him all that the business world can offer in the way of security, status, and power.

Abraham has reached another intersection. Which way will he go? He does not hesitate. To Melchizedek he acknowledges that all he has received has come as a gift from God. He expresses his thankfulness in the gift of “a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.” (vs. 21). He chooses to continue along the highway of faith in God. To the king of Sodom he confirms his commitment to follow the Lord. “I have solemnly promised the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich!’ ” (vs. 23). He declares his dependence on God alone. He will not become dependent on an other.

Allen Ross[6] gives this summary of this episode in Abraham’s life. “The incident was a test of Abraham’s faith after a great victory. Bera, Sodom’s king, offered a most appealing deal. But Abram, knowing what he did about the king of Sodom, felt that keeping Sodom’s loot which he captured would make him subject to Bera. He wanted something far more enduring than possessions and wealth; he wanted the fulfilment of God’s miraculous and enduring promise. Faith looks beyond the riches of this world to the grander prospects God has in store … He intended to receive everything from God and not even a thread from Sodom.”

Ross’ comment reminds us of something Paul wrote to the church of God in Corinth. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Abraham has passed what Griffith Thomas[7] calls “the test of victory.” He observes[8] that, “The crowning hour of success is a good test of character. If ‘sweet are the uses of adversity,’ equally valuable in other directions are the uses of prosperity. How a man behaves at the moment of victory often affords a supreme revelation of character and spiritual power.”

We are beginning to discover a pattern in the life experiences of Abraham. A time of blessing from the Lord is inevitably followed by a time of testing. After the mountain top comes the valley. The lesson here for us is to be careful after blessing lest we fail in the valley. But there is reassurance in the knowledge that the Lord is with us in the valleys just as he is in the mountains. As the Psalmist wrote of that ultimate valley to be walked through, “Even when I walk through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.” (Psalm 23:4).

Abraham’s testing at that time of victory turned into blessing as he confirmed his faith in God. Now he faces a test of a different kind. It is one dominated by doubts and questions but which the Lord answers with specific promises. We learn about this in Lesson 4.

References That Proved To Be Helpful

[1] Edersheim, Alfred. THE TEMPLE. Its Ministry And Services As They Were In The Time Of Christ. Michigan: Eerdmans. 1980. p. 59.
[2] THE ILLUSTRATED BIBLE DICTIONARY. England: Inter-Varsity Press. 1980. p. 860.
[3] Hardman, Keith J. CHARLES GRANDISON FINNEY 1792 - 1875. New York: Syracuse University press. 1987. pp. 78-132.
[4] Barclay, William. THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. The Letters Of James And Peter. Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press. 1975 .p.273.
[5] Griffith Thomas, W. H. GENESIS. A DEVOTIONAL COMMENTARY. (Vol. 1.) London: Religious Tract Society. Fifth Edition. p. 172.
[6] THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY (OT). Walvoord, John F., Zuck, Roy B., Editors. USA: Victor Books, a Division of Scripture Press Publications Inc. 1985. p.54.
[7] Griffith Thomas. ibid: p. 171.
[8] ibid: p. 171.