Morning Moments

DEAL OR NO DEAL!

Friendship Crisis: In the last part of Genesis 14, we see the king of Sodom trying to make a deal with Abram. Consider the context - Abram had just met with Melchisedek, an apparent Christophany (pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord). He had a magnificent worshipful moment. It might be compared to the Mount of Transfiguration experience of Peter, James, and John. Remember that Melchisedek means "King of Peace". He came from nowhere, had no parents, and RECEIVED reverence from Abram. Folks, THAT'S JESUS! The same One who came from nowhere, stepped out on nothing and spake, and worlds were framed by His Word. Hallelujah!

Here's the deal: The king of Sodom along with 4 other kings had gotten their butts kicked by 4 other kings. The king of Sodom and his bunch had run. Some of the men fell in "tar pits" but some got away with the king of Sodom. Because Lot had chosen to live in Sodom, he was taken with the king who got away. Abram heard the news and went after him. Then he kicked butt, rescued his nephew, Lot, and now the king of Sodom is trying to make a deal with him. Abram says, "No way, Jose!"

Here's the kicker, just before this king guy tries to deal, Abram had met with God! Get the picture? He had a great victory, met with God, then the devil wants to deal.

The grace of God which brings salvation teaches us to "just say NO!" and that is what Abram did. God renewed the convenant. End of story.

PRAYER: Father help us to understand that there are always those, whether foe, friend, or family that want to rob us of what we get from a meeting with YOU. So, help us to be vigilant and recognize that regardless of how good the deal is, we will simply so NO to the good deal and YES to our God and Lord.