Rescue Mission
I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’
Genesis 14:23 NKJV
In our materialistic society, we equate possessions as blessings. How often do we hear comments like “don't block my blessings” or “God is so good, look at my blessings?” A certain material possession does not always equate to a blessing from God. Why? A true blessing is synonymous with God’s favor, while allowing benefits to increase Kingdom’s work, instead of benefiting your personal interest.
In our Scripture above, you will notice that Abraham leads a rescue mission. Yet, Abraham refuses any payoff of possessions for his service. He wants nothing, and I mean nothing from a materialistic-focused King. Although, Abraham won the favor from the Kings in Canaan by defeating their enemies, yet he refused payment as a mercenary.
If one can see these events from a strategic perspective of shifting powers in the land of ancient Canaan, we can profit from a lesson learned by applying Abraham’s reaction after achieving success in a rescue mission. The background for this rescue mission as undertaken by Abraham is as follows:
Five nations in the south served King Chedorlaomer for 12 years meaning that they contributed goods and services probably in form of taxes to his kingdom. After 12 years, the five kings (of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zora) rebelled. The culminated battle occurred in the Valley of Siddim which is located by the Dead Sea. This unique setting is consumed with natural tar pits like sink holes. During the battle, these sink holes became a barrier leading to the defeat of the five kings. All wars cause refugees or displaced civilians; however, this defeat allowed King Chedorlaomer to enslave the citizens of the defeated kings and loot their possessions. Among the captives was Abraham’s nephew, Lot. When Abraham learned of Lot's capture, he acquired his military force of 318 trained men along with his allies Aner, Ehcol, and Mamre. Oftentimes, we think of Abraham as a nomad wondering from place to place, yet this Scripture revealed that he had a personal security force trained to protect his possessions. These men were highly skilled warriors unlike our special forces of today who must have special equipment for night operations, these men conducted a night raid without night vision goggles after traveling (probably by horses) a great distrance. Remember they had no motorized vehicles nor cargo planes to carry troops during this time period. They pursued these four kings as far as Hobah to the north of Damascus equating from Abraham’s location of 240 miles when he heard about of Lot’s captivity. Sure enough, this rescue mission was successful in freeing not only Lot’s family but the people of five other kings and their possessions.
Because of this remarkable rescue mission, one can easily envision the shifting of power in ancient Canaan from Chedorlaomer to Abraham. Yet, Abraham failed to take advantage of his personal interest in this quest. Remember earlier, when Lot separated from Abraham, God promised to give Abraham all the lands northward, southward, eastward, and westward which consisted of all Canaan. Will this rescue mission unfold the fulfilling of this promise to Abraham? Of the kings who benefited from this rescue mission, you will notice two contrasting reactions. The reaction of King Melchizedek of Salem when he met Abraham, they reverenced God as El Elyon meaning the Sovereign Lord. King Melchizedek served as both priest and king for Salem, which was actually Jerusalem. Remember, a king rules over people while a priest stands between the people and God. Therefore, as priest, King Melchizedek blessed Abraham under the title as the “God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.” In other words, El Elyon empowered Abraham’s mercenaries of 318 trained men, and under God sovereign power, these mercenaries rescued the people from five different nations. After this blessing by King Melchizedek, Abraham paid a tithe of his possessions. Please note that this scene is the first mentioning of tithe in the Bible and note the sequence of events. Abraham gave the tithe after the blessings instead of giving the tithe to acquire God’s blessings.
When King Bera of Sodom saw this transaction, he reacted differently. He stated to Abraham, “Give me the people, but take the possessions for yourself.” King Bera wanted a blessing from King Melchizedek by proxy through Abraham. In other words, if he allowed Abraham to possess all the material goods, then he, too, could receive a blessing from King Melchizedek. Immediately, Abraham responded to King Bera, “I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.” (Genesis 14:23 NKJV)
Abraham has an existing relationship with El Elyon instead of rendering service to receive a relationship. He understood that favor with God meant more than pleasing an earthly king who only wanted selfish benefits.
As believers, we must recognize opportunities for rescue missions. Realizing that when El Elyon becomes a part of your journey no amount of sin, darkness, or temptation will deter the victory in your rescue mission. Unlike the defeated King of Sodom, believers must understand that God remains sovereign with His blessings, and God knows your intent beforehand. Like Abraham, use your resources for rescue missions and build your relationship with El Elyon.