Day 7

Scripture to Read: Genesis 14:20-24

Genesis 14:20-24 provides a contrast of sorts. Genesis 14:20 says "And Abram gave him a tenth of everything." In response to the blessing of Melchizedek, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had. In doing so, Abram affirmed the words of Melchizedek in Genesis 14:19, that God is the "Possessor of heaven and earth." All Abram owned was God's and in response to that truth, Abram gave to the priest of God Most High and the king of Salem. The same cannot be said for the king of Sodom. He speaks to Abram in Genesis 14:21, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself." Here we read no reference to blessing for what God had done. Also, in offering Abram the goods, the king of Sodom's motives were selfish. God reveals this selfish motive in Genesis 14:23 when Abram responds, "that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.'" Abram did not want the king of Sodom to take credit for Abram's wealth. Abram knew that his wealth and status were due to the LORD, His provider. The contrast between the response of Abram to these two kings came down to who would receive the glory. The lesson is that the right motive is only when the focus is on the glory of God. We must remember that what we have received, all we have, and how our relationships are doing are all by what God has provided. That is why He deserves all the glory!

Challenge & Application

In what ways are you tempted to take credit for what you have or have given to someone instead of giving God the glory? How can you share with someone today why God alone deserves the glory and credit for all He has provided?

Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!

Devotionals from this week

Swipe to Discover More

Day 1

In Genesis 12:10-20, we see Abram respond with lying and get blessed while Pharoah is afflicted. Knowing the testimony of Scripture, sin is never rewarded with blessings. Therefore, it is important to understand what is going on here. The best way to summarize this part of Abram’s life is found in 2 Timothy 2:13, “if we are faithless, He rema...

Read

Day 2

As we enter Genesis 13 today, take note of the importance of Abram's response. Now, as a reminder, at the conclusion of Genesis 12:10-20, Abram's life was spared, but he and his family were sent out of Egypt. Genesis 13:1 starts with this, "So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb." We...

Read

Day 3

In Genesis 13:6, we see after Abram called on the name of the LORD a problem arose. Abram's family and Lot enter a land that cannot support both of them and their possessions. As a result, Genesis 13:7 says, "there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock." In response to the strife, Abram speak...

Read

Day 4

As we conclude Genesis 13, we see the promise of God displayed. Today, we'll see how Abram heard from the LORD about the promised land. In Genesis 13:15, the LORD spoke to Abram and told him to look all around because He had chosen this land for Abram and his descendants. God's promise is a reminder of the promise He had already spoken to Abr...

Read

Day 5

In today's devotion, we begin Genesis 14 and witness a rescue mission. In the first seven verses, God provides a brief history of the kings and their rival alliances. As the kings went to war, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and the enemies took all the land's possessions and captured those who were there. Lot and all his possessions we...

Read

Day 6

As we continue to walk through Genesis 14, we are introduced to Melchizedek. Although there is more we could study about Melchizedek, read Hebrews 5, 6, and 7 to learn more about him. One detail worth noting from Hebrews 7:17 is that Jesus Christ, the King, and High Priest, is described as one “in the order of Melchizedek.” So, the order of M...

Read

Day 7

Genesis 14:20-24 provides a contrast of sorts. Genesis 14:20 says "And Abram gave him a tenth of everything." In response to the blessing of Melchizedek, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had. In doing so, Abram affirmed the words of Melchizedek in Genesis 14:19, that God is the "Possessor of heaven and earth." All Abram owned ...

Read