Genesis 14:21-15:1 – God is the Reward

The king of Sodom is so thankful to Abram for rescuing him and his people that he offers everything they own to Abram. This must have been a very tempting offer. At the very least, Abram could take some of what they own for himself as payment. But Abram generously refuses to take even one item. He has made a vow to God, who owns all things, that he will take nothing. Why? So that the evil people of Sodom can’t say that they have made Abram rich. God, ultimately, makes men rich or poor, and He can make Abram rich without the help of Sodom. Abram hasn’t rescued Lot in order to enrich himself, and he wants to be careful that people don’t perceive it that way. He does make two exceptions. First, he accepts the food that his soldiers have already eaten. He also doesn’t bind any of his allies, who have fought with him, to his vow.

God graciously visits Abram, after he gives up the reward from Sodom, to tell him that He has something better for Abram. God calls Abram by name. This must have been very comforting to Abram to realise that God knows his name. God’s Word comforts us when the Holy Spirit brings it to us personally. God tells Abram not to be afraid, He will take care of him. Men and women of great faith can still have fears, and God who knows His people inside out, does not want them to give way to fear. Abram will be as safe as God can keep him and as happy as God can make him.

Questions

  1. What does the king of Sodom offer Abram?
  2. Why does Abram say no?
  3. What does God tell Abram?

Prayer Points

  1. Pray that we would look to God to help us overcome our fears.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters