Hand in Hand
Today’s Verse:
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth… ~Genesis 14:22
Abraham is considered one of the great men of faith. His testimony concerning his faith is mentioned at length in Hebrews 11. Romans 4:20 tells us that he was strong in faith, not doubting the promise of God. He is such a great example that we are told in Isaiah 51:2, “Look unto Abraham.” In our devotion this morning, we see how Abraham overcame a very strong temptation. He was made a very tempting proposition. He responded by saying, “I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth.” He placed his hand in God’s hand. This morning, we see the importance of being hand-in-hand with God to overcome temptation.
We see the devious subtlety.
Bera, the king of Sodom, came to Abraham with a very powerful and tempting offer. Bera means “evil son” and Sodom means “burning.” The source of the temptation was an evil emissary from the burning fires of Hell! Abraham had returned from battle with much spoils of war. Now, Bera approached him to make him even richer. He offered him all the goods of Sodom in exchange for the people who were rescued. He wanted to get Abraham to make an alliance with him. He wanted to position Abraham so that he would feel like he always owed Bera a favor. Abraham was tempted in the area of greed and covetousness. Bera wanted to buy him. He wanted to take him down the pathway of a greedy lifestyle. Be careful of the subtlety in temptation. The world thrills, and then it kills: it fascinates, and then it assassinates!
We see the devoted strategy.
Abraham exhibits for us the biblical strategy for overcoming temptation before it comes to us. Abraham made it very clear that his hand was in God’s hand. He said, “I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God.” He gave his hand to God in salvation. “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” He gave his hand to God in submission. He gave tithes of all. As soon as he returned from his conquest, he tithed on all of the increase that he was blessed with. He gave his hand to God in sanctification. He made it clear that he belonged to God and that he could not be bought. He made it clear that he would not make an unholy alliance with a pagan king or the world. He gave his hand to God in satisfaction. He made it clear that he was completely confident that God would take very good care of him and that he did not need anything from Bera. He acknowledged God as being the Most High and the Possessor of Heaven and earth. His strategy simply told the devil that his faith was in the Lord’s hands! His shield of faith quenched the fiery darts of the wicked one!
We see the durable strength.
Abraham exercised incredibly strong conviction. He said unapologetically, “I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.” He did not give place to the devil or temptation. He did not let down his guard. He did not allow the offer of increased riches to sway him. He did not get distracted from his devotion to God. He was strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Strong convictions are always preceded by a strong devotion to God. In effect, Abraham made it very clear that he was devoted to God. He was strong in faith, not doubting the promises!
Overcome temptation before it comes! Give God your hand and hold tightly to Him. Never forget that God will always take better care of you than you can for yourself. Have faith in His power to preserve you when tempted.
Have a winning God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Mark 1-3