How Faith Behaves In Success

Song: This World Is Not My Home

Scripture: Genesis 14:1-24

We often think of Abram as a nomad and a shepherd, but Abram was also a warrior, with 318 trained soldiers in his household and such strength that his neighbors sought alliance with him. His victory over the forces of Chedorlaomer which had already laid waste to the combined forces of five kings might have given him the leverage to inherit the land of Canaan by sheer force. The faith of Abraham in his success is a lesson for us.

Success did not make him selfish. Lot got himself in a pickle, but Abram left his own comfort and came to the rescue. He risked losses himself to save the undeserving. He understood that God is merciful to those who show mercy.

Victory did not make him greedy. His first act upon returning from battle was to give a tenth of all the plunder to the Lord. Did Abram not have a right to the spoils when he had run the risk and won the victory? Abram’s choice makes it clear that he was not looking for an earthly city, but a heavenly one.

Power did not make him pompous. The king of Sodom offered him the goods taken in battle. The king’s offer is an indication that Abram could set the terms for peace. Could Abram not have asked for a throne in Canaan had he wished? Faithful Abraham would wait for the Lord to give him Canaan in His own time and in His own way.

Feast is likely a greater test of faith than famine. A nation of plenty needs to learn from the faith of Abraham in victory.

Jason Moore