Genesis 14; Psalm 14

Genesis 14
If you will recall, several weeks ago, we learned that Abraham and his nephew Lot parted ways. Lot chose land near Sodom. At this time and in this part of the world (which we now call the fertile crescent of the Middle East), the various groups were pretty much always at war. This was the case for Sodom and Gomorrah who were defeated, and Lot was taken as a prisoner, along with many possessions. A man escaped and came and told Abram (later called Abraham). We can tell from vv. 13-16 that Abram was a very wealthy and influential man. Abram took his people and went after Lot and brought him back along with all the goods and the people who had been taken.

In v. 18, we meet Melchizedek, king of Salem. He is also called "the priest of God Most High." He blesses Abram and gives God the glory for Abram's victory. We also see that Abram gave him a tithe or a tenth of all.

The king of Sodom tried to give Abram the goods or spoil that had been recovered, but Abram refused. He gave the glory to "the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth."

Psalm 14
"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" This is pretty strong language! I'm afraid many people today are foolish in this regard. Actually, some not only say it in their hearts but with their mouths, and some even go so far as to try to convince others that there is no God! The next words from v. 1 are also pretty strongly worded. "They are corrupt. They have done abominable works, Ther is none who does good."

Now, to be honest, we have to admit that we all sometimes live as if there is not God. This also is foolish!

vv. 2-3 remind us that only God is perfect. We all fall far short of His perfection! We are all guilty, and this is why we need a Savior! In v. 7, the Old Testament psalmist, David in this case, is looking forward to coming of the Savior. We know that He, Jesus, has now come, and He freely offers forgiveness and salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike! We can surely rejoice in that!

Romans 10:12-13 "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek (Gentile), for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whosoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."