All Glory to God

GETTING STARTED

Music can bring out so much of the character and yearning of our souls. Not all of it is fantastic poetry, but it may still be thought-provoking. Many years ago, there was a popular song called “If I Had a Million Dollars.” In the verses of the song, the artist lists what he would do “if I had a million dollars.”  

  • What would you do if you had a million dollars? 

READ THE WORD: GENESIS 14:17-24  (ESV)

17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

     Possessor of heaven and earth;

20 and blessed be God Most High,

    who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 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.’24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. How did Melchizedek greet Abram when he returned from defeating Chedorlaomer, and to whom did Melchizedek give credit for Abram’s victory (vss. 18-20)? What did Abram do in response to Melchizedek’s blessing?
  2. In contrast to Melchizedek’s blessing, how did the king of Sodom greet Abram (vs. 21)? How did Abram respond to the king of Sodom—what did he agree to take from the king, and what did he refuse to take? Why did he do this?
  3. In addition to giving a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, Abram allowed Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre (his allies) to take their share of the plunder. What are specific ways you can acknowledge God in your success and triumphs and be a blessing to others?
  4. Abram quoted Melchizedek in saying, “God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.” How did Abram’s understanding of the Lord allow him to be content in his reward? What is his true reward?
  5. Though tempted with great riches, Abram declined. What would you have done?

RESPOND TO GOD

Abram knew that God had given him the victory. Melchizedek recognized this, too, and blessed him. When we receive credit for success, it is often hard to credit it all to God. Our egos want to accept the praise and get the reward in full. Abram acknowledged God, and then refused to take anything that would give the credit for his success to anyone other than God.

An old Irish hymn called “Be Thou My Vision” is sung in churches around the world. There is a verse that captures this idea of giving credit to God well:

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

  • Ask God if you are prioritizing your life as you should be.
  • Thank God for those who blessed you in their work. Ask God to reveal those you can be a blessing to when rewarded.