A person’s top priority can either be God, or money, but cannot be both. Along with that, Jesus says believers should fight against anxiety about daily needs. The Heavenly Father knows what we need – ALL WAYS. All we need to do is pursue His Kingdom and righteousness; God will take care of our needs one day at a time.
Amazingly, God’s Story shows this exact occurrence centuries ago: “that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’” Genesis 14:23
Abram’s response to the king of Sodom continues in this verse. Bera, Sodom’s king (Genesis 14:2), has demanded that Abram give him back the people he has rescued from the enemy and keep the possessions for himself. This was after watching Melchizedek, whose name means “King of Righteousness” bless Abram and receive a tithe of Abram’s spoils (Genesis 14:19–20). The contrast between these two kings is a major factor in interpreting this story.
Abram could have claimed the right to keep all of the war loot for himself. Instead, he responds by saying that he has taken an oath before God not to keep even a thread or a sandal strap from Sodom. Why? He doesn’t want the king of Sodom, or anyone else, to take credit for Abram’s success. Abram does not want to be associated, in any way, or in any sense, with the wicked culture of Sodom, or her king (Genesis 13:13).
This oath demonstrates Abram’s commitment to making it clear that all he had was given to him by the Lord. For God’s glory, Abram didn’t want any hint of confusion about the source of his wealth, or his victory over the enemy, or his allegiance to God. God Most High was the one who would get the credit for Abram’s success.Context Summary
Genesis 14:17–24 tells the story of a meeting between Abram and two kings. Returning as the victor after having defeated the eastern kings and recapturing all their plunder, Abram is met by the king of Sodom and by Melchizedek, the mysterious king of Salem. Melchizedek, also known as a priest of God Most High, gives Abram bread, wine, and a blessing from God.
God promises to provide what we need (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:31-32). He created the universe and gives food to every living thing — including you and me. The same God who provides food for the animals will not allow us to go without (Psalm 145:15-16, Luke 12:24-26).
Philippians 4:19 says, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God is our all-powerful, all-compassionate, all-wise and all-loving heavenly Father. He loves us so much that He sacrificed His son Jesus Christ for our salvation.
The three principles of what God asks of His people: to do: justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with Him.
Dependence on God means we need Him, and we understand that without Him we are unable to accomplish anything of Kingdom significance. Reliance on Jesus is the door to faithful and fruitful living. It means we are transformed by what the Lord says and thinks; therefore we can depend on Him for wisdom and insight.
In His Own Words – 6 Steps on Finding God’s Will
- First, commit your decision to God.
- Second, read the Scriptures.
- Third, understand your circumstances.
- Fourth, seek godly advice.
- Fifth, trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
- Finally, trust God for the outcome.