Abram Is Blessed by Melchizedek
Abram returned after he had defeated King Chedorlaomer and the other kings. Then the king of Sodom went to meet Abram in Shaveh Valley, which is also known as King’s Valley. King Melchizedek of Salem was a priest of God Most High. He brought out some bread and wine and said to Abram:
“I bless you in the name
of God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
All praise belongs
to God Most High
for helping you defeat
your enemies.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “All I want are my people. You can keep everything else.”
We have seen Abram being obedient to God and being blessed by God. Abram continues to receive God’s blessing in defeating the enemy. Abram received a blessing from Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High. Abram in turn gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had gained in defeating King Chedorlaomer. Abram is being faithful in returning to God a tithe of what he has received.
When we receive our paychecks, we are to give a tenth or more back to God. However, we are not to give to the Lord out of obligation, but out of love and because it’s all His anyway. When we give out of a sense of obligation, we are not honoring God. Our offering will not be well-received by God because we are not giving with a cheerful spirit.
Abram did not need to give Melchizedek anything. However, Abram cheerfully gave back to the Lord’s priest. How about you?
