Last week, in “Uncle to the Rescue, Part 1”, we saw in Uncle Abram’s response, recorded in Genesis 14:1-16, a good lesson on how to go into spiritual warfare for ourselves and for those we love.
The story doesn’t end with Abram’s victory and Lot’s release. Genesis 14:17, 21-24 shows us the aftermath of the battle. Abram collects the booty, rescues his nephew Lot and heads for home. His homeward trek is interrupted, however: “…the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).” Vs. 17 NASB). And in Abram’s response to this king we find the recipe for maintaining humility after victory…
The king of Sodom is grateful to Abram. He says: “… take the possessions for yourself.” (Genesis 14:21b NASB). By cultural standards of the day, Abram, as the conquering force, had legal rights to that booty, as well as the captured and rescued people of Sodom. We see, however, that the grateful king is willing to allow Abram to keep the spoils of the battle. It is his little “thanks so much for rescuing us” gift. The king hopes, however, that Abram will have a kind enough heart to give the people back: “Give the people to me…” (vs. 21a NASB)
And Abram does have a kind enough heart: “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours…” (Vs. 22-23a NASB). Not only is he willing to give the people back, but the spoils of the battle as well.
Why?
Because Abram wishes to have and retain a humble spirit, and to safeguard himself against any arrogance that might arise after such a victory.
How did he do it?
The first step Abram took is this: He acknowledges that the victory wasn’t his but the Lord’s. The Lord is the “Possessor of heaven and earth”, therefore nothing that he has amassed is really his at all! It is God’s!
Interestingly, he goes on to say, “…so that you do not say, “I have made Abram rich.” (vs. 23b NASB). Abram feels the need to keep himself humble. He wants to completely avoid the trap of putting any part of this victory of the aftermath on anyone except God!
In the final part of Abram’s response to the king of Sodom, we see that he isn’t thinking only about himself: “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.” (Vs. 24 NASB). Abram knows that it was imperative to encourage those who have shared the battle.
This, then, is the three step recipe for staying humble in the face of situations where our pride could potentially rise: 1. Recognize and acknowledge that the victory is God’s, and not by our own efforts; 2. Safeguard ourselves from any prideful future thoughts or actions; and 3. Acknowledge and reward those battling with us for their actions!
I am in the midst of a spiritual struggle. With pride being what might be called by some, “a besetting sin” of mine, my tendency is to become proud every time there is victory in my life. Every time I refrain from getting angry, every time I respond with love when my tendency is to respond in spite, every time I am obedient to God’s voice, I can feel the pride rising in me. After all, I deserve that “pat on the back” that I give myself, right? I finally succeeded in overcoming temptation! Yet every time I fall right back into the same anger, the same disobedience, the same spite. Why? Because I didn’t safeguard myself from my pride.
Yesterday I overcame a huge pitfall that normally catches me every time, and I could feel the pride rising. That’s when God reminded me of Abram’s response to the king of Sodom. I “gave back the booty”. I gave God total credit for the work He was doing in my life, for the strength He had given me, for opening my heart to His help. Then I safeguarded myself by renouncing pride in general and praising God for the work He was doing. Finally, I acknowledged that the one I was angry at was also in a spiritual battle, and that this person had the right to some “back patting” for their part in quick resolution, and I praised that person for also doing the right thing.
When you find yourself in similar situations, when you’ve overcome and victory is finally yours, I urge you to safeguard yourself against being proud. Give the glory to the One who earned it, God Himself; renounce any prideful thoughts or actions; and acknowledge others for their part in the victory!
There are one more important lesson to learn from captive Lot and his rescuing uncle, Abram. Please join us next Saturday for “Giving Back: Uncle to the Rescue, Part 3”
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart
Author, Moderator, Acting Director, Answers2Prayer Ministries
