(find it at www.biblegateway.com)
I am reading devotionally through the "Chronological Bible" which is a beautiful way to get the narrative of the scripture "in order" as it were. The bible is not ordered precisely into the "Sequence of events" rather, into "Types" based on content. But the Chronological bible seeks to place every verse in the context of the sequence of History. (anyway..... )
This Morning I was reading Genesis 14, and something struck me that might impact you too.
It speaks of Lot, Abram's nephew being carried off as part of a war between a bevy of Kings. Lot was aligned with Sodom and Gomorrah, Zeboiim and Bela (which is Zoar)
The story reads as a great rescue mission. Abram takes his men of war, and with strategic attack, regains all that was lost, including his nephew and belongings. The story continues that the King of Sodom wanted to thank Abram, by giving him the spoils of the attack, and Abram refuses to accept them. He says I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, "I have made Abram rich" ... Abram does allow the men who fought bravely with him to receive a portion that they deserved, but was not willing to profit at the hand of the king of Sodom.
As I reflected on this passage, I remembered the passage context began earlier Gen 13:13 - "But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord", which gave me cause to rethink the "Reason" for Abram's rejection.
At the surface it might seem like Pride or not living indebted, however, when we place it in the context of Gen 13:13 (last chapter) we see that Sodom was the source of great wickedness before the Lord. Abram did not wish to accept the spoils or profit from an Evil Kingdom.
This is quite a challenge today, in our shades of Grey, as we consider where we may profit from. If in business, or even where our daily lives intersect with the business world, we need to remember that the Godly ought not profit from Evil.
One such place that comes to mind, that may come up from time to time is the handouts that can be received from the "Gambling and Gaming" funds. Taxes on Gambling that are poured back into society, often through community programs including churches. Even though there is a "Benefit" to society, these funds were gathered through a process (gambling) that is very destructive, and if not entirely evil itself, certainly is the cause of great evil in many families.
What are the sources of gain that may come from questionable places in our lives ?
Should we be like Abram (at least in this case - he wasn't always the perfect model of morality) and not seek to benefit from any source, but only those that reflect integrity and righteousness ?
Something to Think about anyway.
PJ
