Tag: communion

As we ended Chapter 13, God Spoke to Abram and gave him all the land including the land Lot chose as his promise land. As we go into chapter 14, There are three things that are mentioned first time in Bible. For the first time there is mention of war, communion & tithe. Chapter starts with 4 kings going to war against 5 and actually defeating the 5 kings. If you research the names of some of the king’s name, you will find them in history books. The 4 kings defeats the 5 kings and in process take Lot and his family as hostage. Abram hears about what has taken place and by help of God fights a guerrilla war against 4 kings and rescues Lot and all his possessions. I do not want to spend lot of time on this part of scripture as there is very important lesson at the end but I would just like to mention when it is Ok for christian to go to war. For us war is not about territory or vengeance or to spread kingdom but rather to defend or rescue family. When you see injustice being done, I believe christian should stand up and defend or go to war.

¹⁸ Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said:

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
²⁰ And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

And he gave him a tithe of all.

I would like to focus on this 3 verse in this chapter and what great lesson they teach us. For first time we hear the name ” Melchizedek ” he is mentioned few more times in bible. he represents Christ. Look what paul says about Melchizedek in Hebrew chapter 7

2to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. 4Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils.…

So now if you read it in that context, Jesus met with Abram and prince of Peace brings Wine & Bread, elements of communion. Abram had communion with Melchizedek the high priest. We take communion in remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. Here Abram is taking communion in anticipation of Christ on the cross. So if there is ever a question regarding how did the prophets and people in old testament receive their salvation, here is your answer. They receive salvation the same way we do, in the blood of christ and By faith. Right after the communion, Abram gives tithe to the Melchizedek.

So here in this 3 verse , we have two of the most controversial subjects in church. These 2 things cause lots of debate and division among Christians. I would like to start by saying God does not need us to tithe. Our God is not broke and he certainly does not need our money. Having said that, we need to tithe. It is something we get to do. As you read in above verses, as soon as Abram had communion with Jesus, he tithed as sign of worship. We have very hard time giving. We want to gather or save for ourselves but no one can take their wealth with you when we die. All the funerals I have attended, I have never seen s bag of money or all the possessions being buried with the dead body. So you can not take it with you but you can send it ahead by tithing. Here is quote from D. L. moody on tithing ” I can tell more about man’s spiritual life by his check book then by looking at his bible or prayer book ” . We can say all we want about how we love God and how we are so spiritual but are we giving to God? Here is what Jesus says to rich man in Luke..33“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This is how we can take what we have here with us. I know many pastors & churches have taken advantage of this. They are constantly asking for money but if church or pastor says without you giving the money they will close or they will not be able to operate, just let them close. If God is truly leading them in ministry and they are doing God’s work, God will provide them with the funds needed. In Malachi, God says do not rob me? How do we rob God? By not giving him 10% of what we make. In same book later on it says give to God and windows of heaven will open up. It is an act of faith. Don’t give so you will receive, Give so you will be blessed. When you tithe and when you communion with God you are able to withstand the Satan as we see in next few verses.

²¹ Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”

Here King of Sodom represents Satan. Look at the offer he makes to Abram. Just like King of Sodom, Satan will give you all the worldly goods but in return he wants your soul. He will give you all riches of the world but in turn he wants to destroy your soul and take you to hell. Only way to say know is if you have tithed and are in relationship with God. look at how Abram is able to fight of the temptation and say no to the offer.

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’—

Abram had communion with Melchizedek and he had given him the tithe and therefore when this offer was made, he was able to say no and walk away. He was fully aware of who was his provider and he did not want to ruin his witness. It was God who had given him the victory and he did not take any material possessions from King of Sodom. Oh what a great lesson for us, In order to withstand Satan, we need in constant communion with Jesus and we will able to fight of anything Satan has to throw at us.

Hope you are blessed by the word of God. Amen