11/17/13- The Father of Our Faith Tithes

14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan.15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.

17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).

18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
    Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And praise be to God Most High,
    who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (Genesis 14:14-20)

Thoughts: 318 trained men fought against a well equipped army from the Fertile Crescent probably numbering in the tens of thousands.  But God was blessing Abram for caring for his nephew Lot.  Abram knew that this was a great risk.  So he was grateful to God.  He showed his gratitude by giving a tithe to God given to the priest/king Melchizedek.  The father of our faith gave the first example recorded of a tithe (10%).  He actually gave 10% to Melchizedek, some funds to his allies who helped him, and the rest of the booty to the King of Sodom.  Abram kept nothing for himself, though surely he was the hero of the whole adventure. He was able to let go of the booty as he did not have any before the fight. Abram, the father of our faith, held onto things lightly and with thanksgiving for what he had.  

Prayer:  Help me, Lord, to be a generous person who honors you with my giving and holding lightly to this world.