14:1-4 A war was brewing between leaders in the region. The more things change, the more they stay the same. This ancient war is almost entirely irrelevant to us and our daily lives today but that does not mean we cannot understand. Our current world is embroiled with many wars; humans advance in may ways but our ability to communicate and interact with each other peaceably is not one of them.
14:5-10 Chedorlaomer and his allies began attacking their opposition. As with all wars, the citizens and soldiers suffer the most; they each make up much of the collateral damage of disagreements between ruling parties and powers. Nations take sides with and against one another in dramatic movements impacting the daily lives of the families who have no choice but to be involved.
14:11-12 Lot, Abram's nephew, became a victim of all the warring (along with all of his goods). Lot is an example of how families suffer when nations are unable to work together. Our greatest defense against such occurrences is to be aware, observant and active in our communities; ensuring that wise and pragmatic people are in our positions of societal power.
14:13 An escapee journeyed to find Abram to tell him that his nephew had been captured. As is the case with all of God's children, rescue comes in our times of weakness. We are blessedly able to rest assured because our God orchestrates the opportunity for us to be saved and helped in all situations.
14:14 In response, Abram readied his 318 trained men to rescue Lot. This is an incredible small group of people. Yet with God, even a small group can accomplish amazing things: our commitment and trust in Him allows us to have courage, wisdom, ability and opportunity superseding the limits of our earthly capabilities.
14:15-17 Although outnumbered, Abram was able to rescue Lot as well as all of his people and goods. Such is the inevitability of endeavors we take on with God: we succeed despite odds against us.
14:18 Melchizedek, who as we learned in Epistle to the Hebrews is Jesus, celebrated Abram's returning, his successful journey with God.
14:19 A blessing of Abram as a child of God, whose unwavering faith became our example. Abram truly did walk (live) by faith not by sight. Meaning that no matter what obstacle hovered over him, he continued on trusting that God would enable the path.
14:20 A recognition and a gratitude for our creator who indeed winnows our enemies out of our paths and our lives. It's important to have a full-time relationship with God. We seek Him in difficult times but we must also celebrate with Him in good times. He's always there for us: rooting for us, guiding us, loving us... He does not only appear to us when it's convenient for Him or when we wants something from us. He's always there. Return that quality of love.
14:21-24 Abram made a promise with God that every aspect of his life would be a testimony of our God's ability and love. Therefore, Abram relied solely on God's guidance, wisdom, protection and sustenance. Abram, like prophets who came after him, wanted to exemplify to the world that the only thing a person needed in life was God.
