Scripture Reference: Genesis 14
3. Abraham the Worshiper – Continued
Please read Genesis 14:17-24 for the background to this section.
A new blessing.
Melchizedek had something better to offer Abraham: the blessing of the “God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.” Abraham lived by the blessing of the Lord, not the bribery of the world. He did not want anybody to think that the world made him rich. Abraham by his actions considered that even a small thing like a shoelace might affect his walk! Too many servants of God have weakened their testimony by accepting applause and gifts from the people of the world. You cannot be a servant of God and a celebrity in the world at the same time.
Melchizedek met Abraham after the battle to strengthen him for the victory. The Lord knows the temptations we face after we have defeated the enemy. Abraham had met the Lord before the battle and promised to take nothing for himself from the spoils of victory. He was single-minded as he led his army, and God gave him victory.
Abraham did not impose his convictions on his allies either, Aner, Eschol, and Mamre. If they wanted to take part of the spoils, that was their business; and he would not criticize them. Nor did he expect them to give tithes to Melchizedek. Abraham was “a pilgrim and stranger,” while his allies were men of the world whose conduct was governed by a different set of standards. “Others may, you cannot.”
Genesis 14:20 is the first mention of tithing in the Bible. To tithe is to give God 10 percent, whether of money, produce, animals, or even time for service. (The Hebrew word means “ten”). When we tithe, we acknowledge that God owns everything and that we are grateful stewards of His wealth. The Jews paid an annual tithe to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30-33) as well as a tithe every third year especially for the poor (Deuteronomy 26:12-15). They could also tithe the remaining 90 percent for a special “festive offering” to be enjoyed in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:5-19).
What some people today forget is that the practice of tithing antedated the Law of Moses; for not only did Abraham tithe, but so did Jacob (Genesis 28:22). For this reason, many Christians believe that God’s people today should begin their giving with the tithe. At one of the churches I was honored to minister in, one of the elders said to me once, “If the Old Testament Jew under Law could tithe, how much more should we as New Testament Christians under grace!” The New Testament plan for giving is outlined in 2 Corinthians 8-9, but tithing is a good place to start.
We must be careful to give out of the devotion of our hearts, and not as a “bribe” for God’s blessings. The late R. G. LeTourneau, who was a well-known Christian manufacturer and philanthropist, used to say, “If you tithe because it pays, then it won’t pay!”
But Abraham provides us with a good example of giving. He brought his gifts to Jesus Christ in the person of Melchizedek, (see Hebrews 7:1-10). We don’t give our tithes and offerings to the church, the pastor, or the members of the finance committee; at least that shouldn’t be the giver’s mindset. If our giving is a true act of worship, we will give our offerings to the Lord; and, for that reason, we should want to give our very best (Malachi 1:6-8).
We all know that each worshiper must bring his or her gifts to the Lord and give with liberality (some versions read “generously” and “ in simplicity”) from a grateful heart. Any way you read it, we are to do so with an open mind and an open heart. All God’s people are priests and can bring their sacrifices directly to Him (1 Peter 2:5, 9).
Abraham was prompt in his giving. His stewardship principles were firmly fixed in his heart so there was no reason to delay.
He was also proportionate in his giving, a policy encouraged by the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Again, I say this, simply as a place to begin, tithing is a good place to start; but as the Lord blesses, we must increase that percentage if we are to practice the kind of “grace giving” that is described in 2 Corinthians 8-9.
Abraham gave because he loved God and wanted to acknowledge His greatness and His goodness. What a contrast between “the God Most High” and the heathen idols! Abraham’s God is Possessor (Creator) of heaven and earth (also see Isaiah 40). He deserves all the worship and praise of all of His people!
Before the battle, Abraham lifted his hand by faith in a solemn vow to God that he would take nothing from the spoils. He had a single heart and mind as he led the army (Matthew 6:24).
During the battle, Abraham wielded his sword by faith and trusted God for victory.
After the battle, by faith Abraham closed his hands to the King of Sodom but opened his hands to the King of Salem, receiving bread and wine and giving tithes.
Again, I give you the Word of God, “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).
Adapted and modified excerpts from Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Obedient, “Be” Commentary Series.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
Used by permission. All rights reserved
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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