A Journey Through The Old Testament - Elmer Towns

Jehovah El Elyon and cannot, therefore, serve another.” This principle is stated in the New
Testament when Jesus warned, “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24) and James asked,
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants
to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).
Though Abram accepted both the bread and wine offered by Melchizedek, he would
accept nothing “from a thread to a sandal strap” (Gen. 14:23) from the king of Sodom. While
both Abram and Melchizedek worshiped the same God, El Elyon, Abram had nothing in
common with Sodom and her king. According to Jewish legend God later destroyed Sodom at
the moment both the sun and moon were in the sky because they were the two principal objects
of worship in that city. In so doing God demonstrated His superiority over both false gods.
Though Abram’s personal commitment to the Lord forbade him from making an alliance
with the king of Sodom, he was careful not to impose his personal convictions on others who did
not share his commitment to God. His refusal to accept the offer of the king of Sodom was
accompanied by his claim that his neighbors and allies, Aner, Eschol, and Mamre, were free to
accept the offer if they so desired.
PERSPECTIVE: FAITH INVOLVES STRUGGLES
Faith is not only passively trusting or waiting on God, it is also actively obeying the
implied commands of faith. When discussing the Christian’s spiritual warfare, Paul stressed the
importance of having the “shield of faith” (Eph. 6:16). Because the world is in a state of war
against God, the spiritual Christian will have occasions when he will be engaged in the fight of
faith.
If one is to consistently experience the victory of faith in these conflicts, he must realize
the two distinct battle strategies of the enemy. Sometimes the enemy of faith will take the form
of an outright attack against the authority of God. More often, however, the approach will be
more subtle, requiring only a minor compromise in some seemingly insignificant area. Abram’s
fellowship with God at Hebron prepared him for the battle against the five invading kings. His
fellowship with God before Melchizedek prepared him for the more dangerous battle with the
king of Sodom. The only way a believer can adequately prepare for the necessary battles of faith
in his Christian life is to continually deepen his fellowship with Christ.
TEN
ABRAHAM:
Justified by Faith (Genesis 15:1-21)
The fifteenth chapter of Genesis records a significant day in the life of Abram. It was a
day not only marked by a revelation of God, the fifth of nine such manifestations in the life of
Abram, but also a day when God confirmed an unconditional covenant with the man of faith.
That day of fellowship with God began early in the morning while the stars were still visible
(15:5) and did not end until the sun had set that evening (v. 12). This may have been the longest
meeting of Abram with God in his pilgrimage of faith.
The account of this meeting is also important theologically as it introduces a number of
important theological concepts. Among these are the ideas of revelation, faith, and the imputa-