QT 8/25/2025 Gen 14:1–12, God's will must be the goal, not just responding to circumstances

Genesis 14:1–12 (ESV) —

1 In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar.

8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim 9 with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings against five. 10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. 11 So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. 12 They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.

 

NOTE: The passage give some idea of timelines between these kings but does not help us to understand when Lot arrived. Things happen because of sin that can never be expected. Kings will war against each other for material gain. This does not mean Lot's choice to live in the east was a poor choice, although it was a poor choice. One has to wonder if God allowed this in order to wake up Lot, but it does not appear to have made any difference, since once he is rescued, he goes back to Sodom. I think as a minimum, when things fail or go bad, it is worth it to review the circumstances. And it is good to go to God in prayer, and make sure you are in his will. God may want you in the place you are, even though things seem to be falling apart. The situation can be a great opportunity to be a witness for God. But we cannot assume that, we need to take our plans to God in prayer. I can't emphasize that enough. Circumstances open our eyes, but they do not determine our direction.

 

Proverbs 3:5–8 (ESV) —

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

7 Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

 

There is great truth in the above verses. Oswald Chambers once said:

 

“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”

 

Life will be difficult, but we must fear God, not the world. And if we truly fear God, we will seek him in all that we do.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I stop and re-calibrate when things are not going well, asking God for guidance, so that I stay in his will?
2. Do I fear things in life more than I fear not following God?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for leading and guiding in my life. I have not always been thankful of my situation, but I do believe you are in it, and you want me where I am. Continue to lead, guide, give mercy, and give grace. I need you above all else.