READINGS FOR APRIL 22, 2024: GENESIS 14, 1 CORINTHIANS 12, PSALM 33:12-22
GENESIS 14
This chapter gives us a glimpse of the different kingdoms (or clans) in the area where Abram and Lot settled. The region was ruled by King Kedorlaomer of Elam and the other kings were subject to his rule. They had been under his reign for twelve years.
These “kings” were more like the chieftain of a city and its surrounding territory. They were constantly at odds with each other over resources and land. King Kedorlaomer had exercised his power to bring them together into a form of coalition working together for each others well-being. The other kings would have paid tribute to him as a sign of their allegiance.
This coalition of forces had been successful. Together they had defeated neighboring cities which would further King Kedorlaomer’s reach and power. They defeated the Rephaites, Zuzites, Emites, Horites, Amalekites, and the Amorites. To try and put it in perspective, they had pushed their way up from south of the Dead Sea along the Eastern bank of the Jordan River to the North and what is the modern-day border of Syria
In the thirteenth year, there was a battle between two factions of the coalition. The lines were drawn as follows:
Winners – Kedolaomer of Elam, Tidal of Goiim, Amraphel of Shinar, and Arioch of Ellazar
Losers - Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah, Shinab of Admah, Shemeber of Zeboiim, and king of Bela
The battle took place in the Valley of Siddim which is on the Southwest edge of the Dead Sea (near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah). The kings aligned with King Kedolaomer rout their enemies and they seized the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Since Abram’s nephew, Lot, was living near the cities, his entire possessions were carried off. Abram amasses his male servants to chase after those who had captured Lot. The fact that Abram has 318 men ready for battle that serve him is a testament to his wealth and power. Abram chased the abductors to the north of Damascus (modern day Syria) to rescue Lot and recover the confiscated goods.
The king of Sodom meets Abram in the King’s Valley which is close to modern day Jerusalem. There with them is King Melchizedek of Salem (Jerusalem). There was a feast and Abram gave a tenth of the spoils from what he had taken from the defeated kings.
Abram takes an oath before God to not take anything from King Melchizedek so that the king cannot take credit for the wealth that Abram amasses. God’s blessings are what has provided for Abram.
1 CORINTHIANS 12
Chapter 12 begins a long discussion about Spiritual Gifts that will conclude in Chapter 14. There seems to be a discussion among the Corinthians about whether there is a hierarchy to the Spiritual Gifts. Is one more important than any other?
Paul emphasizes three things about Spiritual Gifts:
- Spiritual Gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the good of the community.
- The Holy Spirit has distributed the gifts as the Spirit determined.
- Everyone who has faith in Christ has been given Spiritual Gifts.
Paul lists the Spiritual Gifts of wisdom, knowledge, healing, performing miracles, prophecy, interpretation, and faith (verses 9-10.) The addition of faith to the list states that all who have confessed Jesus as their Savior have been given Spiritual Gifts
VERSES 12-26 – Paul uses the metaphor of the Body of Christ to emphasize the inter-connectedness of the Church and the Spiritual Gifts. Just as the body needs all of it members (arms, legs, head, organs, etc.), the Church needs every member to function as followers of Christ. Paul reminds us that in Christ we are united together. He uses the cultural distinctions of his day (Jews/Greeks – free/slave) to state that these do not matter in God’s reign through Christ. What distinctions might our culture use that we need to overcome?
In verses 15-17, Paul uses the body metaphor to address persons who believe their gifts are not important. In verses 21-24, Paul uses the metaphor for those who may think that their gift is better than others. The important thing to remember is that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to every member of the Body of Christ. We are called to use them.
Honestly, we do not need everyone to prophecy. We do not need everyone to speak in tongues. Or, everyone to play the piano, or sing in the choir. We need you to use the gifts you have been given so that the love of Christ can be shared to the world.
The chapter ends with a hierarchy of roles and uses of the Spiritual Gifts. It is unique that Paul has spent the chapter stating that no gift is more important and now ends with a list of importance. The list is apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, forms of assistance, administration, speaking in tongues.
The last verse anticipates Paul discussion around love (agape) in the next Chapter.
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31, NIV)
PSALM 33:13-22
Today’s reading is the conclusion of a praise hymn. It begins with an eight-verse section that contains a continuation of the words of praise to God. It ends with a three-verse conclusion that offers a response to praise.
King David, the writer of the psalm, calls upon the people of Israel to praise God. The psalm affirms that God blesses the nation that places their faith in God. Those who fear God have been granted God’s blessings.
The psalm then warns nations about misplaced pride. Those who think that the size of their army will bring them safety are mistaken. Those who place there trust in the number of horses sent into battle are not safe.
We currently live in a nation that has the largest military the world has ever seen. And while it is necessary for a nation to have the ability to defend itself, the psalmist tells us that our safety will come from something larger than our military. When we are in awe of God, we can rely on God’s provision. When we trust in God’s unfailing love, we can trust in his grace alone for protection. We can pray that God will keep us alive when in darkness comes and will restore us once the troubles have past.
