“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NLT
A businesswoman presents a holographic chart illustrating return on investment growth over five years.
When investing in the financial markets great discernment and caution is necessary to enable growth and prevent a loss of money. Educating yourself in investment strategies and choosing an experience consultant is the wisest investment to make. Although you may have followed all the right steps in investing your money there are no guarantees of great gains. There are simply too many uncertain circumstances that is part of the daily struggles in a broken world to ensure financial success.
However, there is an investment available with a 100% guarantee return on your investment. One of the many of Solomon’s proverbs deals with investing. Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (nlt) It is pretty straightforward, when you are generous you will receive a return on your investment of generosity. When you refresh others by encouraging them, watering their souls, you will in return have your soul watered. It is as simple as that. But most of us never experience that return on investment because we have not invested as we should.
Some hesitancy in investing in others is due not looking beyond our own needs to the needs of others. Yes, we are to provide for our needs and those of our family, Scripture demands it. Scripture also has some things to say about helping others and we are not to neglect those opportunities as they present themselves. Another concern is we do not have time to invest in others. We need not worry about whether we have the time or the money, we have the wisest financial advisor to help us invest in others. The Lord God, the most experience consultant is available to us seven days a week. He is ready to advise you where to invest, and you can be sure of a good return.
“Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” Genesis 14:19-20 NLT
Abram had won a battle over the four kings from the north who had taken his nephew Lot and his family captive and stolen all his belongings. Lot, as we reviewed last week, was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His desire to live the good life caused him to compromise his values and eventually settled for life in the sin-city of Sodom. The king of Sodom along with the kings of Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar, were about to be attacked by the kings of the north, and Lot was a sitting duck. Abram stepped in with his trained men and rescued Lot and the city of Sodom. Afterward, the king of Sodom set out to meet Abram to show him his appreciation.
The liberated “king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).” (Gen.14:17 nlt) This valley was one of the several valleys near Jerusalem, named Salem in ancient times. Possibly this could have been the ‘Kidron Valley.’ Abram and the king of Sodom are met by a historical figure, Melchizedek, a priest and king of Salem. “And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine.” (Gen.14:18 nlt) Melchizedek’s name means ‘king of righteousness’ or ‘righteous king.’ Being a priest and a king, many biblical scholars identify him as a ‘type of Christ’ figure. David writes in the book of Psalms concerning the coming Messiah, “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’ The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Ps.110:1, 4 nlt)
This priest and king, Melchizedek, brought food for Abram and his men. This was more than bread and wine but signifies a large meal or a banquet in recognition of their victory over their enemies. It was also a symbol of friendship and hospitality. Scripture doesn’t provide us much background about Melchizedek other than he was a worshiper of the true God. His references to God as ‘God most high’ and ‘creator of heaven and earth’ points us in that direction of Melchizedek’s faith and knowledge of the Lord God. This kingly priest did two things, he blessed Abram and he blessed God. “Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” (Gen.14:19-20 nlt) Melchizedek gives all the credit for Abram’s victory to God. Abram also is aware the victory came from the Lord God. Abram gave a tenth of the spoils to the Lord and his servant Melchizedek in gratitude for Lord’s victory.
The king of Sodom now makes an offer to Abram for his returning the people and goods of his city, Sodom. The king only wants his people back and Abram can keep all the goods. “Abram replied to the king of Sodom, ‘I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, I am the one who made Abram rich.’” (Gen.14:22-23 nlt) Abram was careful not to allow himself to be obligated to anyone but the Lord. How tempting that must have been to not take advantage of what some might say was certainly deserved. Abram made it an oath not to accept anything. Accepting this offer would have negative results for Abram. People would be able to say that part of Abram’s wealth came from the king of Sodom. The king of Sodom may see it as an opportunity to lord himself over Abram. Abram did not go into this battle for personal gain, but to rescue his family. Accepting the offer would also show a lack of trust in God to supply his needs and finally Abram wanted no part of the king of Sodom and his wicked city.
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Abram’s faith in God and his godly character is shown at the end of chapter 14 as he requests to receive only what his men had already eaten and for his allies to share the spoils among themselves. Abram looked out for the men who serve him and for those who aligned with him in this battle. This man of faith was also a man of fairness and generosity.
Next week, the Lord’s covenant promise to Abram…………
Word for the Soul 