So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way. (14:11 -12)
Abram’s nephew Lot, who was living in Sodom, got caught in the war between several kings, and taken captive. Abram and his 318 trained servants went and rescued Lot and the others with him. On his return: “Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God most high.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High., Possessor of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High who has delivered your enemies into your hand” (Genesis 14:18 -20).
There is Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High – we don’t see him again, but there he is. God has His people here and there and we shouldn’t be put off, but rather delighted, when we meet a true God worshipper in unlikely places. They might not look like us, or sound like us, but let’s not limit what God can do and whom God can call.
My family has had the privilege of worshipping with all sorts of Believers from a wide spectrum of denominations. Some have been extremely quiet and subdued, while others have been loud and jubilant. They have had many other differences as well. But all have had faith in the one true God through the Messiah. I don’t claim to be comfortable in all settings, but I do recognize these Believers as family – brothers and sisters worshipping the same Heavenly Father.
Prayer: God, help me not to judge people who might worship differently than me, but to delight when I find brothers or sisters in unlikely places, even when their form or customs don’t look like mine. Amen.
