God’s Victory

Read: Genesis 14:8-20

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

IN WORD

The king of righteousness, the king of shalom, blessed Abram in the name of God Most High, the Creator of heaven and earth. This is no ordinary blessing in a time when Abram’s family members are the only human beings known to follow the one true God. The mysterious priest speaks for this God and validates Abram’s exploits. He rejoices with Abram in his victory.

But is it really Abram’s victory? Not according to the blessing. Yes, Abram saw the injustice and gathered more than three hundred men. Yes, Abram pursued the invading kings all the way to the far north of the land and beyond. Yes, Abram rescued the people and brought back the spoils. But Abram didn’t win this victory; God did. Abram’s faith was inspired and supported by someone with much greater power. Abram was the agent, but God was the instigator and the provider.

That should give us extreme confidence in our battles. We may feel as if we’re going against the enemy all alone, feeling the weight of circumstances and facing an uphill climb, but the reality of the situation is different. In truth, our warfare against evil and injustice is fully ours and fully God’s—our hearts and His in unity, our actions prompted by His inspiration, our efforts and His strength. When the dust has settled, we can claim the blessing of Melchizedek: God has defeated our enemies for us.

IN DEED

We all long to claim this same victory, and we can. God looks at our faithfulness and trust, accepts our worship, invites even our weakest efforts, and then fights our battles for us. We don’t have to worry about being left on the battlefield alone. We don’t have to dread the encounter. We simply go as He leads and trust Him to be there. And He is. The Most High wins victories for His people.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 144:1-2

All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them.

HUDSON TAYLOR