Abram said to the king of Sodom…”I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.'”- Genesis 14:22-23

          “Abram had just fought and won an impressive victory. This was a public battle, a supernatural outcome, a God thing. But when Abram returned home, he was faced with a second battle – a private battle. We can all relate to those moments in the afterglow of a significant victory, when we are vulnerable, depleted, and tired and when it is easy to forfeit much of what we gained. Returning home victorious, Abram was met by two kings. Melchizedek, the king-priest of Salem- thought by some to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ Himself- fed Abram with bread and wine, blessed him in the name of God Most High, and led him to worship. The King of Sodom, on the other hand, while appealing for the return of any captives taken in battle, bargained with Abram by encouraging him to “take the goods for yourself” (Gen. 14:21). You deserve it! Indulge yourself in the rewards of your labor.”- Nancy Leigh DeMoss, The Quiet Place, January 12

You and I can also face these times after a victory. We can take credit, we can be tempted to sit back, enjoy the spoils of war, or we can take our weary bones to the One who will renew our strength. Rather than turning to the King of Sodom, Abram sought fellowship and the presence of the Lord. He could have chosen what was attractive to his flesh but was only temporary. Nancy continues to say, “We are sure to lose the ‘battle after the battle'” if we do not quickly receive the provision, rest, and replenishment of soul that Christ, our King of Salem (peace), offers.”

Nancy’s devotional ends with these questions:
When you finally unwind from a period of great exertion or responsibility, what kinds of temptations are you most likely to be vulnerable to? How could you better prepare for the “battle after the battle?”

My own personal question is- “Would you choose the King of Salem’s offer of peace over the temporary things of this world offered by the King of Sodom?”

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.