Genesis 14 War... kings and armies gathered together to attack other kings and their cities.  In the midst of this conflict.. Lot and his family and all of his belongings are swept up into captivity.  But, Abram hears of this and takes his 318 men, along with his allies from Mamre..  and goes after his nephew.  He divides his forces, goes in at night, and defeats the enemies.  It is a miraculous victory. 

Abram rescues Lot, his family, and all of his possessions.  Then he returns home, meeting along the way two kings.  One, the defeated king of Sodom and the other, Melchizedek, the king of Salem.  One wants his people back and offers Abram the goods he had brought back.  The other brings bread and wine.  One returns to a wicked city filled with sinful people.. and the other blesses Abram, because he "was a priest of the most high God. "

Abram refuses to take anything from the king of Sodom.  But, he gives a tithe to the King of Salem. 

What seems amazing to me at this point is that Lot returns to Sodom.  He doesn't discern the character of this king or of the people that surround him. He returns to a place that would eventually be destroyed because of its wickedness.  Why would he want to stay there?

Abram makes a pledge to the Lord.. "I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong.." from Sodom's king.  He wants no association with the wickedness of the city or its king.  God gave Abram discernment.  He was growing Abram's faith and trust in Him. 

We call Abraham a man whose faith was counted as righteousness.. but that faith was developed over years and through circumstances that Abram lived through.  Just like us.  We hear the Word of God.. we experience the work of God.. and we begin to know the "Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth."   God works in our lives to develop us into men and women of faith. Then, he counts it as righteousness for us too!  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Father in heaven, have Your way in our hearts and lives today we pray.. in Jesus' name. amen.