RESPONSE OF THE GODLY

Genesis 14: 1-24

Monday, 07 September 2026

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth...” -Genesis 14:22

When we study the life of Abraham, we see his deep-rooted faith in the God who called him. This relationship helped him make right responses in many situations which brought him great rewards. Today’s text focuses on Abraham’s response to both man and God—a reflection of his godly character, distinguishing him from his nephew Lot, who lived more for the here and now(the worldly).

i) How the Worldly live:

We read in Genesis 13 that Lot, Abraham’s nephew chose to move into Sodom after the discord with Abraham’s herdsmen. He moved because  

• He saw that the place was well-watered (Gen.13: 10)

• looked like the garden of the Lord (Gen.13:10)

The worldly are chiefly driven by the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Lot did just that— at first he chose to live in the cities close to Sodom (Gen 13:12); but it wasn’t too long before he moved into Sodom and dwelt there – the center of all the action (Gen.14: 12). When people live to satisfy their fleshly desires, they hardly realize how slowly but steadily they slide into captivity, because their decisions are not directed by the will of God, rather by their human wisdom, insight and desires. Then one day they find themselves in a spot they cannot get out of. This is how Lot found himself- A captive in the hands of the raiding kings! (V.12) But in God’s mercy, the Lord provided a saviour for Lot.  

Looking like Lot today? Have you become enslaved to sin? You don’t have to remain there, you do have a Saviour! Luke 4:18 reminds us: “Jesus came to set the captives free!”

ii) How should the Godly Respond? 

When Abraham knew that his nephew was in trouble, he was under no compulsion to rescue him because Gen.13:11 says: “And they separated from each other.” Why should Abraham or any godly man respond to such news, when the other has chosen to walk the way of destruction? 

Well Abraham did respond and here are the Reasons:

• Concern for the lost – V.14 records that the moment he heard of this, he got ready for action. Abraham got ready for physical battle. For the godly it’s a spiritual battle on their knees. They cannot stand by and watch anyone perish.

• Pursues the lost –(V.15) Not only did he show concern but risked his own life to bring Lot back to safety. God is still calling us to go out into the marketplace or maybe the ends of the earth to rescue those who are still held captive under sin. Who will respond to this? Only the one who has had an encounter with God like Abraham. Jude 22&23 says: “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire..” This is our call.

• Expects nothing from man – The one called by God serves God and expects a reward only from Him. He has learnt to say ‘NO’ to worldly profits and waits for a heavenly reward! We read it so clearly in Abraham’s response to the king of Sodom in vs 22&23. 

To such a man, heaven is not silent. Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God (a shadow of Jesus, our Heavenly Man) steps in to bless Abraham –the godly man (Vs.18-20).

Today we have an example from Abraham to emulate! Paul says in Col.3:23&24: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” This will surely distinguish us, whether man or woman, from the rest of the world. 

Think on:– “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

Listen: 'Godly Men'