The Enemy Took...

Daily Reading: Genesis 14

Scripture Focus: 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. (Genesis 14.11-12)

Devotional Thought: In this story, we can liken 'the enemy' to sin.

Sin is greedy, stealing possessions. When we are controlled by sin, we spend what we have and sacrifice what we've saved, in order to satisfy sin's appetites. Sin is never satisfied with just a little, but it costs us everything. Whether they are gamblers, addicts, or materialists, I've seen many people lose everything because of the sin that controls their lives.

Sin is cruel and heartless, taking provisions. Think of provisions as those things that we need just to live: whether they are physical things such as food, water, clothing, and shelter, or personal things like strength, passion, love and energy. Little by little, sin robs us of the ability to cope every day. Again, I've seen people just give up because they are so deep in sin they feel that they can never escape.

Sin is impartial, ruining people, the innocent along with the guilty. Sin does not care who it destroys. Lot just happened to be there. He was not a part of those communities' sinful past, but he was swept up by the plundering enemy. When sin invades a life, it not only destroys that person, but it spreads to families, to churches, to communities. I've seen many spouses and children suffer because of sinful choices they had nothing to do with.

Like the people in Genesis 14, we need a savior. Someone who helps us reclaim our possessions, our provisions, and our people. Abram (Abraham) came to their rescue, but our Savior is stronger; he is perfect. It is Jesus! And, "because he continues forever.... he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him" (Hebrews 7.24-25). Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you have come to be our Savior, our Rescuer! You are stronger than sin. You completely destroyed sin at the cross! Help us to run to you! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 13 Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, 14 from men by your hand, O LORD, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants. 15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (Psalms 17:13-15)