I experienced several lay-offs and a firing in my corporate career as an industrial engineer and purchasing agent. Each time, God provided a better position even though my job performance had flaws. God graciously met our needs through the various transitions even when we messed up. How do you sort out failed human responsibility or disobedience to God and His gracious dealings with us?

Because God is a loving and holy Supreme being, He makes good come out of every situation. We see these two sides  expressed in the life of Abram (Gen. 14). Even though God shows grace, we still experience consequences for disobedience.  Abraham disobeyed God by not separating from Lot in response to His command to leave his relatives and go to the land He would show him (Gen. 12:1).

Five kings controlling the area of Sodom where Lot lived were defeated by four kings. After they took Lot, a fugitive told Abram his nephew was taken captive where he would probably be killed. Abram led 318 of his trained men to rescue Lot and recover all his goods (Gen. 14:8-16). It was admirable that Abram rescued Lot. At the same time, Abram’s disobedience concerning Lot caused him to risk his life, incur expenses and exert effort on his nephew’s behalf. He experienced consequences because he didn’t separate from his nephew, Lot, until later (Gen. 13:14).

Even in the midst of disobedience and a bad situation, God still shows grace. Out of nowhere, Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, came to meet Abram with bread and wine after he rescued Lot.  He blessed Abram with God showing grace by delivering enemies into his hand (Gen. 14:18-20).  In the midst of the mess due to Abram’s disobedience regarding Lot, God shared His promise to assure Abram that He is sovereign and victorious in every situation. God makes good come out of bad situations.

Abram showed proper response to God’s grace by not taking advantage of it. He refused the tithe offered to him by Melchizedek. Abram showed contentment to have basic food expenses met without desiring riches (Gen. 14:21-24). The way we treat God’s commands will be rendered in equal measure to us. Even though God shows grace in the midst of disobedience, we do reap consequences because of our sin.

How has God showed grace to you? How have you experienced the consequences of sin?


Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *