Genesis 14:5-6 In the fourteenth year, Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh Kiriathaim and the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El Paran near the desert.
Today is Christmas Eve, and while I sort of wish today’s scripture was more related to the calendar and the season, I can actually still see parallels here. All those years ago on that first Christmas, Hope was born in a manger to an unwed teen mother and her betrothed.
Genesis 14:7 Then they turned back and went to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who were living in Hazezon Tamar.
There was no room at the inn, so the birth happened in a stable. They were traveling for a census, so the birth happened away from home. They were involved in something miraculous and holy, and I’m pretty sure they were at least marginally apprehensive about the whole thing, but they allowed God to use them, and God brought forth His only Son, fully human and fully divine.
Genesis 14:8-9 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.
Precious Savior, The reality is that the world keeps turning, conflicts continue to happen, things don’t turn out the way we hope or imagine. Thank You that the reality of Your Son is just as real, just as ever present. Thank You for the example of Mary and Joseph who said yes to You and were allowed to participate in a miracle. Help us to hold onto Your hope and say Yes when You call. Help us to trust You always. Amen.
Genesis 14:10-12 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills. The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.
Have a blessed day.