Bible Reading: Genesis 14 | Matthew 14 | Psalm 14
Devotional for January 20, 2025
Reading: Genesis 14 | Matthew 14 | Psalm 14
Download the PDF edition
Genesis 14
Genesis 14 has two major sections. The first (14:1-16) details Abram's battle with the five kings. In this battle, Abram rescues his nephew, Lot. The odds are overwhelming, of course. These five kings have just conquered many Canaanites. Yet, with his small army, Abram seeks to rescue his nephew. In no small way, this is a lesson of kindness. In the previous chapter, Lot took the best of the land and left his uncle with the leftovers. It would have been natural for Abram to ignore his nephew, allowing him to be harmed or killed by the forces of evil and then assume the lands vacated as a result. Yet, Abram rescues his helpless nephew. In it, we have a picture of our helpless condition and the work of grace in saving us from our sad state. The second section (14:17-24) is significant as it sets the foundation for the eternal priesthood of Christ. In this section, Abram meets Melchizedek, priest of God Most High (14:18), who blessed him. That was no ordinary priesthood but one of an eternal order. There is some debate as to whether this is an actual human being, born ordinarily, or a pre-incarnate manifestation of the second person of the Trinity. Whatever the case, it is the foundation for the priesthood of Christ. The Levitical priests came from the tribe of Levi. Yet Christ is from the tribe of Judah. How could he be the great high priest described for us in Hebrews? It is precisely because he comes from the line of Melchizedek – an eternal line.
Applications:
God established a unique priesthood for his Son. He is an eternal priest, unlike the high priests of Aaron's day. This High Priest will be a priest forever.
Because Christ is our High Priest, we have confidence that our heavenly Father will hear us because of his work.
Matthew 14
Matthew 14 contains the narrative account of the death of John the Baptist, the miracle of Jesus walking on water, and other healing performed by the Savior. The significant section is the events leading to the death of the prophet John. In chapter eleven, he was in prison. This chapter gives us the details as to why he was there. John, faithful to the law of God, warns Herod that "it is not lawful for you to have her," referring to Herod's taking of his brother's wife as his own. That pronouncement angered the king, and he tossed him in prison. It was not until a party that Herod made a fateful vow and promised the daughter of Herodias anything she wanted. Prompted by mom, the daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. It was done. John was martyred for the sake of the truth. It is a lesson to all of us who name the name of Christ. We must be vigilant to stand firm on the truths of the gospel regardless of the consequences. Though John lost his life, we reflect on the words of Paul, who said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die, gain."
Applications:
Every true child of God must stand firm for the faith. They are called to that life. Suffering for the sake of Christ is a blessing.
Be careful about the influence of peer pressure. Many people will try to leverage themselves against your principles. Do not swerve from the faith once delivered to the saints.
Psalm 14
Psalm 14 has five stanzas but one central theme: Only a fool denies the existence of God. That theme is stated at the very opening of the psalm and is further described along with the response of a holy God.
14:1
The psalm opens, declaring, "The fool says in his heart 'there is no God." The Bible describes a fool in many ways, but perhaps the highest level of foolishness is for people made in God's image to say there is no God. An atheist makes this utterly stupid statement. But we can be described this way when we live our lives as though there is no God, though we know he exists. AS professing Christians, we should not be practical atheists as we live. We must never forget that there is a God in the heavens who beholds evil and good.
The opening verse describes the actions of those who deny God and his existence. Note: They are corrupt. They do abominable deeds. Because these people say in their heart there is no God, it is evidence of their corruption, of their sin. That corruption leads to evil actions. From the heart, all men's sinful actions spring (See Matt. 15:18-20). The child of God must guard his heart (Prov. 4:23) because it is from there that all the issues of life spring.
14:2
This verse reverses the opinions of men by stating that "The Lord looks down from heaven." Contrary to the opinions of sinful men, God does exist, and he is taking note of their behavior. The question is posed: "Does anyone understand? Is there anyone who seeks God?" This verse highlights the depravity of sinners, whether they are atheists or not. The apostle Paul picks up on this verse in Romans 3 when he describes the corruption of humanity. Before Christ apprehended us, we were enemies and strangers to the covenant of promise. We were as described in this verse and the verses that follow.
14:3
This verse further elaborates on the wickedness of sinners. Three items are mentioned:
·They have turned aside – That is, they have rejected the way of the Lord.
They have become corrupt – Again, this is repeated to demonstrate the rottenness in their hearts.
They do not do good – The logical result of a corrupt heart. They reject the good of the moral law of God.
14:4-6
This section describes the judgment our God has for people who seek to harm his people because of their corrupt and wicked influence. Yet, God does see, and one day, they will be in great terror because of the fiery judgment of a holy God. They will be put to shame for their foolish opinion and wicked actions.
14:7
David prays for the salvation of God's covenant people. He prays for them to be protected from the influence of evil men. We should pray the same. We should pray for the salvation of the nations.
Applications:
Christians must avoid the tendency to live as practical atheists. Though they know there is a God, too often, they live each day as though he doesn't exist.
Christians must guard their hearts. Be careful about outward formalism without the inward reality.