CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 946

“True Character”

After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer … the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’  I will take nothing but … the share of the men who went with me…” After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (Genesis 14:17-15:1)

The word ‘character’ means a distinctive, differentiating mark. The Greek root word from which we get the word ‘character’ means to engrave. Your character is the distinctive you. It goes beyond skin deep and stems from what is ‘engraved’ at the very core of your being. Does your character identify you as a Christian – a follower, a disciple of Jesus Christ? Is the differentiating distinctive of God’s Living Word evident in your day to day actions and decision-making? Does your personal relationship with Jesus define your character?

Abraham was a man of Godly character. God had just given him a tremendous victory over his enemies and two kings greet him. Melchizedek, who is believed to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, greets Abraham. The entire exchange between Abraham and Melchizedek glorifies God. Contrast this with the meeting between Abraham and the king of Sodom who typifies Satan himself. The king of Sodom asks Abraham for the people (the Hebrew word means ‘souls’) and, in exchange, offers him all the material wealth. Isn’t that the way the enemy works today? When a leader’s character is corrupted through greed and lust of the flesh, the lives of many become prey for the enemy. This is true in our families, churches, and governmental entities.

Note that the meeting occurred when Abraham was probably bone weary and exhausted as he returned from the battle. It is in our tired and weak moments – our valley experiences – that the enemy comes to us to tempt us with the physical pleasures of this world. But note also that Jesus is present in the valley with us. Through Him, we have the power to be victorious over the enemy even when we are at our weakest moment. …For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Observe Abraham’s character, his acknowledgement and glorification of God and his stern refusal to have any relationship, any bond or tie to the evil one. There was no room for compromise in Abraham’s character. It was because of the purity of his character that Abraham was able to hear from God so clearly in a vision. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Do you need a fresh vision from God? Are you at a crossroad and need guidance and direction for your life? Do you need reassurance and peace? Your ability to hear from God – to have a fresh vision from Him depends upon your character. God’s Word exhorts us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Actively seek God and allow His Holy Spirit to renew you, to engrave upon the tablets of your heart His Word that He may create in you the character of His Son, Jesus Christ.