13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.
– Genesis 14:13-16 (ESV)
Do you like a good rescue story? From kittens up high trees to Saving Private Ryan, a dramatic story of rescue resonates with us. I think we love these stories for a couple reasons. We empathize with those in need of rescue because we have been in situations where we needed to be rescued! We feel "all the feels" that those who may lose a loved one may be experiencing. We also like stories of rescue because many of the best things about humanity are on display: courage, risk-taking, creativity, sacrifice, and love.
The Bible is an amazing story of rescue made up of lots of little stories of dramatic rescue attempts. From the parable of the shepherd that leaves the ninety-nine to search for one lost sheep, to using a whale to rescue the worst missionary ever from his sinful stubbornness; from using a shepherd boy to save a nation from defeat to a menacing giant, or a worship team to conquer an invading army, to the ultimate rescue performed by Christ dying on a cross and then rising to life to save sinners… Our God loves to rescue!
This Sunday we see another echo of God’s promise to Abram is His protection. We will see the danger of presuming upon God for protection while experiencing the beauty of how God enacts protection and rescue for each of us. Take a look at Genesis 14:1-24 (I dare you to try to pronounce all those strange names aloud!) and see how we hear the echoes of protection from this story.
Can’t wait to unpack this amazing story with you!
Take some time to listen to the worship set to prepare your heart.
Love you Church,
Nate Newell
Pastor of Ministry & Mission Development