There are so many ways to feel connected to God in a personal way….being in nature, reading devotional books that give hope and glimpses of how God works in others lives, having conversation with God as you ask questions, prayer. The Bible is by no means the only way to grow closer to God but as I read Scripture, I can’t help but feel the wonderful threads running all throughout that connect me and you and everyone and everything.

Genesis 14 is filled with amazing threads. The first 3 Chapters are spent describing various kings and their conquering and finally conquering Sodom and Gomorrah and taking the people, their food and Lot and his possessions. Then a curious passage…v. 13 A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. There’s no mention in the commentary below but when I Googled, it affirmed my understanding of Hebrew: a member of an ancient people living in what is now Israel and Palestine and, according to Biblical tradition, descended from the patriarch Jacob, grandson of Abraham. Yet, here Abram is referred to as “the Hebrew” before Isaac or Jacob were born. It’s curious that the 3 Chapters describing the kings and their might…then it tells us When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. v. 14. 318 trained men and Abram defeated the other kings and brought everyone and their goods back.

Then we come to v. 18-20: Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Melchizedek brought out bread and wine. Hebrews is filled with references to this Melchizedek. Hebrews 5 talks about the high priest in Israel selected from the people and descended from Aaron…And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (Psalm 2:7) And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4) v. 4-6. Hebrews 7: This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. v. 1-3.

I’m not a Theologian or a Minister but I can’t help but share the wonder of Scripture. We are God’s created. Our history is spun from threads that bind us. Melchizedek blessed Abram after offering him bread and wine and then he also directed his focus to praising God Most High who delivered him. The same God who clothed Adam and Eve after they turned away from Him; the same God who provided for Noah and his family after floods filled the Earth; the same God who brought bread and wine to Abram and blessed him – offers Himself to us.

There is a whole world of understanding ready to be shown if we just ask. There have been killings and wars ever since Cain killed Abel. Scriptures record a bloody history and we see that bloody path in our history and today…and throughout, we see also the history of our blaming God for the consequences of our choices. But I hope we can turn and see God who first of all provides for us and has always taught us to choose life not death. Do we choose life?

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12. The Beatitudes. Jesus’s words to us.

As I take God’s hand He leads me gently. He doesn’t impose His will on me. He doesn’t beat me over the head with Scripture. He allows me to fail and assures me His promise to love me for eternity cannot be undone by my sins and failings. In that great love I turn for comfort, healing, purpose. I choose life and how beautiful it is with Him leading me. Walk with Him…He’s here and you will be blessed with His love.