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The Source of Freedom

Writer's picture: Karl GesslerKarl Gessler

The King of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, “I have made Abram rich.”

  Genesis 14:21-24


Whoever blesses you also has the power to curse you. Many parents control their children through their finances and produce a very unhealthy codependency. Many children of wealthy parents deeply resent their parents for manipulating them with money. But the children equally despise themselves for being controlled by the love of money.


Abram was wise to reject a share in the booty with the king of Sodom and displayed his growing confidence (faith) in Yahweh God, Who promised Abram wealth. Abram did not want any strings attached to this foreign king. God called Abram out in faith, and Abram enjoyed the freedom his faith provided. Abram would not sacrifice his freedom for the security of a foreign king. Oh! If Americans would put their faith in God like this again, we could return to the status of “the land of the free.” But we are far from free today.


The adage “Don't bite the hand that feeds you” is a wise saying. But true wisdom lies in whom you allow to feed you. And maybe the phrase would be more accurate if it said, “You WON’T bite the hand that feeds you. So, make sure you are eating the provision of a loving master.”


Abram and his nephew Lot had a good problem. Their wealth in livestock grew so fast that they ran out of room and had to separate to avoid fighting over the grazing land (Genesis 13:6-9). Abram, who put his hope in Yahweh, gave his nephew the choice of land.


“Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere...Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward.” Genesis 13:10,11


Lot lifted his eyes and said, “My wealth is what I see.” Abram lifted his eyes and said, “My wealth comes from the Lord.”


If you are familiar with the Bible, you know that Lot’s possessions would eventually be consumed by fire in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). The hand that blessed Lot also cursed Lot. It would take the blessing of Abram to rescue Lot from the inheritance he chose.


Abram knew in his guts that the king of Sodom was not a trustworthy benefactor. When Abram refused to receive the blessings of Sodom, he set himself free from the controlling mechanism of Sodom.

Today, many of us need freedom from the controlling mechanism of “benefits.” The benefits offered by the government control us and keep us from speaking truth to power. The benefits of a high-paying job enslave us to a life we don't choose for ourselves and isn't best for our families. The benefits of feeling important enslave us to social media likes and subscribers and silence our convictions. The benefits of nicotine and narcotics enslave our bodies to a substance that kills us and steals our wealth. The benefits of anti-depressants rob our lives of vigor, independence, and cleverness. All slavery comes from the hand that feeds us.


The only way to be free in life is to eat from the hand of the One who doesn't need you but still gave His life for you. He gives but does not need in return. He is not controlling with His gifts but sacrificial. He gives from a true heart of love. There is no one else like Him in all the universe. His name is Jesus, and He died on the cross to give you life more abundantly. He came

to life again, so no one can take your inheritance away. Jesus is the only loving master Who will feed you. If you long for freedom, you must choose to trust the only secure source of wealth.

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