10_Who is our reward? Gen 14:18-24 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 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.’ 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.” Samuel Morrison served God in Africa at the turn of the 19th century. He was returning to the United States after 25 years of service on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, returning after a brief hunting trip in Africa. When the ship docked in New York, Roosevelt was thronged with admirers bearing banners, with cheers, and much fanfare. He was given top security and a smooth passage through the docks, with a fleet of vehicles ready to whisk him away. In stark contrast, Morrison disembarked unnoticed, to head home alone, carrying his own luggage. Frustrated, he told God, “Lord, the President comes home from a few weeks on safari and is received with such honor. What about me? I’ve dedicated my entire life to your work, but nobody recognizes me!” These words came to his mind, “My son, you haven’t come home yet.” Morrison was both relieved and ashamed. Indeed, he had forgotten that his true home was still ahead, where he would receive an abundant welcome and an eternal reward. His thoughts became clear when he held an eternal perspective. Genesis 14:18-24 records a similar difference in viewpoint. The chapter records the first war in Scripture. In the lush Jordan Valley, four kings allied against a coalition of five. The latter, including the king of Sodom, had rebelled against their overlord, who marched against them with his allies and defeated them. He carried off all their people as captives and slaves, including Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who lived in Sodom. Hearing the news, Abraham sprang into action, marching with his 318 trained household servants on a rescue mission. Abraham could have sat still and done nothing. He could have reasoned that Lot had chosen his own path when he moved into the wicked city of Sodom. He could have convinced himself that it would be too dangerous and indeed futile to fight against this powerful alliance. He could have pleaded helplessness. Instead of resentment, self-righteousness, or fear, Abraham burned with zeal to rescue his brother. He held no grudges but trusted God to look after his welfare. “God has not given us the