EL-ELYON – THE GOD MOST HIGH

In Genesis 14:1-24 we see Abram’s encounter with different kings. Four kings, whose leader was Chedorlaomer, fight against the coalition of five kings, among whom is Bera, king of Sodom. These were not kings over large areas, but over city-states. The fight took place near the Dead Sea, in the southern area of modern Isreal. After 12 of submission, the group of five kings rebelled against the alliance of the four kings, prompting the attack. The five kings lost the battle for freedom against Chedorlaomer and his allies, and they fled in retreat. Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, was living in Sodom at that time. Abram was a man of honor and a guardian of his family, so he fought for his nephew’s life and safety. Lot was also taken captive. Abram heard about it. He armed his 318 trained servants: This shows the great wealth and authority of Abram. We see that Abram, a man who walked in faith, was also a prudent man. He kept his own personal army, trained and ready to defend his interests. Abram led his army and pursued the four kings for a long distance to the city of Dan, about 240 miles. If they were walking fast, they covered that distance in about 10 days. God gave Abram military wisdom. Using the clever strategy of a night attack with his army split into two groups, he rescued Lot and recovered all the plunder seized by the four kings. This victory was supernatural. Against all odds, Abram won. Once he became free, Lot moved back to Sodom. God was warning him, but he refused to listen. He would eventually lose everything when Sodom and Gomorrah were judged by God. At that time, not even Abram could help him.

As Abram came back victorious, the king of Sodom came to meet him. But just before he could say anything to Abram, a strange person called Melchizedek intervened. We are not told any details about Melchizedek. His name means “King of Righteousness”. He was the King of Salem. Salem means Peace and it was the original name of Jerusalem. He was a worshipper and priest of God most High (El Elyon). He was ruling over Jerusalem even in those ancient times. The thing that makes Melchizedek unique was he was both a king and a priest. History shows that it is often dangerous to combine religious and civic authority. God forbade Isreal’s kings to be priests and the priests to be kings. For example, King Uzziah tried to do the work of a priest and God struck him with leprosy (2Chr 26:16-23). King Saul did not wait for Prophet Samuel. He tried to be priest and offered an unlawful sacrifice to God. God punished him and he lost his crown (1Sam 13:1-15). The only person anointed to be King and Priest at the same time was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In Him we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, to declare praises to God” (1Pet 2:9). To praise and worship God Most High is our highest privilege!

El Elyon means “The Highest God,” like saying “Supreme Being, Sovereign Ruler”. In this world, the word “sovereign” applies to kings and queens. It means having the highest power and to be completely independent from all others. Melchizedek was an example of a true worshipper of the New Covenant. He was a priest of God Most High, yet he was not related to Abram or other known covenant people of God. Melchizedek served Abram bread and wine, a symbol of the redeeming sacrifice, like the Passover feast or the Holy Communion instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. As a priest, in the name of El Elyon, Melchizedek did two things. He blessed Abram and he blessed God. He showed that a priest must connect and serve both God and man. Melchizedek was “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” (Heb 7:3). Bible teachers agree that Melchizedek was a pre-Bethlehem appearance of Jesus. “The Lord has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Ps 110:4). The priesthood of the Messiah is not in the order of Aaron but in the order of Melchizedek. Selah!

Coming back from the battle, Abram gave an offering to the Lord to acknowledge that God gave him the victory. He did it through giving the tithe to Melchizedek. This referred to one-tenth of all the goods that he had won in battle. This is a remarkably generous gift. It was almost as if Abram and Melchizedek were competing to see who could bless the other more. This wonderful attitude of mutual blessing must be found in the church. Abram, the ancestor of the Jewish people including the tribe of Levi, honored Melchizedek with his tithe, showing Abram’s submission to Melchizedek’s who had a superior authority. Jesus is the greater High Priest.

After Abram finishes talking to King Melchizedek, the king of Sodom comes to greet Abram, with a jealous, ungrateful, proud heart. He was not humbled before Abram. He didn’t give glory to God. But as is proper, according to tradition, he wants to donate to Abram all the material goods recovered. He only wants to keep his people. But Abram refuses the goods because he has made a personal vow to God Most High (El Elyon), after hearing Melchizedek use this title for God. Abram refused any portion of the 90% of the plunder because he did not want to give anyone reason to say that a man had made Abram rich. Not too long ago, Abram and his wife went to Egypt. Abram lied that Sarai was his sister and not his wife. Pharoah took Sarai as one of his wives. He gave Abram many gifts and could really boast that he made Abram rich. But God punished Pharoah. He drove Abram and Sarai away in disgrace (Gen 12:10-20). Abram did not want such a story to be repeated in his life! Abram has learnt his lessons. He determined that from now on, all the glory for his success goes to God alone. He declared that his wealth was because of God’s blessings and not coming from the generosity or help of any man. This is a wise way to live, and especially a wise way to serve God. But Abram did not impose his principles on his allies. He told them that they were entitled to as much of the spoil as was appropriate by the customs of the time.

LESSONS FROM GENESIS 14

*El Elyon is God’s name meaning God Most High. He wants a personal relationship with His people. He receives and blesses the tithers.

*The story of Abram’s rescue of Lot is an analogy of believer’s salvation. God’s elect was captured in sin and shame and rescued by another stronger man, who left his safety and happiness. Jesus Christ, the kinsman redeemer of His people, went to great trouble and distance to save sinners. With courage and love He defeated the devil, the enemy of men. He set His people free and took all the enemy’s spoil. Glory!

*The principle of tithing is a sign of worship, submission to God’s authority and gratitude for victory and material increase. It was introduced here long before Moses made it into law. Tithing is based on Grace, Love, and Faith, and not on the law. You need faith to accept this revelation!

*The kings made a coalition to fight together. Unity is power. Help and encourage one another. Faith builds up in the unity of purpose.

*True leaders are strong and courageous. They take risks to save others. Abram did not hesitate. He went with his small army to save Lot.

*Preparation is half of the victory. Abram had trained 318 of his personal servants to be ready when the duty calls!

*God is with Abram from beginning to the end. He gives him strength, wisdom and strategy to win. “The Battle belongs to the Lord!”

*Abram is blessed when he goes out and when he comes back. King Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon, the Supreme God!

*Generosity is a sign of royalty. Abram gave 10% to God and 90% to the King of Sodom. He did not gain any material things from the battle!

*Lot got entangled in the life of Sodom, a worldly city. God judged the sinners there. Lot lost everything he had, his family and property.

*The importance of faithfulness to vows. Abram refuses to take any gift from the king of Sodom because of his personal vow!

*Christians, pastors, must reject any gifts that seems like bribe, or money that is used to manipulate people. God must have all the glory!

*If material success comes by human methods and selfish strategies, then it is difficult to confidently say that the blessing came from God.

*Abram did not force his principles on others. Love is a personal sacrifice. God always rewards willing cheerful sacrifice! Selah!

*Give God all the glory for all your success, spiritual and material. All glory, honor and power belong to El Elyon, God Most High forever!

DIFFERENT TYPES OF GIVERS

*The Cheerful giver has made up his mind to give. He has experienced the peace and joy which is directly connected with his giving of his time, effort and money to God. This giver does not need any outside pressure to give. These givers are rare, but they are treasures to any church, family, or community. They should be appreciated for their faithfulness and generosity.

*The Casual giver gives from time to time, usually small amounts of money, effort or time. They give more out of obligation than of love. They have not discovered the joy of giving. They are stingy and unwilling to share their resources. Some doubt the value of spiritual things, local churches or pastors. Many come from unbelieving families who did not teach them the value of generosity. With time, they may have a fresh revelation of their responsibility as members of the local church, families and community. They need counselling.

*The Complaining giver gives but he is never happy with the act of sharing his resources. He feels guilty if he does not give, and he feels angry that he must give. These people are not happy with themselves. They lack an intimate relationship with God. They need prayers.

TITHES AND OFFERINGS IN THE CHURCH

“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. 31 If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it” (Lev 27:30,31). Traditionally tithing is giving one-tenth of your increase or profit, to acknowledge and honor the sovereignty of God. This concept appears early in Scripture. Abram gave “a tenth of everything” (Gen 14:20) to Melchizedek as honoring El Elyon, The God most High. It demonstrates your faith in God the Provider, the God who leads you in victory. It is used for God’s work on earth and supports community life. God rewards faithful cheerful givers. “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine” (PV 3:9,10). Biblically, tithing was not just a financial transaction but a recognition that all resources ultimately belong to God.  

Jesus did not abolish the practice of paying the tithes but gave us a higher spiritual way to please God. He judged the hypocrites: “Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give a tenth (tithe) of your mint and dill and cumin [focusing on minor matters] and have neglected the weightier [more important moral and spiritual] provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the [primary] things you ought to have done without neglecting the others” (Matt 23:23; AMP). The Pharisees were extremely legalistic. They paid the tithe from the profit they made from selling little herbs. They gave attention to minor things, but they ignored the greater spiritual things, like Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness, which are basic aspects of God’s character. To be like God, believers must manifest these attributes in their lives. The hypocrites obey the law only outwardly. They break the law of the Spirit. Lesson: to avoid hypocrisy, we must examine our hearts often, to see if our external worship corresponds with our internal desire to love God.

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1Cor 16:1,2)

In the Old Testament, tithe was given by law. It was used to take care of the temple, the priests, and the needy. In the New Testament, there is little change. Tithes and offerings are not given by law. They are given by Faith and Love, as a form of worship, to further God’s work on earth and to help the needy. Each believer must decide in his heart how much he wants to offer to God from his own income or profit. Basically, 10% of his profit is the minimum amount a believer in Christ offers to the God who saved his soul. Apostle Paul gives guidelines about financial responsibility towards God and man. The brethren now worship God on the first day of the week. This is a shift from the Jewish day of Sabbath, which was Saturday to Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Each believer, no matter of his financial status, should plan some amount of money and bring it on Sunday as his offering. The amount is not fixed. This is not a legalistic religious act, but it is a free offering in proportion to the profit you made that week. The offering is given on Sundays, the day of worship!

LESSONS ABOUT TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*Financial responsibility is a form of worship. Offerings to God should be planned and prayed for. Husband and wife must agree.  Parents should teach their children how to be generous towards God’s work and needy people. The offering should not be careless or impulsive. There should be no grumbling, anger or regret in doing it. It must be given freely and happily! “God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor 9:7). The Tithe cannot save your soul. But God rewards all offerings, sacrifices, effort, time and money given towards His work on earth and done in His name! Have faith 100%!

*Paul instructs believers to set aside a portion of their income regularly. This is a disciplined and intentional financial stewardship in our Christian walk. The choice of Sunday for setting aside the offering is aligning our financial practices with our worship and remembrance of Christ’s resurrection. It is proof that we live in the power of resurrection. Faith is a factor even in paying the tithes of offerings.

Generally, the Tithe is the first 10% of the profit you made that week. It can be more or less than 10%. God leads by His Spirit in every aspect of our lives. Through your conscience, The Holy Spirit will tell you if you are doing it right or wrong. If your offerings are pleasing God, you will receive the sign of peace. If your offerings are not pleasing to God, you will be anxious and restless every time you see the offering boxes. Salvation and your offerings are part of your personal journey with God. Generally, the paying of the tithe is given to your local church, the place that feeds you spiritually. The tithe can be divided and given to other ministries or missionary organizations that have impacted you spiritually. The most important thing is this: are you giving your tithes and offerings as led by the Holy Spirit, free of manipulations, with a cheerful and a grateful heart to God? If the answer is yes, you are doing it well. God is pleased with your sacrifice, and He will surely reward you! If you have doubts about giving offerings, it is better not to give any.

God has promised to reward faithful tithers with supernatural abundant provision, preventing loss and establishing your testimony as a blessed child of God (Malachi 3:8-10). Some Christians are worried about the curses God said about not paying the tithes and the offerings. The principle is that withholding what rightfully belongs to God reflects a deeper heart issue. It is not a financial issue but a lack of faith and rebellion against God. Many have testified that faithful giving builds them spiritually and adds practical blessings. Being faithful with your tithes and offerings is God’s way to destroy selfishness and stinginess in your character. Paying the tithes and the offerings is not an automatic formula for making wealth. But it makes people more responsible with their finances and that helps them in their lives. Also, God blesses and rewards all obedience, faithfulness and service done to people in His name. Some people say: I am too poor. I don’t have enough money to pay for my tithe. The answer is that all believers, poor or rich, are encouraged to tithe faithfully. It takes faith and patience to learn obedience to God’s Word. Some say: I am worried that the pastor may misuse my offerings. That is possible. My advice is that you give only to those ministries where you trust the leaders to be godly people. In any case, God still rewards the faithfulness of His people, even if the offerings have been misused. Others say: I am in debt. I cannot afford to pay for my tithe. You should be debt free. That is true! But you can still pay your debt and give offerings to God, no matter how little. Finally, paying the tithe or the offerings should not be a burden. It should be a form of worship. It should be done with a humble and grateful heart! Worship the Lord!

LITTLE MAID, NAAMAN, ELISHA AND GEHAZI

The relationship between the Jewish maid, Naaman, Elisha and Gehazi is central to the story in 2 Kings 5 of the Bible. We see greed and generosity, blessings and curses. We witness a great miracle of healing. A little Jewish maid tells Naaman that he can be cured of leprosy in Isreal. Naaman believes the word. He takes a generous gift to pay for his healing. In today’s money, the amount of silver, gold and expensive clothes is about 1,5 million US dollars. He offers it to the king of Isreal first, who declares that he cannot save or heal him. Then he goes to the prophet Elisha who freely heals the Syrian general of leprosy. Elisha refuses to take the gift from Naaman and sends him home in peace. Elisha’s greedy servant, Gehazi, pursues Naaman for payment after Elisha refused it. Gehazi lies to Naaman who gives him silver and clothing. He is subsequently cursed by Elisha to have Naaman’s leprosy along with his money. The leprosy will also affect his descendants forever.

*The young Jewish maid who lived in Naaman’s house has faith in Jehovah God and in Elisha, the prophet. She is generous with her information. She could have been bitter and refused to tell her master the way to be healed.

*The king of Isreal does not have faith in God or in the Prophet Elisha.

*Naaman came to look for healing as a rich proud man, with great entourage and generous gifts. He thought that the miracle can be bought with money. Naaman had money and fame. Elisha was a simple man, but he had the power of God. Because of his pride, Naaman almost lost his miracle. Eventually he humbled himself, obeyed the simple instruction of prophet Elisha and was healed from leprosy.

*Just the way Abram refused the goods from the King of Sodom, so Elisha refused the gifts of Naaman. Elisha is truly generous. Every minister of God must serve God because of his love for God and people. God is a Giver and not a Taker.

*Naaman’s healing is a picture of salvation by free grace. It cannot be bought with money so that none can boast before God!

*Gehazi is a warning for us. He was selfish, stingy, and deceitful. He lied to Naaman so that he can receive the gifts his master refused. Elisha served Elija faithfully, to the end. He received a double portion of his master’s anointing. Gehazi served Elisha but not with a pure heart. He lost his testimony, and his leprosy affected his descendants. A spiritual leader must “not pursue dishonest gain” (Tit 1:7). Selah!

Jesus used the story of Naaman and Elisha as an illustration of Israel’s problem of unbelief. Jesus said: “There were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian” (Lk 4:27).The lepers of Israel overlooked the healing that could have been theirs through Elisha, so God healed a Syrian instead. In the same way, the Israelites of Jesus’ day were missing the Power right in front of their eyes. But God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34–35), and the Gentiles eventually received the gospel that Israel rejected. Worship the Lord!