180 - Lifting up Holy Hands

In Genesis, chapter 14, Abram returned from his victory over the king of Sodom. "Then Melchizedek the king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him [Abram] and said: 'Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hands.' And he [Abram] gave him [Melchizedek] a tithe of all [spoils]. Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the persons [captives],  and take the goods for yourself.' But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hands to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you say, 'I have made Abram rich'" (Genesis 14:17-23, NKJV).

Melchizedek's role is counterpoint to that of the king of Sodom, who represents the worldly, evil path. Abram states that he's lifted his hands to the LORD God and won't have anything to do with the king of Sodom. Abram acknowledged that all he has received is from God and he does this by lifting his hands to God. When you accept anything from the enemy, the enemy claims you as his.

In Exodus 17:8-16, we have another account in history: Amalek comes against Israel. Amalek represents our fleshly desires. Our desire to do it ourselves. Amalek brings fear, but Moses has been given authority. So he holds up his hands acknowledging the victory is the LORD's. When Moses acknowledged this, God granted victory over the works of the flesh. Our lifting of our hands is a way to acknowledge our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and the victory this provides. At the end of this account we find; "Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:16, NKJV). Our battle with the flesh is ongoing; it doesn't end. We need to lift our hands in surrender to acknowledge all we have in Christ!

Let me hear from you - Charles

https://www.aboundinglove.org/

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