How would you like to be remembered? What legacy have you left? What would you put on your tombstone now? We all have a reputation and a legacy that we leave behind us. Richard I was known as “Richard the Lionheart”. With Abraham it is “Abraham the Great”. What was great with Abraham in the eyes of God? Notice three characteristics:-

1 – An unselfish spirit

Lot finds himself in the middle of a war between kings. Lot has gone for the Jordan valley and had eventually moved into the wicked city of Sodom. He was doing well, but now he is captured and loses everything. Abraham was unselfish in giving Lot what he wanted. Abraham was the senior and should have had first pick. Abraham is generous and humble. Abraham could have said, “told you so” or “slap it into you!” He was not smug but genuinely concerned for Lot and his people.

2 – A personal cost

When Abraham gets word of the capture of Lot, notice what happens:-

• Immediate response – something would have to be done now!
• Costly response – He was settles and secured. Why should he risk it?
• Effective response – He took his men and rescued Lot and his family.

There are always people who are in need of rescue. They have made decisions that put them in a difficult place. The rescue is not always easy as it requires personal cost and you may need the help of others. Abraham had need of other rescuers.

3 – A pure heart

Abraham saves more than a person. He saved a nation. Abraham was a hero. He has an encounter with two very different kings. It shows his pure heart. Notice his:-

• Humility – Abraham did not believe his own publicity. He was more than a legend in his own lunchtime!
• Wholehearted commitment – He tithes to God.
• Contentment in God – Abraham was not willing to accept anything from the hand of the king of Sodom. He was already committed to the King of Heaven.

Heroes are made, not born.

Categories: Genesis