Aug. 28

Read Genesis 14

When Abram heard that his nephew had been taken prisoner, he lined up his servants, all of them born in his household—there were 318 of them—and chased after the captors all the way to Dan. (The Message)

Even though Abram and Lot had parted ways Abram was very distressed when he got word that his nephew and family had been taken captive. So Abram did what was necessary, he took his family, servants, and friends and chased after those who had captured Lot. This was rather foolish on Abram's part, he would have been greatly out numbered and he was putting himself and his family at great risk. It would have been much easier and safer for Abram to say, "Oh well, I guess Lot gets what he deserves for taking the easiest and best land and leaving me with the hills and scrub." But Abram doesn't do the easy thing he takes after the invaders and with God's help he frees his nephew and all the others who had been taken captive. The odds were against Abram but with God on his side he trusted that he would prevail and he did.
Today because of our mobility family might be something other than just those who are blood relatives. But the need for "family" to come to our aid has not changed. In fact it could be that we need a larger family now than we have ever needed before. We often talk about the church as a family and at its best that is exactly true. So there are times when the church needs to ask, "who in the family has been taken captive and is at risk?" When we have answered that questions we can do one of two things. We can either ignore their need and figure that they will get what they deserve or we can rally around and go after them.
Which kind of a church family would you want to be a part of?

Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• What does it feel like to be outnumbered and the odds against you?
• Have you ever had someone come after you when you were lost or at risk? What did it feel like when they came to you?
• Who do you know that is at risk right now that is a part of your family?
• What do you need to do today to begin going after your family members that are at risk?