An Ancient Braveheart
March 30, 2026
A fugitive came and reported to Abram the Hebrew. Abram was living at the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and Aner. They were allies of Abram. 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. Abram and his men split into small groups and attacked by night. They chased them as far as Hobah, just north of Damascus. They recovered all the plunder along with nephew Lot and his possessions, including the women and the people.”
Genesis 14:13-16 (The Message)
William Wallace shouted across a Scottish hillside that "Every man dies, not every man really lives." Mel Gibson made it famous and five Oscars followed. A few thousand years earlier, another man had to step up and defend what he cared for and loved.
His name was Abraham.
When four kings kidnap his nephew Lot, Abraham doesn't wait to consider the odds or call a committee meeting. He gathers helpers and rides into battle against armies that had just crushed five kings. That’s bold and brave! That's what it looks like when someone follows God's way every single day.
Paul says these Old Testament stories "occurred as examples for us," meaning Abraham's life was written for you (1 Corinthians 10:6, NIV). This is not history to admire from a distance. It is a blueprint for how to actually live.
The truth is that bravery isn't reserved for people with better circumstances or bigger resources. It's built one decision at a time. The choice to stay in a hard marriage another day. The choice to tell the truth in a meeting when it costs something, or ask for help instead of pretending everything is fine. That's the same battle, just a different battlefield.
Abraham didn't know what he was riding into either. He just knew sitting still wasn't an option. And the same God who rode with him into that battle is riding with you into yours today.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word that gives me courage and strength. I don't feel brave most days. But Abraham either, he chose it with one faithful step at a time. Help me take that step today, whatever it looks like. I trust that You are with me, just as you were with him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.