November 4, Genesis 18
And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. - Genesis 18:1
There’s a lot to think about here. Let's limit ourselves to two things about Abraham and two things about God.
We saw Abraham as a warrior back in chapter 14, leading his armed servants to rescue Lot and his family, and recover their property from the raiding kings. But here, Abraham is a hospitable host, entertaining strangers who came his way. When the three strangers appeared, he ran to meet them and bowed down. His enthusiasm and courtesy lasted throughout the visit. He quickly ordered fresh bread, and ran to the herd and took a calf to be prepared. He offered the strangers a place to rest in the heat of the day and a “morsel of bread” (actually a feast) before they resumed their journey.
Abraham's hospitality is memorialized here, and in Hebrews 13:2. The writer used the story to remind Christians to show hospitality to strangers, referring back to the time when Abraham entertained "angels unawares” (KJV). Abraham didn't know the identity of his guests from the start. He and Sarah learned it was the LORD and two angels as the day went on. In our day and time, we are reluctant to entertain strangers. But I know there are times when I fail to show hospitality when I should.
The other thing about Abraham that shines in this passage is what the Lord said about him in verse 19: "For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him." Here's the plan for bringing Messiah into the world through Abraham's descendants in a one verse capsule. The Lord chose Abraham because he knew he would pass his faith and knowledge of God on to the coming generations. We marvel God’s plan in that, but let's also wonder about ourselves: Would God see us as people who would faithfully transmit our faith to our families? Israel didn't always live up to what their great ancestor taught them. But God knew Abraham would be faithful to teach the next generation the way of the Lord.
The first thing I want to note about God is what he said about himself to Abraham: "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" He said this after Abraham and Sarah both laughed about the possibility of an old couple like them having a baby. God created humans and the biology of human reproduction. He could easily override the natural order to accomplish his purpose. Centuries later, Mary wondered how she could become the mother of Jesus. The angel reminded her of this same principle, saying "Nothing is too hard for the Lord.”
This is good to remember when you're praying about something that overwhelms you. Our biggest challenge, our most feared enemy, the most daunting obstacles in our path are not too hard for the Lord.
The other thing I chose about God is the question Abraham asked in verse 26 as he interceded for Sodom to be spared for the sake of the righteous ones there: "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" Many attributes of God's character shine in this chapter, but this one is so important. Before the Lord destroyed Sodom, Abraham reasoned with God, trusting his justice to not to destroy the innocent along with the guilty. We start judging "fair" or “not fair” at an early age. But we should never accuse God of being unjust.
God’s mercy shines in the story about Abraham's intercession and God's response. He would not destroy the innocents among those who deserved the coming judgment. God was not unjust with Sodom and Gomorrah, and he will not be unjust by punishing those who reject and despise his offer of salvation through Christ. Do not wonder and worry about all the hypothetical situations you can imagine. Simply trust, as Abraham did, that the Judge of all the earth will do what is just.
This chapter makes me want to imitate Abraham’s trusting faith. It makes me want to draw nearer to our almighty, merciful and just God. I hope these thoughts have encouraged you, too.
Copyright © 2021 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—November 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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