Genesis chapter 18
We have in this chapter one of the rare cases that the Lord himself walked on the earth in the Old Testament. He came down to deliver a message to Abraham and deliver justice to Sodom and Gomorrah. News sometimes comes in life just as it does here in this chapter. News comes and it is good, but also there is bad news. We know that Abraham waited all his life for the news of a son of his own with Sarah, but we know he also didn't want to hear the news about the city in which Lot lived.
Abraham greats these 'strangers' like we should greet all those that we have the opportunity to show graciousness too. He kills the fat calf, and prepares the best possible meal and wants to do his best for these new guests. I believe if Abraham did not know exactly who it was in his midst, he had a good idea. Oh, that we would always be ready when the Lord might appear.
After sitting down to eat the news comes quickly that God will grant Abraham and Sarah their son. The news catches Sarah off guard and she laughs within herself. God knows our innermost thoughts and feelings, and there is no need to try and hide or deny them from him; he knows.
As the meal is over the guests get up to leave and head to Sodom. The Lord asks his companions if he should keep hidden the reason they are going to Sodom. God knows our hearts, he knows are pleas, and just as he loved us, he also knows who we love. Our Savior knows when we have deep feelings for someone, and therefore many times Christ will hear our plea for them. Christ knew that Abraham loved his nephew and their family. Jesus knew that there were those in those cities that Abraham had dealings with and would want to spare their lives if he could at all help.
The other two people go on but Christ stays to talk with Abraham and tell him all about their mission that evening. Abraham pleads that the city might be spared if fifty are found righteous and the Lord agrees. Abraham has doubts that there might be that many down there that are righteous so he pleads with the Lord till he gets to only ten righteous and the Lord mercifully agrees. The Lord knows there are only five, but he still hears the cries of his servant. Though our petitions are not always answer, have faith that our Lord and Savior hears them all.
Showing posts with label Mamre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mamre. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Genesis 12 & 13
Genesis chapter 12 & 13
Not long after we meet Abram he is told to talk himself and his possessions and leave everything he has ever known. Anything that God asks us to give up in this world is not to be compared with the glories he has in store for us. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Abram does as he is told and steps out by faith. God promises him that he will be the father of a blessed people. God is quick to show us what is in store if we will only listen and obey.
As Abram leaves Haran and goes out with just his family and his nephew Lot, he quickly finds the land of the Canaanite which we know are the descendants of Ham. Abram wastes no time to build and altar and make a sacrifice to the Lord for his mercies. We should all be quick to go to God in prayer and not only pray for those in need, but to give thanks for the many wonderful blessings he gives us.
As God would do again years later to show himself strong, a famine sends Abram and his people down to Egypt.While their, Abram fears that someone will take his wife because of her beauty and thinks up a lie to protect her. It turns out that is is not the lie, but the hand of God that protects her and brings her back safely to Abram. So it will be in our lives as well; it is not our own doing but the hand of God that will deliver us.
In the thirteenth chapter Abram is leaving Egypt and we hear that he has great possessions. He returns to Bethel (which is a place and theme that will also be visited again years later) and builds and alter again for the Lord. Thanking God once would only suffice if he only was good to us once but God's mercies are renewed every day and we should be thankful everyday, building many private alters of prayer to God.
With all this great possession comes great problems. Lot and Abrams servants can not get along and they need to put distance between their property. Make sure that we may from time to time need time and space from other people. We may need time alone in solitude, but we are never to separate ourselves from God at anytime. Here Abram separates himself from Lot but not from God. Lot seems to separate himself from both Abram and his God.
Abram gives Lot the choice of the land he wants to dwell in and Lot takes the easier more pleasant land. Make no mistake, that we can live in the best of times and with the best of intentions and still not serve God. Abram takes the harsher land and still lives and increases in the Lord.
Lot chooses the land closer to the wickedness of Sodom. Abram, after making the better choice, is reminded by God of the covenant. If we stay in close proximity to God, he will remind us and encourage us of the promises that are yet to come. So the chapter ends with Abram doing what he always does, and that is sacrificing to God for his blessing and the promise to come.
Not long after we meet Abram he is told to talk himself and his possessions and leave everything he has ever known. Anything that God asks us to give up in this world is not to be compared with the glories he has in store for us. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Abram does as he is told and steps out by faith. God promises him that he will be the father of a blessed people. God is quick to show us what is in store if we will only listen and obey.
As Abram leaves Haran and goes out with just his family and his nephew Lot, he quickly finds the land of the Canaanite which we know are the descendants of Ham. Abram wastes no time to build and altar and make a sacrifice to the Lord for his mercies. We should all be quick to go to God in prayer and not only pray for those in need, but to give thanks for the many wonderful blessings he gives us.
As God would do again years later to show himself strong, a famine sends Abram and his people down to Egypt.While their, Abram fears that someone will take his wife because of her beauty and thinks up a lie to protect her. It turns out that is is not the lie, but the hand of God that protects her and brings her back safely to Abram. So it will be in our lives as well; it is not our own doing but the hand of God that will deliver us.
In the thirteenth chapter Abram is leaving Egypt and we hear that he has great possessions. He returns to Bethel (which is a place and theme that will also be visited again years later) and builds and alter again for the Lord. Thanking God once would only suffice if he only was good to us once but God's mercies are renewed every day and we should be thankful everyday, building many private alters of prayer to God.
With all this great possession comes great problems. Lot and Abrams servants can not get along and they need to put distance between their property. Make sure that we may from time to time need time and space from other people. We may need time alone in solitude, but we are never to separate ourselves from God at anytime. Here Abram separates himself from Lot but not from God. Lot seems to separate himself from both Abram and his God.
Abram gives Lot the choice of the land he wants to dwell in and Lot takes the easier more pleasant land. Make no mistake, that we can live in the best of times and with the best of intentions and still not serve God. Abram takes the harsher land and still lives and increases in the Lord.
Lot chooses the land closer to the wickedness of Sodom. Abram, after making the better choice, is reminded by God of the covenant. If we stay in close proximity to God, he will remind us and encourage us of the promises that are yet to come. So the chapter ends with Abram doing what he always does, and that is sacrificing to God for his blessing and the promise to come.
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