“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.” Luke 15:13 NLT
One of the most favorite passages in all of scripture is found in Luke’s gospel. It is one of the many parables spoken by Jesus, The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Other names include, The Parable of Two Brothers, the Lost Son, the Forgiving Father, or my favorite The Parable of the Father’s Love. It is well represented in many sermons on Father’s Day each year. The loving father anxiously awaiting the return of his son who has left him is an example of God the Father who waits anxiously for us to return. All of us in one way or another take a step or two, or even a mile away from our heavenly Father. But we can rest assured that when we come to our senses, as the prodigal son did, our heavenly Father is there to greet us and forgive us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 esv)
But what about the other side of the coin, the Father’s discipline? We have no indication if the prodigal son was punished after the fattened calf celebration. But that was not Jesus’s point in telling this parable. Along with the demonstration of the father’s love for his son is the demonstration that the lost can be found. But we are also confident of the father’s love especially through discipline. The writer of the book of Hebrews sets forth from the Old Testament, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’” (Heb. 12:5, 6 ESV) He continues, “…..but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Heb.12:10b, 11 esv)
We have a heavenly Father who loves us enough to forgive us and restore us back to fellowship with Him, and we have a heavenly Father who loves us enough to discipline us in order that we may share His Holiness. May we cherish both.
This week we come to the end of our study of Abraham in Sunday’s Biblical Insights. This man of great faith gave us much to admire and many examples to follow both good and bad. Although Abraham was a great man, he was also human and needed God in his life to direct him in all that God wanted him to do. Abraham was chosen by God to leave his family and homeland to a land God promised to give him and his descendants. Abraham would become the father of the Jewish people. So, Abraham set out for the Promised Land with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. That, indeed, took a lot of faith.
As we noted in our study, Abraham was not only the father of Jews but is known as the father of all who believe. Abraham received the good news that salvation for all would come through him. The Lord told Abraham in Genesis chapter 12, “All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen.12:3 nlt) Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came through Abraham’s seed. God’s salvation for sinners came through Abraham. The gospel of Matthew in the New Testament begins with the words, “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.” (Mt.1:1 nlt)
Last week we witnessed Abraham’s ultimate test of faith. God had told him to kill and sacrifice his son Issac on Mount Moriah. This great man of faith didn’t waver, at least not by an outward appearance that we can see, but proceeded with faith that God would raise him up from the dead or provide a substitute for his son. In this scene we discovered a foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion in Issac’s willingness and the Lord supplying a substitute. A sacrifice was needed for our sin and God provided a substitute for all who believe in His name, Jesus Christ, God the Son.
Of everything we covered in our study of Abraham, this is the most important connection to your life that you can make. Abraham makes a wonderful story. It is God’s story of redeeming mankind through the seed of one man He chose to become the father of the Jewish people. From the line of King David of the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, was born. All you need to do is have the faith to believe it. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” (Eph.2:8 nlt)
‘“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,’ Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.” Genesis 22:8 NLT
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We do not know how much time had lapsed from last weeks story of Abraham’s and King Abimelech’s agreement with each other. Notably it is at least a few years. Chapter 22 begins with the words, ‘Some time later.’ Abraham is well over one-hundred years old and his son Issac could now be in his late teens or early twenties. Abraham had been faithful in believing God’s promise to him concerning the Promised Land and the many descendants he will have that will begin with his son Issac. That is why the events in this chapter can only be considered as an ultimate test of faith for Abraham. Let’s begin.
“Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. ‘Abraham!’ God called. ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Here I am.’” (Gen.22:1 nlt) Here again we see Abraham’s willingness to hear and respond to whatever God asks of him. What Abraham heard was the last thing he thought he would ever hear. “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” (Gen.22:2 nlt) The Lord is testing Abraham’s love for Him over Issac. Notice the progression for effect when God says, ‘your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much.’ This is not going to be easy. A father’s love for his son is emphasized as is only natural. This is also the first time the word ‘love’ is used in Scripture and it is used here in this text. This portion of Scripture is a foreshadowing in several ways of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross at Calvary. First we note God’s love for His Son as noted at Jesus’ transfiguration, “But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.’” (Mt.17:5) God the Father loved Jesus as much as Abraham loved Issac.
Abraham wasn’t hesitant, as was his mode of operation, but prepared to set out the next day. He chopped the wood and saddled his horse which he could have had his servants do, but Abraham chose to do it himself. Abraham took two of his servants with him on this three-day journey to Moriah. The land of Moriah is the Jerusalem area. Mount Moriah is where Solomon’s Temple was built and the present-day Temple Mount is occupied by the Muslim Dome of the Rock. Abraham had plenty of time to digest and reflect on God’s instructions for him. I am sure he did not understand it but he knew God was faithful and always kept His promises. The Lord often tests us through adversity and hardships, although not in the same sense as Abraham, but He knows what is best and is looking for us to trust Him when those days come upon us.
As they arrived near the place Abraham said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey…..The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” (Gen.22:5 nlt) Abraham did not know what was ahead of him, but what he did know was that both he and Issac would be coming back after worshiping the Lord. Another first is found here as it is the first mention of the word worship in the Bible. Abraham must have had it in his mind and had the faith that God was able to raise Issac from the dead or that God would provide a substitute for Issac. With that, Abraham placed the wood on Issac’s shoulders, he took the fire and knife and the two walked together the rest of the way.
Along the walk as they came closer to the site something occurred to Issac. “Isaac turned to Abraham and said, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘We have the fire and the wood,’ the boy said, ‘but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?’” (Gen.22:7 nlt) Again, Abraham does not hesitant even though he is not sure how God will act says, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” (Gen.22:8 nlt) Upon arrival the Bible says Abraham built an altar, he arranged the wood, tied his son and laid him on top of the wood.
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Abraham’s faith is on full display but let us not overlook Issac’s faith. Seeing Abraham’s faith led Issac to have great faith in his father and in the Lord God. Issac did not seemed to resist. He certainly could have overpowered the aging Abraham. But he did not, and willing submitted to his father Abraham. Here is another foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice in this passage. Jesus willing laid down His life for us. Issac is seen as a prefiguration of Christ. “And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Yes,’ Abraham replied. ‘Here I am!’ (Gen.22:10-11 nlt) The Lord was about to provide a substitute.
Abraham passed the test. He proved his faith through obedience and trusting in God to keep His promises. “Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.” (Gen.22:13 nlt) Another first here is the first mention of a sacrifice substitution of one life for another. God still required the sacrifice, but a substitute was needed. He supplied a ram for Issac. A sacrifice was needed for our sin and God provided a substitute for all who believe in His name, Jesus, God the Son. Abraham then called the place ‘Yahweh-Yireh’ (which means “the LORD will provide”) Yes, the Lord will provide.
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“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)
“Abraham replied, ‘Yes, I swear to it!’……Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the LORD, the Eternal God.” Genesis 21:24, 33 NLT
Last week in our Biblical Insights Abraham was blessed by God as the Lord promised that Ishmael will be blessed by being the father of many nations and Issac would be the promised son of the covenant. The Lord has continually blessed Abraham even through his times of failure. Abraham is very wealthy and now has become a formidable and respected sojourner in the land. This is where our story of Abraham picks up this week.
“About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. ‘God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,’” (Gen.21:22 nlt) King Abimelech is well aware of Abraham’s wealth and status. He has come to realize it is the God of heaven who is blessing and protecting Abraham. Abimelech pays a visit to Abraham with his military commander, Phicol. Although the king is more powerful, he is looking to secure a permanent agreement with Abraham lasting for generations. “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants.” (Gen.21:23 nlt) Abimelech points to his loyalty towards Abraham and asks for his loyalty in return. Abraham agrees and swears to it.
Abraham takes the opportunity of Abimelech’s kindness to him to mention the issue of a seized well owned by Abraham. “Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.” (Gen.21:25 nlt) The king said he was not aware of the incident or who was responsible for it. Abraham wanted his own treaty now stating the well was his by right. Abraham gave sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech as was used in treaty ceremonies. He then gave an additional seven ewe lambs as a special gift. Acceptance of the gift recognized Abrahma’s right to the well. “Abraham replied, ‘Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.’” (Gen.21:30 nlt) Abraham then named the place Beersheba meaning ‘well of the oath.’
Abimelech left to return home, and Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba. The tamarisk tree represented several things. The tree served as a reminder of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham. It was a tree that took years to grow. Abraham will be in the land a long time and the Lord did promise it to his descendants. Abraham was looking forward to the future generations. The tree also marked God’s grace upon Abraham and God’s chosen people and His ever presence over the land. And it became a worship site for Abraham as he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God. Indeed, Abraham is blessed by God.
“So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.” Genesis 21:14 NLT
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We all had problematic decisions to make in our lives. They are a lot easier to make when we know it is the right thing to do and the Lord is leading us in that direction. Abraham has a decision to make this week in our study of Biblical Insights but not as hard as another decision he will face in the future. Last week in our story of Abraham, the promised son Issac, was born to a man one hundred years old and his wife of ninety. That doesn’t happen in our day and age and didn’t happen during Abraham and Sarah’s day that we know of. It was an immense joy for both of them after waiting twenty-five years from the time God promised it would happen. Even at that time it seemed impossible for both of them. Waiting impatiently for what they perceived as running out of time they took matters into their own hands and had a child through Sarah’s servant Hagar. It was inevitable problems would arise. They did. But God is faithful and still blesses in spite of our foolishness as we will see.
“When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion.” (Gen.21:8 nlt) Issac is three years old, the customary age for weaning in the ancient Near East. Another custom were the huge celebrations that families would have to mark the occasion. On this day in Abraham’s family all were having fun and enjoying themselves at the feast with two of them having too much fun. Abraham’s son by Hagar, Ishmael, was mocking young Issac. His mother, Hagar, joined in the ridicule. Ishmael, now about seventeen years old may have seen his inheritance slipping away. Hagar may have felt the same way, and Sarah feared trouble for her son Issac. Sarah didn’t stall but immediately went to her husband and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!” (Gen.21:10 nlt) The tone of Sarah’s voice and the use of the term ‘that slave woman’ rather than ‘maid and servant’ revealed she was serious. She wanted Hagar gone and her son gone. In that culture to drive out a son from a servant woman was to disinherit them and it was prohibited to arbitrarily expel a servant woman’s son. This caused Abraham much distress for the decision he was to make. He loved Ishmael for he was his son, and he would be violating the customary laws.
But God came to Abraham and told him not to worry and to send both Hagar and Ishmael away. God said Issac would indeed be the child of the covenant and then said to Abraham, “I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” (Gen.21:13 nlt) God is a merciful and gracious God. He will bless Ishmael as well. He will become a father of nations.
“So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.” (Gen.21:14 nlt) As hard as it was for Abraham to send his son away, he had faith in God that He will do what He promised for Ishmael. We may wonder why Abraham only gave Hagar limited supplies with all the riches he had. One reason may be Abraham trusted God and knew the only way Hagar and Ishmael would make it was by the hand of God.
The food and water was soon gone as they traveled through the hot, rough, and rugged wilderness of Beersheba. Certain of death, Hagar put her son under a shady tree and herself one hundred yards away. She could not bear to watch her son die. But God heard Ishmael’s cry just as He heard Hagar’s cry eighteen years ago when she ran away from Sarah. Ishmael’s name means ‘God hears.’ He heard Ishmael’s cry also this day. Just then the angel of the Lord called out to Hagar, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” (Gen.21:18 nlt) The Lord gives Hagar the same promise He gave to Abraham. Ishmael will be a father of nations that has carried through to this day.
God then filled their immediate need, water! Hagar looked a saw a well full of water in front of her. Did she miss seeing the well in her physical and mental state earlier or did the well appear by divine intervention? Either way, it doesn’t matter. God’s hand was in it. He is the same God who has his hand in our business when unexplainable good things happen to us. Hagar quickly filled her container and gave her son a drink. God always fulfills His promises.
Scripture fast forwards to note Ishmael grew up in the wilderness and became a skillful archer. He settled in Paran which is in north central Sinai. Hagar arranged marriage for him with a woman from Egypt which was customary in those days. God shown favor and kindness to Hagar and Ishmael in the necessary action that needed to be taken. One Bible commentator noted ‘that God was not against Ishmael and his descendants.’ God was with Ishmael and had a promise for his future. Ishmael’s descendants are the many nations of the Arabic people.
“Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.” Genesis 20:2 NLT
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Abraham, the man of faith, the one known as a friend of God, becomes Abraham a deceiver once again. The story of Abraham should bring us all comfort to see one of the great icons of faith in the Bible had their failures too. Abraham was human and being human had a sin nature and having a sin nature would fall into sin on occasion. Today’s story is such an occasion.
After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham knew his nephew Lot was spared and he decided to move towards the south and dwell between Gaza and the Mediterranean coast settling in the town of Gerar. Abraham did not learn his lesson from twenty-five years earlier repeating his same sin of deception. “While living there as a foreigner, Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace (Gen.20:1-2 nlt) We sometimes today find ourselves as time passes either forgetting or disregarding our past sins that got us into trouble. Abraham’s in good company, but of course it doesn’t excuse it.
Abraham’s main problem was his moment of faithlessness in God’s protection. He had just witnessed God answering his prayer in saving Lot but failed to recognize He could do the same for him. He was afraid as he was in Egypt that he would be killed for his wife. What Abraham told King Abimelech was partly true meaning it was also partly false. As in Genesis 12 Abraham told Pharoah the same half-truth. Abraham and Sarah were siblings who had the same father, but different mothers.
The expected did happen. Abraham did not die and Sarah was taken. But God intervened and came to King Abimelech in a dream telling him that Sarah is a married woman. God said that he would die along with all his people if Sarah was not return to her husband. Abimelech earnestly pleaded his innocence which the Lord was already aware of and He said, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.” (Gen.20:6 nlt) God was the one who kept Sarah pure by His hand of grace keeping the king at bay. The promised child of the covenant that was to come through Abraham could have been compromised, a thought that should have come to Abraham’s mind when Abimelech took her.
Abimelech didn’t waste any time. “Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.” (Gen.20:8 nlt) The people of the Near East, although heathen, considered adultery a great sin. They wanted this problem rectified as soon as possible. King Abimelech acted with integrity, more so than Abraham, in this matter. He moved quickly and called for Abraham. ‘“What have you done to us?’ he demanded. ‘What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?’” (Gen.12:9-10 nlt) It is an embarrassing situation when a heathen king rebukes a prophet of God. Equally embarrassing are the rebukes we Christians get today from our friends and family when we are on the wrong side of honesty.
Abraham offered his three flimsy excuses; the people of Gerar did not fear God, they would kill him for his wife, and Sarah was actually his half-sister. The Bible doesn’t record a spoken response from the king, but records Abimelech’s action to make things right. “Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him. Then Abimelech said, ‘Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live.’” (Gen.20:14-15 nlt) It seems strange that despite Abraham’s sin of deception he is lavishly given gifts. Of course this is not a license to sin, but an example of the enormous riches and blessings God bestows on His children in spite of their sin. It seems that King Abimelech gave these gifts in a way to honor God.
Abimelech topped it off by giving Abraham 1,000 pieces of silver, the price of a slave in those days, to restore any honor Sarah may have lost before others. “This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.” (Gen.20:16 nlt) Abraham, the prophet, then prayed for Abimelech and the people for their afflictions to be gone, because God had prevented the women from becoming pregnant because of Sarah.
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Abraham repeated his sin of twenty-five years earlier in Egypt and the Lord delivered on His promise He made to Abraham twenty-five years earlier. “The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.” (Gen.21:1-2 nlt) The wait was over. God’s promised was fulfilled. Abraham named him Issac, meaning ‘laughter’ and circumcised him on the eighth day, according to the covenant.
God’s promised blessings continue throughout our lives. They will always be there in His timing despite our failures. Praise God for that!
“Abraham got up early that morning and hurried out to the place where he had stood in the LORD’s presence. He looked out across the plain toward Sodom and Gomorrah and watched as columns of smoke rose from the cities like smoke from a furnace. But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.” Genesis 19:27-29 NLT
The opening verses of Genesis 19, detailing the events in Sodom
Last week in our ‘Story of Abraham,’ Abraham was told of the coming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham knew his nephew Lot and his family were living in Sodom and he petitioned the Lord to save the city if He found any righteous people living within its boundaries. Abraham started at fifty and stopped asking the Lord to spare the city if He found ten righteous people. The Lord said He would spare the city of Sodom if ten were found, but there were only four. Lot, his wife, and two daughters escaped the destruction of Sodom. God answered Abraham’s prayer for Lot’s safety.
Genesis chapter 19 is vivid description of mankind living under the evil influence of sin at its worst. It is an example of the consequences of those sins as a Holy and Righteous God pronounces His judgement on unrepented sinners. A sad commentary is also included in this chapter of failing to influence those around you to the righteous things of God. It serves as a warning for our day and age of the influence society has on us when we compromise our beliefs and are accepting of sin by remaining silent.
The two angels who visited Abraham with the Lord have now arrived in Sodom. Lot was sitting in the gate as an official of the city. He had moved up in the ranks of influence and now oversees in judicial matters as part of the city council. Lot stood up to welcome them and invited them as was customary into his home for the evening. ‘“My lords,’ he said, ‘come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.”’ (Gen.19:2 nlt) But the angels said no thank you, we will spend the night in the town square. Lot knew that would be extremely dangerous for them and insisted they spend the night under his roof.
Lot prepared a meal for them and they ate, “But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. They shouted to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!’” (Gen.19:4-5 nlt) The total depravity of this city is seen by ‘all the men’ were there. The young and the old came from every corner of the city to fulfilled their lust. Lot tried to persuade them not to commit these horrible acts but to no avail. Here is where we see the effects of compromising and remaining silent.
Lot does a horrible thing. To save face and honor the obligation to protect those you have as a guest in your home Lot says to the men, “Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.” (Gen.19:8 nlt) Lot’s action is totally unjustified. An insight for us to consider today is how far compromising with the world, enjoying power, money, and influence will corrupt our minds and thinking. Lot had bought into what was accepted by the culture. The crazed men lunged at Lot but the two angels were able to pull him safely back into the house and then struck the men with blindness or mental confusion.
The angels now state their purpose for being in the city. Lot did not recognize them as angels but as travelers stopping for the night. “The angels questioned Lot. ‘Do you have any other relatives here in the city?’ they asked. ‘Get them out of this place—your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. For we are about to destroy this city completely.’” (Gen.19:12-13 nlt) Lot tried to convince his daughters’ fiancés but they didn’t believe him. Lot had lost his moral influence.
The following morning at dawn the angels were insisting Lot and his family hurry. But “When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the LORD was merciful.” (Gen.19:16 nlt) The love of possessions (Lot was a rich man) and life in a big city with power and influence almost cost Lot and his family their lives. But God is a merciful God.
The angels told them to run up into the mountains to escape, but Lot didn’t think he could adapt to mountain living and asked if he could escape to the small town Zoar which was nearby. He was granted permission and once they got there the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah began. “Then the LORD rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation.” (Gen.19:24-25 nlt) God’s judgment is swift, precise, and justified.
There is a final warning here in not looking back, especially if the Lord has rescued us from some disaster created by our own sinful desires. A desire to return to what you have just been released from will result in something far worse. “But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” (Gen.19:26 nlt) Looking back to what once was caused the blowing salt from the devastating destruction to surround her encasing her permanently. It was disobedience to the warning of not looking back. So, may we not look back.
God answered Abraham’s prayer and saved Lot for He is a merciful God. How tragic it is only three people may it to safety. It could have been four. If God today were to judge your city how many righteous would He find there due to your influence. Something for all of us to think about.
‘“Should I hide my plan from Abraham?’ the LORD asked. ‘For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.’” Genesis 18:17-18 NLT
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So far in our study of Abraham we have seen several characteristics of faith, patience, obedience, loyalty, generosity, among others. This week several more come into focus as Abraham intercedes for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah on the eve of their destruction. Abraham was visited by the Lord and two angels as he was told Sarah would have a baby the following year. Sarah laughed to herself considering both her and her husband’s age, but the Lord said, ‘Is anything too hard for the LORD?’ The answer is no. God’s promise to Abraham is about to be fulfilled. He and Sarah will have a male child and will name him Issac.
Abraham continued to show the customary hospitality of accompanying his guests as they made way to leave. As they were on their way, the LORD asked, “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” (Gen.18:17 nlt) God valued Abraham through the promises given to him and here He reveals His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah. The nation promised to Abraham’s descendants will need an understanding of justice and mercy. The Lord is about to provide a demonstration of that for Abraham to pass down to future generations. “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” (Gen.18:19 nlt) Abraham is then moved to intercede on behalf of the people; today we call this intercessory prayer.
And so it begins, “… the LORD told Abraham, ‘I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.’” (Gen.18:20 nlt) This outcry was a cry of righteous indignation. It is the same cry that went out when Cain murdered his brother Abel. “But the LORD said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!’” (Gen.4:10 nlt) These two cities have reached the point of no return. Their sins were grievous and they had not repented. Excessive displays of sexual depravity was rapid, particularly homosexually. Arrogance and abuse of the poor was commonplace and there was no hospitality to be found among them.
The Lord said, “I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” (Gen.18:21 nlt) Of course the Lord did not need to go down and see for Himself, he knew. The thought here is this; God’s judgment comes only with true knowledge of the facts. God is showing us His character of accurate judgement. He will go down in judgment.
The two angels leave and head towards Sodom. Notice the Lord did not need to go down. Notice also Abraham is by His side. Abraham had a special place with the Lord. This passage is the basis for Abraham being known as ‘a friend of God.’ Additional characteristics of this man of faith are now revealed through Abraham’s intercessory petitions. These include his sympathy, sensitivity, concern for righteousness and his knowledge of God’s holy nature.
Abraham asked the Lord, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?” (Gen.18:23 nlt) Abraham knew of God’s mercy towards the righteous. Abraham was asking in behalf of both the righteous and indirectly for the wicked. It was evident to Abraham that no one would survive this coming judgment. So, Abraham continued to speak, “Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Gen.18:24-25 nlt) Abraham knew that God was true to His character and would judge righteously. God would only do what was good. The Lord replied He would not destroy the city for their sake.
Abraham started with fifty and then the countdown began with the same question all the way down to ten. “And the LORD replied, ‘Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.’” (Gen.18:32 nlt) God’s mercy is evident. He would not destroy the city if there were at least ten righteous people there. Abraham perhaps stopped at ten knowing that his nephew Lot and his family would have numbered around ten.
The underlying message here is Abraham’s intercessory prayer. It reveals his heart and compassion towards people, praying for mercy for the just and the unjust. He was persistent in his petitions knowing that God would do what is right. The Lord revealed to Abraham what He was about to do to bring him to this point. The father soon to be of many nations, the man of faith is now a man of prayer.
“I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!” Genesis 18:10 NLT
When we last left Abraham two weeks ago he was beginning to understand the meaning of his name. The Lord changed his name from Abram (Exalted Father) to Abraham (father of many nations). God promised Abraham that many nations would come forth from Ishmael but the covenant promise would be through a son yet to be born to Sarah his wife. The name Issac was already given to this son of promise. Abraham obeyed God by conducting the circumcision of every male the sign of the covenant. The Lord promise will be fulfilled and Abraham will have a son and become the father of many nations.
Shortly after Abraham followed God’s instructions for circumcision, the Lord appeared again to Abraham. It was a hot afternoon in the Midde East and Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent when three men approached him. Abraham’s life was characterized by living in tents. He was still a wanderer traveling through the land promised to him by the Lord. Two of these three men were angels and the third was a theophany, another presentation of Jesus in human form. It doesn’t seem Abraham recognized Him at first but later realizes who He is.
Abraham immediately offered the Near Eastern hospitality of the day. “When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground. ‘My lord,’ he said, ‘if it pleases you, stop here for a while.’” (Gen.18:2-3 nlt) Abraham used the customary greeting of respect, ‘My lord’, when he addressed the Lord. There were no hotels or inns in that day and weary travelers would depend on the hospitality of others for food and rest. It was considered a good deed to feed and put up travelers to rest from their journey and Abraham was quick to do it.
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Abraham had water brought to wash their feet as they rested in the shade under a tree while food was being prepared. Sarah used her best flour to bake fresh bread, and “Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it.” (Gen.18:7 nlt) A choice calf was going over and above the normal standards for feeding travelers. Before Abraham brought out the roasted meat and fresh bread he got some yogurt and milk to complete the meal. Abraham was not only a man of great faith but a man of generosity. The New Testament instructions on showing hospitality is taken in part from Abraham’s example here in this passage. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (Heb.13:2 nlt)
After the meal, the visitors asked where Sarah was. Abraham replied she was in the tent. “Then one of them (the Lord) said, ‘I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!’” (Gen.18:10 nlt) Sarah overhearing the conversation from inside the tent laughed to herself. After all she was about ninety years old and Abraham would be one-hundred when Issac is to be born. Sarah said to herself, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?” (Gen.18:12 nlt) It seemed an impossibility to have a child at her age. Although the lifespans in their day were much longer Sarah was way past the age of child-bearing. Of course the Lord heard Sarah’s response and said, “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Gen.18:14 nlt)
Sarah denied laughing, even if it was only to herself, for she was afraid. But the Lord knew. A thought for us to take hold of. The Lord hears all we say, silently to ourselves, and even in our thoughts. The Lord heard Sarah and He hears us. There is nothing too difficult for the Lord; in hearing our thoughts to ourselves or promising Sarah will have a son in her old age.
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Next week Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah………..
“That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” Joshua 7:12 NLT
The Lord God has led Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Israel was assured of victory in every conquest. All they needed to do was to obey God. Christians today can also be certain of victory for it is the Lord who fights our battles. All we need to do is obey. When we fail to obey God, we will suffer defeat when we were assured of victory because sin became a hindrance as in story presented to us Joshua chapter 7.
After the successful battle of Jericho, Joshua sends men to spy out the city of Ai. The report is highly favorable concluding that a smaller number of warriors were needed to conquer it and not the entire fighting force. Ai was a town small in number and would easily be defeated. Without hesitation Joshua sent about 3,000 men on the mission only to be defeated being driven back and losing thirty-six men in the process. Distraught over the results, Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes bowing down before the Ark of the Lord until evening. “Then Joshua cried out, ‘Oh, Sovereign LORD, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies?’” (Jos.7:7-8 nlt) It sounds like Joshua is having buyer’s remorse for having bought in to the Lord’s plan for them to enter the Promised Land. The Lord would reveal to Joshua what he did not know on why Israel was defeated. Israel had sinned against the Lord.
The first insight for us to learn is the consequences of our sin does not affect us alone. The Lord tells Joshua, “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant!” (Jos.7:11 nlt) One man, Achan, had disobeyed God’s command in the previous battle of Jericho by coveting, stealing, hiding, and lying about the things that were to be set apart for the Lord. The sin led to his family to being complicit in helping cover up the disobedience to the Lord and breaking His covenant. Achan and his family were part of God’s chosen people Israel. Sin had been committed by having disregard for God’s commands and directly disobeying them. God is a holy God having instructed Joshua and the nation of Israel to have faith, courage, and to be obedient. Israel as a nation did not do so completely in the battle of Jericho. God had said, “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant!”
Our second insight; as God is holy, He cannot deal with sin in His presence. God will not deal with us as we go our own way but will put the brakes on us as He did with Israel’s defeat at Ai. The Lord told Joshua, “I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” (Jos.7:12 nlt) We must do the same. If we expect to see the Lord’s continued blessings we need to be obedient to Him and destroy (get rid of) any sin that is causing a major hindrance to that end.
Finally, the Lord’s blessings were seen by Achan and his family in the victory at Jericho. They witnessed the Lord fighting their battle and achieving victory; however, they were not content and wanted more. The Lord helps overcome major battles in our lives. His blessings continue to flow through our lives as we obey Him. If suddenly a small inconvenience becomes a major battle and wipes you out perhaps there is a ‘sin of Achan’ that needs to be destroyed. Being obedient to God and getting rid of that persistent sin will lead to God’s blessings.
Word for the Soul 