Chapter 18 begins with the three visitors. The identity of these three visitors has been a topic of much debate. They are referred to as men (vs. 2, 22), then as angels in 19:1 and one of them as the Lord (18:17). Some have suggested the Trinity. Others suggested 3 angels, and others the pre-existent Christ and two angels. Though it is interesting to speculate, the text itself does not give us clear answers. It is best just to read the text without adding too much to it.
The purpose of the visit was to inform Abraham about the birth of his son with Sarah that would take place within the next year. Sarah was listening in and began laughing. The Lord confronted her about the laughing and asked that great promise in verse 14 “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” That question is one that is still applicable for us today. When faced with difficult circumstances in our lives it is good to remember that nothing is impossible with God.
The last part of chapter 18 has to do with The Lord informing Abraham about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes for these cities. His argument is that righteous men should not be destroyed. The Lord gives Abraham the argument, but there were not even ten righteous men to be found in those cities. It is sobering to think that ten men who desired to do right were not found in those cities. Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, many years ago made the statement, “if God doesn’t judge America, then He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” Her words ring a resounding alarm for us all. I wonder how many righteous people we have in America?
“Lord, help us to realize that nothing is impossible with You. Strengthen our faith so that we will live righteous lives. I pray this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.”
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
2 comments:
God arguing with Abraham about Sodom and Gomorrah is one of my favorite parts of the bible because to me it showed Gods compassion when presented with a logical argument. It also showed the futility of arguing with God because God already knew the answer and was just allowing Abraham to make his point. God is so much bigger than what we can conceive that to try and take him to task is the ultimate waste of good time. A also think the quote from Billy Graham's wife was never more true than today. Let us all pray that God continues to have mercy on us as we sure haven't earned it.
The first part of this chapter is so rich and so easy to pass over.
The Lord appears to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre and Abraham entreats Him to linger for a while. Abraham makes haste to provide bread, meat, curds and milk and they sit and talk.
How often God appears to me and would linger and visit with me if I would but stop and invite Him to do so; but, often I am "more important things" to which I must attend, such as reading the newspaper, cleaning the bathroom, etc.
My prayer today is that I will get a glimpse of the truly important things in my day and concentrate on them and live my life in such a manner that Christ is always a most welcome visitor.
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