Abraham had been visited by three men representing the Lord. According to the second half of Genesis 18 and chapter 19 it appears to be the Lord and two angels.
“When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him , so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him,’” (Genesis 18:16-19).
Because it was in Abraham’s heart to do what is right and just, the Lord considered him worthy to become the one who would impart into the Lord’s nation the foundation of righteousness and justice – the Lord’s way. For this reason the Lord was also prepared to trust Abraham with revelation of what He was about to do. Abraham had a good standing with the Lord because of his righteousness, i.e. because he simply did what he was called to do by faith. The Lord considered him reliable and worthy to handle His revelation responsibly.
The same would apply to us if we simply believe and obey; living in intimate anticipation that the Lord would show us Himself, His plans and His desires for our life, if we would show our love towards Him through obedience. “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him,” (John 14:21). He so much desires to have intimate, obedient children with whom He can discuss His greater plans, like He did with Abraham and Moses, rather than distant servants who just do His bidding mechanically. How would you like to be one of such children?
If we look at the remainder of chapter 18, we form an idea of Abraham’s relationship with the Lord. “Then Abraham approached Him and said: ‘Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing —to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?’” (Genesis 18:23-33 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2018:23-33&version=NIV1984)
Will you talk to the Lord like that? We think it’s cheeky, but if we are of the same mind as the Lord, having His concerns at heart, we could. The Lord is not a distant Master who demands reverent respect, worship and obedience at the snap of a finger. Jesus said in Luke 15:13-15: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Have you noticed how the Lord responded to Abraham’s pleas? He didn’t make an issue of it. Abraham showed the necessary respect, but pressed through, for he was determined to get what he wanted – mercy on the righteous. Note also that Abraham didn’t think of himself when he made his request. He could easily have thought; ‘yes Lord, zap them. They have been troublesome neighbours’.
How do we ask of God? Do we only ask for our own benefit or do we ask according to God’s will? How easily do we give up? Do we persevere until we get what we want? How close are we to the Lord? Do we have the confidence to respectfully challenge Him on His promises?
Lord, please teach me how to fellowship with you in fullness.
Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.
Please pass this on if you think others may benefit by it.
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