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One of Those Days – Genesis 18:1-33

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In these verses there are two striking questions to ask you. What would your answer be?

  • Is anything too hard for the Lord? (vs. 14)
  • Will not the judge of all the earth do right? (vs. 25)

Can you hand things over to God when you are having “one of those days” and things seem to be going from bad to worse.

1 – God’s presence and purpose (vs. 1-15)

  • Significant guests (vs. 1-8). In the Ancient East you were expected to show real generosity to your guests. Abraham goes to extraordinary lengths for these guests.
    1. The importance of theophany. God appears in human form. This happened in Joshua 5-6 and also in Daniel.
    2. See Hebrews 13:2. We need spiritual eyes to see the invisible. We need to show hospitality to strangers as we may be entertaining angels. There is more than the material.
  • Significant promise (vs. 9-15). God works to a timetable. It is not our timetable! Sarah will have a son by this time next year. Abraham is “worn out” and Sarah “past the age to bear children”. The Lord is surprised at Sarah’s laugh of disbelief. Nothing is impossible for God.

2 – God’s rule and righteousness (vs. 16-33)

They go for a walk. Abraham ends walking with the Lord while the angels go on ahead.

  • Gracious monologue (vs. 16-21)
    1. Revelation. God is not afraid to let Abraham know what He is going to do to Sodom. God talks to us about judgment, resurrection, heaven, etc. How are we living it out?
    2. Purpose. See also Acts 17:31. God has His people in the midst of those who have fallen. We are called to stand for God.
    3. Consistency. God will judge with fairness and fullness.
  • Gripping dialogue (vs. 22-33)
    1. Justice
    2. Burden
    3. Engagement
    4. Pleading

Abraham is concerned about Lot and his family. He intercedes for the righteous remnant. Abraham pleads for the Lord’s mercy. To sweep away the righteous would not be a righteous act. Abraham prays with boldness. He persists in prayer to change God’s mind.

3 – Our response

  • Spiritual eyes – Look out for God in work, etc.
  • Obedient feet – Walk with God through ups and downs.
  • Trusting heart – talk to God. We can plead with our sovereign God.
  • Expectant spirit – wait on God. He will show up!
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Categories: Genesis

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