INTRODUCTION: The more we study the life of Abraham the more we will be impressed with the variety of lessons and truths found therein that can be of great value in our spiritual walk. The narrative is colored by the location and time-period but human nature and spiritual realities never change.I. A THEOPHANY - verses 1-8.
God has throughout history appeared in many ways to His people [Hebrews 1:1]. The various appearances of God in human likeness during the Old Testament period are called Theophanies. These are not to be confused with the actual "incarnation" of God's Son [John 1:14]. In the Old Testament times, God only appeared to be a man. In the incarnation Christ became a man while remaining God [I Timothy 3:16].Some have tried to see in the three men an allusion to the Trinity. This is going too far. While one of the "men" was the Lord [verses 1, 13, 17, 22, 31], the other two were merely angels [Genesis 19:1].
Lifting up his head, Abraham noted the appearance of these three men. Immediately he showed respect and offered his hospitality. We can only guess as to whether Abraham saw anything special in these men. There is no doubt there was a dignity in their appearance.
Notice now two lessons to be learned from Abraham's example:
A. The Importance Of Hospitality. Abraham's actions here are a shining example of Christian hospitality [Hebrews 13:2]. Hospitality is a duty largely forgotten today, but often com- mended in Scripture [Matthew 10:42; Acts 4:34-35; I Timothy 3:2]. Our hospitality should be especially directed toward God's people. (Christian hospitality does not forbid us to exercise due regard for safety in dealing with strangers.) Some also prove themselves unworthy of hospitality [II Thessalonians 3:10].B. Belief In Providence [verse 5]. Abraham believed that God controlled the events of life. While he did not know why the men were there, he did know that nothing happened by chance. We should also view the events of life as coming by providential control.
II. A MESSAGE FROM GOD - verses 9-15.
As they were eating, one of the men suddenly inquired about Sarah. The fact that this stranger knew her name (her new name - Genesis 17:15) must have alerted Abraham that this was God speaking. The Lord then repeated the promise that Sarah would have a son. While protocol no doubt forbade Sarah from mingling with these strangers, it is not surprising to find that she sat where she could hear the conversation unseen. She was curious about these distinguished guests. Upon hearing that she would have a son she laughed to herself. Not only was she past child-bearing years, but even Abraham at ninety-eight was no longer capable of fathering a child [Romans 4:19]. Great was her consternation when she heard that the stranger was aware of her silent laugh. She immediately knew that these strangers were special. In her fear she denied having laughed. This received a straight-forward rebuke [verse 15].How our unbelief grieves the Lord. What a question God asked in verse 14! May we live our lives as those who know that nothing is too hard for the Lord. Notice that in the Lord's rebuke [verse 14] He merely restated His promise. May God's word always be sufficient for us.
III. GOD MAKES KNOWN HIS PLAN - verses 16-22.
An important Bible principal is made plain here. God does not hide His plans from His people [Psalms 25:14; John 15:15]. Christians alone know the course and outcome of the present age.Notice the two reasons God gave for not hiding His plan from Abraham:
A. Abraham was to be the recipient of great promises [verse 18]. Even today the saved have a blessed future with God to look forward to. Why then should God hide His present plans for this world from them.B. God knew that Abraham unlike the dwellers in Sodom, would instruct his children in the way of righteousness. God holds us responsible for this [I Samuel 3:11-1].
IV. ABRAHAM THE INTERCESSOR - verses 20-33.
There are two important themes here:
A. God's Righteousness - God made it very clear that His judgment on the cities of the plain would be based on a careful investigation of their sin [verses 20-21]. God never acts unjustly in His judgments. Anyone going through the Bible will be surprised to note how often the word "righteous" is connected with God's judgment. The Lord does not destroy the righteous with the wicked. The Lord treats no one unfairly. While God speaks here as though He were a man we know that this is the language of accommodation. He knows all about us at all times [Proverbs 15:3]. Such language was used and the two angels were sent to Sodom so that we might clearly see that God never acts in judgment without complete knowledge.B. The Need Of Intercession [verses 23-32]. This portion of Scripture has often been used to illustrate and show the need of intercessory prayer [I Timothy 2:1]. We as Christians need to pray on behalf of the unsaved as well as for other saints. Abraham feared that Lot and other godly people would be destroyed. His actions give us a pattern for intercessory prayer:
1. He came before the Lord [verse 22].
2. He drew near to God [vs.23]. This shows us the need of taking time to draw spiritually closer to God. The purpose of fasting is to seek the Lord and draw near to Him by laying aside all distractions.
3. He discussed the situation. God wants to hear from us what He already knows [II Kings 19: 14-19]. The intercessor needs to bring the situation before the Lord.
4. He rehearsed the promises that God had made. He also reminded God of His own nature and attributes. This "reasoning" with God on the basis of His own promises and attributes is a very important part of prayer. Perhaps more than anything it strengthens our faith.
5. Abraham was persistent [verses 27, 30, 3]. The Lord demands persistence in prayer as a test of the depth of our desire [Luke 18:1-7; Matthew 15:21-28].
6. He was bold yet reverent [verses 27 and 32]. There is such a thing as "holy" boldness in our prayer life.
7. He displayed great compassion. Compassion is basic to intercessory prayer [Romans 9:1-3].
Notice several other items of spiritual significance:
A. Abraham was successful in his prayers. It is true Sodom was not saved, but God agreed to all his requests. Abraham overestimated the number of righteous people in Sodom. Someone has said that "Abraham quit praying before God quit answering."B. God's people are the salt of the earth. Ten saints in Sodom would have preserved the city.
C. There comes a time when even our prayers cannot save a city or nation. Nations and cities can go beyond the hope of mercy [Ezekiel 14:12-21]. Anytime there are few real saints in a place judgment is near.
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