Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr

Abraham. What a man of God! In chapter 18 we clearly see the unique relationship between Abraham and God, and we come to understand why the Bible describes Abraham as being the friend of God. We have that same status today because Jesus says that He calls us His friends.

Genesis 18

Key Words: "righteous"; "spare" "I will not destroy"

Key Verse: Verse 14 states that God delights in doing the impossible. Verse 19 states that it is a parent's responsibility to direct his family into the ways of the Lord.

Purpose Statement: Two great thoughts are shared in this chapter: (1) the announcement of the upcoming birth of Isaac; (2) Abraham's intercession for the righteous (Lot and his family) living in Sodom.

Outline: A Birth Announcement and an Intercessory Prayer

I. Abraham and his three guests (vs. 1-15)
A. Abraham's hospitality (vs. 1-8)
B. The promise of Isaac's birth (vs. 9-15)
II. Abraham and the Lord (vs. 16-33)
A. God shares His thoughts on Sodom (vs. 16-21)
B. Abraham intercedes for Sodom (vs. 22-33)

Thoughts to Ponder: What did Sarah do after she had been confronted with her laughter before God over the news of her impending pregnancy? She lied to God. Now I am not certain that she knew this was God, but at least it was a very important stranger who had made this incredible birth announcement. In Sarah's shoes, I would have laughed also. Biologically, it was an impossibility. Who had ever heard of a 90-year old woman giving birth? Laughing in disbelief is wrong, lying about it is more wrong. When confronted we need to model truthfulness even when caught in an error.

This chapter is a stirring reason why Abraham is described as the friend of God. God did not have to share with Abraham what He was about to do to Sodom, but He did. Oh the joys of friendship with God. And Jesus said that is just what we are - His friends (John 15:15). I recall the words of the hymn-writer: "And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joys we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."

According to verse 3, it appears that Abraham recognized one of the three men who appeared to him as the Lord. One can only wonder initially how Abraham knew this. In verse 9, we read where this stranger knew the name of Abraham's wife; and in verse 10, the promise God had given to Abraham earlier concerning a son was repeated for the sake of Sarah. And this stranger knew that Sarah had laughed. What intimacy Abraham had with God that he recognized the visible presence of God in his tent. Oh that my walk with the Lord would be such that I, too, would recognize Him should He knock on the door of my home.

Verses 20 and 21 seem to imply that God was uncertain as to the extent of the sinful conditions at Sodom and Gomorrah. Does this passage teach us that God is less than omniscient, at least in this instance? If not, what is the meaning behind His statement? Many Bible commentaries state that, although God knew what He was about to do, His visitation was to give Sodom one final opportunity to repent. It is also to be noted, that the destruction of these cities because of their gross wickedness, was to be the historical reminder to the people of Israel of how seriously God looked upon sin. Jesus even makes reference to this judgment in His teachings (Matthew 11:23-24).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: It's too bad that the meek haven't already inherited the earth, because the unmeek are making a real mess of it.

Genesis 17 Return to Table of Contents Genesis 19-20