Abraham – God Opens His Heart to a Friend

Abraham – God Opens His Heart to a Friend

>>> Read Genesis 18 <<<

 

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. 

Jn 15:14-15

 

In Genesis 18 God unfolds four wonderful privileges enjoyed by the person who understands, and walks with, El Shaddai (the God who bestows blessing in the face of difficult circumstances). First (vs 1-8), he enjoys personal contact with the Lord; then, (vs 9-15) he gains assurance that promises will be fulfilled; next (vs 16-21), he is treated as a friend in whom God confides; and finally (vs 22-33), because he is near to the heart of God, he can intercede on behalf of others. (General outline from Hamilton Smith)

 

We are shown that Abraham is still dwelling in a tent. Each time his tent is mentioned, it is a reminder that he has not settled down to enjoy the world (as Lot did in Sodom); instead, he is separate from it. As a result, Abraham has developed spiritual discernment so that he is able to distinguish the Lord from the two angels. Furthermore, Abraham has progressed to the place where he can enjoy intimate fellowship with the Lord, who has come to confirm the birth of his son, Isaac. Fellowship is shown by the sharing of food, shade and personal refreshment for the guests. 

 

The Lord gives Abraham and Sarah firm reassurance about the coming birth of Isaac, then turns to another topic as He and Abraham survey the fertile valley from the mountain. The Lord says an amazing thing to Abraham, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?" How is it that the God of the universe would consider revealing His secrets to a mere man? This is an expression of how God values His friendship with Abraham. He is speaking face to face with Abraham – speaking as a true friend. Notice Abraham's response to what the Lord confides – he boldly intercedes for the "righteous" in Sodom.

 

My point here isn't to explain why Abraham stopped at the number 10, or to discuss the righteousness (or the lack of it) of Lot and his family. I want to direct your attention to the intercessory relationship that Abraham had with the Lord. This is the first example of this kind of relationship in our Bible, so it requires some consideration. Abraham clearly recognizes to whom he is speaking – this is the Lord!  He has been invited to enter into God's business; and somehow, he has realized that the Lord is giving him the privilege of intercession.

 

We know, because we have the whole Word of God, that the Lord was able to entrust such a privilege to Abraham because he has demonstrated spiritual growth – as evidenced by obedience (circumcision). He has kept himself separate from the world and has walked by faith (this is how God views Abraham!).

 

Since Lot is referred to as a righteous man (2Pet. 2:7), we can assume that he represents a forgiven, justified man in God's eyes. However, justification is one thing and producing the fruit of faithfulness and obedience is another. Who does the Lord confide in (reveal Himself, His thoughts and His plans to)?  In the words of the New Testament, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." The secrets of God are not thrown out to anyone who claims to know Him; and the privilege of intercession is not for those who have only a passing acquaintance with the Lord.

 

The way to know the divine purposes about this present evil world is not to be mixed up with it, in its schemes and speculations, but to be entirely separated from it. The more closely we walk with God, the more we shall know His mind about everything.                                  C.H. Mackintosh

 

The Lord came to Abraham and confided His plan to him; this shows that He wanted Abraham to use this intimate relationship to intercede for Sodom. Now, think about all the Lord has told us about His plans in the whole Word of God. Many people read it, but only those who seek to know God and submit to Him in faith and trust, can truly understand His ways, His purposes and His plans.

 

Are we saints of the tent or of the city? In other words, do we have more invested in the world, or in our communion with the risen Lord of glory? We live in a day when we are being exhorted to intercede for our nation as well as the unsaved. Intercession is a privilege set aside for those who seek God's heart; it is for those who have learned how to listen for His voice and who know when He is speaking. The Church is in need of intercessors today – but first we need to focus on the Lord and what He wants.  We cannot allow frenetic activity on the one hand, or the fear of continuing decline on the other, to keep us from resting in the Lord and waiting for Him.                                                                              LJ 10/09