Hello brothers and sisters;
Getting back to the topic of Abraham's Three Visitors, years had passed since God promised Abram a nation. Following God's Covenant Abram and Sarai would go through a famine, end up in Egypt, travel with his nephew Lot only to separate and later Abram would rescue him.
Later God would promise Abram a son, but he and Sarai would gain a son through their slave Hagar and name him Ishmael. God is not done with Abram and would establish another covenant of circumcision and rename Abram Abraham. When we go back and study all this in detail from Genesis 12 through 17, almost 25 years goes by with so many events taking place between God, Abram and Sarai.
What amazes and ministers to me is Abraham has been blessed immensely by God yet he remained humble and hospitable when the 3 visitors (or angelic beings) sat and ate what Abraham and Sarah prepared for them.
For many years Hazel and I were always visiting other's homes and was blessed by the hospitality they gave us. But the conversation wasn't always the Good News. They would share setbacks, illnesses, tragedies and things to be with us. We couldn't foresee the future but could let them know we are there for them, offering to pray and hope with them and whatever the outcome, we still had their backs. This ministered to us and we wanted to emulate the same hospitality by opening our doors, hosting the last 3 Christmas parties with our church family, and at times offer a place to eat and sleep with what room we had to give.
The 3 visitors conveyed what God promised Abraham and Sarah with their future child Isaac as God promised Abram in (chapter 17:17-22) but also what was to come with God's destruction over Sodom and Gomorrah. Later Abraham would intercede for the people and plead with God, not just the wicked but also the righteous.
I believe God already knew and saw the hearts of Sodom and Gomorrah, but He also saw the heart of His servant Abraham. It made me think of where we are today. I can make a list of the iniquities of our country and on all four corners of the earth. I'm disgusted too, but am I praying to God for these people out of disdain or am I praying for God's love and mercy on all (including myself) who fall short of His glory?
Some of you say America is in judgment? Absolutely! Look around! Genesis teaches us that God also sees everything and will judge accordingly, not just some things, but everything. Yet in Genesis 19 after God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah, He instructs Abraham and Sarah to keep going forward.
As individual men and women of God, we are to do the same in these times. There's work to do. People despite these times still don't know who Jesus is, they don't know the connection between God and Begotten Son during this Christmas Season and everyday before and after.
We all should be asking God daily, Are You the One who will accomplish all Your promises to those who trust You (as Abraham did?)
God bless you, MM, give your wife (she is a blessing) a big hug from Hazel and me.
Thank you for sharing Abraham's Three Visitors.