This teaching is our 18th session in our verse-by-verse study of the Book of Genesis by pastor Barry – given as part of our family service on 25th June 2017.
In Genesis 18, we find Abraham sitting in the doorway of his tent, minding his own business, seemingly not thinking about anything in particular, when he looks up and sees three ‘men’ in the distance coming toward him. We’re not told what Abraham saw, but he very soon realised that these were not ordinary sojourners, for at the age of 99 he immediately gets up, runs toward them, then falls down and worships them!
In our study we see that these three ‘men’ were actually God Himself accompanied by two angels.
For 25 years Abraham had been looking – and it’s fair to say, longing for – the fulfilment of God’s promise that he would have a son.
Now, after all of Abraham’s striving, when he has given up on his own ability to fulfil God’s plan for him, God comes to him when he is resting and gives him this overwhelming news: “By this time next year, you and Sarah will have a son!”
“Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace”
God then reveals to Abraham what He is going to do regarding Sodom & Gomorrah.
What follows is a practical and powerful lesson in intercessory prayer. Abraham appeals to God on the basis of God’s character, because He is Just and Faithful. Abraham comes humbly before God, appeals for God’s mercy, and believes by faith.
As a fellowship the LORD has laid on our hearts the need and desire to pray for our unsaved loved ones and friends. Just as Abraham, God has visited us in person (through Jesus) and allowed us the opportunity to pray for those we know who are currently dwelling in the world facing God’s judgment – their eyes being blinded to the truth of the Gospel.
“It came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham“ (Gen 19:29) – that is, God remembered Abraham’s petition.
God will remember you petition to if you come to Him “believing that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
You can listen to the audio on this web page, or save it for listening to later. We have also made available the Powerpoint slides (in PDF format) that outline the key points of this study.
We hope and pray this teaching will bless you and encourage you to undertake your own personal study and adventure in God’s Word!
