Sunday 14th June 2020
Psalm 148:1-14
Psalm 42:1-11
Romans 5:1-11
Genesis 18:1-15
Isaiah 55:6-12 (at the end)
Psalm 42:1-11
Romans 5:1-11
Genesis 18:1-15
Isaiah 55:6-12 (at the end)
An
Interesting Encounter
Genesis 18:1-15
Introduction
Genesis 18:1-15
Introduction
Today we jump back not 2000 years to the time of the NT but 4000 years to the early days of the Old Testament. The time of Abram, from Gen 17:5 Abraham, and before him in the OT record - not a lot, but, still significant. There are consistent themes emerging and flowing and not least that God is not removed and distant but interested and involved with his creation and people.
A highly significant and important passage in the fulfilment of God's promise that from Abraham and Sarah would be people as uncountable as the stars in the sky or the sand on the beach. This was part of Abraham's initial call in Genesis 12 and has been endorsed and enhanced with the promise of a son of his own through Sarah - we read about that in the previous chapter.
Although we may find aspects of these writings a little strange, what is odd, is that they are so human, down to earth and presented in such a matter of fact way. Also, they are no stranger than say, Jesus walking on the water and I have no problem with that - phone me if you want to know why! Odder than anything we read, and I have just said it, God involves himself by encountering people in a very down to earth way.
This chapter is the next step in this important bible account of God's plan of salvation but in the midst of all the seriousness there are a few amusing aspects and certainly I find myself smiling whenever I read it. We start with:
1. Enigma - vv 1-2
Abraham having an encounter with the Lord who when he looks up is / are three men.
His first encounter was at his call, I've just mentioned it, when God effectively said: pack your bags, on your camel and I'll take you and show you something interesting, oh, and all nations will be blessed through you!
He went and did as he was told, more or less, just a few mistakes on the way, but he trusted with little or nothing to go on. He didn't have a bible on his mobile phone or even any books
or sheets!
He probably had the reliably handed down account of his family history at least
back to Noah and maybe some more before that.
So back to the current encounter in vv 1-2 - what do we make of it? It is sort of clear here that there is more than meets the eye but when you read on to the account of Sodom and Gomorrah it is clear they are not 'humans' although that is what they appear to be.
Angels - that is messengers, as well as the Lord God, yes without a doubt.
What about more? Who is the supreme messenger of the Lord? We know him as Jesus, the eternal Son. Who was his replacement among all believers from Pentecost, remember, another helper? The Holy Spirit. So, The Lord - Father, Son and Holy Spirit -.
A similar enigma occurs in Exodus 3 at the burning bush. First, we are told the angel of the Lord, the messenger of the Lord, appeared, then we are told it is the Lord who is speaking. God does not change and how we know him today, post Pentecost, is how he always is even though he wasn't or couldn't have been understood in this way before Jesus arrived, the Word become flesh - the embodiment of the message and so the messenger - angel of the Lord.
Fascinating and an explanation - no being dogmatic - but make sense too!
2. Haste - vv 3-8
[3] He said, "If I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. [4] Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. [5] Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way-now that you have come to your servant."
"Very well," they answered, "do as you say."
[6] So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread."
[7] Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. [8] He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
1. Seems he doesn't want them around for too long - v 5
2. To Sarah - quick - v 6
3. He ran - v 7 - I envy him, he's 99 (17:1) oh, and Sara is 90 (17:17) - keep hold of this
4. It must have taken ages - they have made bread (16kg) to be eaten with a kind of yogurt as an accompaniment with the cooked calf!
5. Sarah remains in the tent and Abraham stood nearby under a tree - a meal just for them and not even he partakes!
Somewhere, deep down, he realises that all of the is a little extra-ordinary. Perhaps, not surprising, in the previous chapter is the record of some serious stuff and maybe he is wondering 'what next'? Rightly so!
3. Announcement - vv 9-12
This is a repeat of some of chapter 17 but this time in the presence of Sarah. So, a little rewind as I keep mentioning chapter 17 here are the essentials:
1. It is the promise of covenant (highly special and significant contract) with the sign of circumcision for men vv 1-2
2. It is the reiteration of him becoming the father of many nations and a change of name to reflect this, and a land of their own vv 3-8
3. Sarai is to be called Sarah and will bear you a son - vv 15-16
4. Ha, ha - goes Abraham under his breath face down - at our age - v 17
5. Ha, ha, replies God - yes and through him this promise will be being fulfilled - oh, and call him Isaac - he laughs!!! All in 19-21
6. One other thing to mention which has possible future significance as well as closer reality, within a few hundred years, the promise to both of them vv 6 & 16 of nations and kings. It was over 400 years to Moses and the significant nation and longer after that to king Saul and king David his son and who is king David's greater Son? Significant themes and strands all through but here just seeds.
Back to 18:9-12 after that detour - Where's Sarah, in the tent, so she can hear as you are in front of it - raised voice by the Lord maybe - baby by this time next year when I come back!!!! Best joke she had heard in ages - us, at our age!
4. Confrontation - vv 13-15
But the Lord picked it up and questioned Abraham not just about the laugh but her disbelief,
He states, v 14
Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.
And we hear Sarah speak for the first time and it says she lied and denied laughing.
Hold it, Abraham had laughed as we saw earlier so isn't this a bit harsh? I am going to say 'no' because as we considered Abraham wasn't rebuked but given the child's name which would remind him every time, he spoke it or called the child that he had laughed, Isaac, he laughs. God made his point in his way and meets and treats all accordingly.
We have to wait until chapter 21 to read the 'positive' outcome vv 1-6:
[21:1] Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. [2] Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. [3] Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. [4] When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. [5] Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
[6] Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."
They both responded positively and enjoyed a laugh with God and everyone else who wished to join them. Now, it would be lovely to say 'and they all lived happily ever after' but they didn't! They are and remain a dysfunctional family in lots of ways and read on in Genesis and they are followed by lots more.
Reflections
1. Starting where we are - God uses ordinary people. Abraham is the father of many people of faith as a blood line and also, when we get t the NT, by adoption by the HS as a result of repentance and faith - non-Jews as well as Jews. And we are part of the fulfilment of the promise in Genesis 12:3 all people on earth will be blessed through you! Abraham, like all other bible characters, except Jesus, was flawed and a sinner. God uses sinners who trust him and are people of faith - and that includes you and me.
2. I am glad. You see the bible narrative does not air brush or digitally manipulate the characters but shows them, in the proverbial words of Cromwell, warts and all! I think that's a sign of truth and authenticity of the text. Same is true of the 12 with Jesus.
Let's steer away from ideas that these texts are changed, exaggerated or the like. The 'heroes' of the scriptures are not super human but mostly like most of us!
3. We see what we see in so many scriptures - and we were there last week, God is supreme over all 'nothing is too difficult'. We may not see what is happening or where we are heading - personally, as a gathered people, or in the events of the world - God is Sovereign.
4. As sovereign he is not aloof, remote or distant - back to the beginning - he comes to us where we are as well as how we are! From Genesis 3 onwards we see him regularly with his feet on the ground, not least here, and especially when we look at Jesus. Consistency from start to finish - oh, and finish, Revelation 21 & 22 et al is a new heaven and earth and it 'all' coming don' not all going 'up'! Go see - the notes are on line for reference.
5. Underneath and surrounding it all is God's 'steadfast / covenant love. Hang on, keep on, hang in and have a laugh because he really does love you and also, me despite all!
So back to the current encounter in vv 1-2 - what do we make of it? It is sort of clear here that there is more than meets the eye but when you read on to the account of Sodom and Gomorrah it is clear they are not 'humans' although that is what they appear to be.
Angels - that is messengers, as well as the Lord God, yes without a doubt.
What about more? Who is the supreme messenger of the Lord? We know him as Jesus, the eternal Son. Who was his replacement among all believers from Pentecost, remember, another helper? The Holy Spirit. So, The Lord - Father, Son and Holy Spirit -.
A similar enigma occurs in Exodus 3 at the burning bush. First, we are told the angel of the Lord, the messenger of the Lord, appeared, then we are told it is the Lord who is speaking. God does not change and how we know him today, post Pentecost, is how he always is even though he wasn't or couldn't have been understood in this way before Jesus arrived, the Word become flesh - the embodiment of the message and so the messenger - angel of the Lord.
Fascinating and an explanation - no being dogmatic - but make sense too!
2. Haste - vv 3-8
[3] He said, "If I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. [4] Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. [5] Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way-now that you have come to your servant."
"Very well," they answered, "do as you say."
[6] So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread."
[7] Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. [8] He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
1. Seems he doesn't want them around for too long - v 5
2. To Sarah - quick - v 6
3. He ran - v 7 - I envy him, he's 99 (17:1) oh, and Sara is 90 (17:17) - keep hold of this
4. It must have taken ages - they have made bread (16kg) to be eaten with a kind of yogurt as an accompaniment with the cooked calf!
5. Sarah remains in the tent and Abraham stood nearby under a tree - a meal just for them and not even he partakes!
Somewhere, deep down, he realises that all of the is a little extra-ordinary. Perhaps, not surprising, in the previous chapter is the record of some serious stuff and maybe he is wondering 'what next'? Rightly so!
3. Announcement - vv 9-12
This is a repeat of some of chapter 17 but this time in the presence of Sarah. So, a little rewind as I keep mentioning chapter 17 here are the essentials:
1. It is the promise of covenant (highly special and significant contract) with the sign of circumcision for men vv 1-2
2. It is the reiteration of him becoming the father of many nations and a change of name to reflect this, and a land of their own vv 3-8
3. Sarai is to be called Sarah and will bear you a son - vv 15-16
4. Ha, ha - goes Abraham under his breath face down - at our age - v 17
5. Ha, ha, replies God - yes and through him this promise will be being fulfilled - oh, and call him Isaac - he laughs!!! All in 19-21
6. One other thing to mention which has possible future significance as well as closer reality, within a few hundred years, the promise to both of them vv 6 & 16 of nations and kings. It was over 400 years to Moses and the significant nation and longer after that to king Saul and king David his son and who is king David's greater Son? Significant themes and strands all through but here just seeds.
Back to 18:9-12 after that detour - Where's Sarah, in the tent, so she can hear as you are in front of it - raised voice by the Lord maybe - baby by this time next year when I come back!!!! Best joke she had heard in ages - us, at our age!
4. Confrontation - vv 13-15
But the Lord picked it up and questioned Abraham not just about the laugh but her disbelief,
He states, v 14
Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.
And we hear Sarah speak for the first time and it says she lied and denied laughing.
Hold it, Abraham had laughed as we saw earlier so isn't this a bit harsh? I am going to say 'no' because as we considered Abraham wasn't rebuked but given the child's name which would remind him every time, he spoke it or called the child that he had laughed, Isaac, he laughs. God made his point in his way and meets and treats all accordingly.
We have to wait until chapter 21 to read the 'positive' outcome vv 1-6:
[21:1] Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. [2] Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. [3] Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. [4] When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. [5] Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
[6] Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."
They both responded positively and enjoyed a laugh with God and everyone else who wished to join them. Now, it would be lovely to say 'and they all lived happily ever after' but they didn't! They are and remain a dysfunctional family in lots of ways and read on in Genesis and they are followed by lots more.
Reflections
1. Starting where we are - God uses ordinary people. Abraham is the father of many people of faith as a blood line and also, when we get t the NT, by adoption by the HS as a result of repentance and faith - non-Jews as well as Jews. And we are part of the fulfilment of the promise in Genesis 12:3 all people on earth will be blessed through you! Abraham, like all other bible characters, except Jesus, was flawed and a sinner. God uses sinners who trust him and are people of faith - and that includes you and me.
2. I am glad. You see the bible narrative does not air brush or digitally manipulate the characters but shows them, in the proverbial words of Cromwell, warts and all! I think that's a sign of truth and authenticity of the text. Same is true of the 12 with Jesus.
Let's steer away from ideas that these texts are changed, exaggerated or the like. The 'heroes' of the scriptures are not super human but mostly like most of us!
3. We see what we see in so many scriptures - and we were there last week, God is supreme over all 'nothing is too difficult'. We may not see what is happening or where we are heading - personally, as a gathered people, or in the events of the world - God is Sovereign.
4. As sovereign he is not aloof, remote or distant - back to the beginning - he comes to us where we are as well as how we are! From Genesis 3 onwards we see him regularly with his feet on the ground, not least here, and especially when we look at Jesus. Consistency from start to finish - oh, and finish, Revelation 21 & 22 et al is a new heaven and earth and it 'all' coming don' not all going 'up'! Go see - the notes are on line for reference.
5. Underneath and surrounding it all is God's 'steadfast / covenant love. Hang on, keep on, hang in and have a laugh because he really does love you and also, me despite all!
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