Genesis 18
Pastor Mark Hudson
Genesis 18 shows “a careful balancing of two central theological postions with respect to the divince presence and power” (Sailhammer, EBC, vol 2. p. 143). The content of the chapter regards to birth of Isaac (Gen. 21) and the destruction of Sodom (19). How God goes about the completion of these two events is telling.
In the first two verses, Moses writes “And the Lord appeared to him (Abraham) by the oaks of Mamre . . . . He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him” 18:1-2. This is very similar to 19:1-2. Abraham seems to recognize that these men represented God or (as some say), the pre-incarnate Christ. Moses seems to know quickly and speaks to these three if they were God in the flesh. Everything he does, he does quickly, even running (v. 7) in the narrative.
Abraham seems to know that this is a manifestation of God. Abram surmised this rather quickly compared to Lot who did not. Abram treats these guest as divine and yet they eat, converse, walk, and in all other way act and look like human beings. In v. 17, the author writes, “The Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do . . . . For I have chosen him, that he may command his children . . . .” Abraham must have known about Sodom. He refuses to accept any gifts from the king of Sodom in 14:22ff. Lot seems rather dull spiritually compared to Abraham who is, though not without his flaws, spiritually minded and thinking about the future that God has promised him.
In the section beginning in verse 9, the focus turns to Sarah and the birth of Isaacc. God, through these three, unequovically states, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son” (v. 10). The text makes it perfectly clear that there is no human way this could happen. The author states in v. 11 that both were old and Sarah had reached menopause (or so it seems to imply). Sarah laughs thinking that a child born to her is impossible. This is not the reaction Abraham expressed in 15:6. There Abraham believed in God not in how he, Abraham, could figure it out. He trusted personally in God. Sarah is looking at her body and concludes there is no way she could have a baby. Then she lies to God. We all share moments when we sin and this was her low point.
In the next section beginning at v. 16, we find a bold, courageous, and interceding Abraham. The men set out and “looked down toward Sodom” and Abraham is with them. Then this astounding statement in 17ff., the Lord is almost talking to Himself about Sodom and whether or not he should tell Abraham in front of Abraham. Then in verse 20, the Lord tells Abraham He is going to visit Sodom. It may be that two men visit Sodom and one visits Gomorrah.
In verse 22, Abraham is pleading with the Lord to save the righteous as He judges the wicked. Is Abraham thinking of Lot? Is Abraham just a compassionate person? He continues to respectfully plead with God until God agrees to spare Sodom if only 10 righteous people are found there.
Yet, there were not even 10 righteous people in Sodom. I assume Abraham knew how wicked Sodom was. Did Abraham walk away and ask himself if there were even 10 who obeyed the Lord? Whatever he felt as he returned to his place, Abraham was successful in his intercession. But, as we know, God justly destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.
What is Moses trying to teach his readers? Moses views all this as ancient history. But it is theological history. One, God is always near and is never out of touch with our lives, dissapointments, confusion and setbacks. He knows and He cares. When things look impossible, trust God. This doesn’t mean, God is my servant and if I just believe, I will get a bigger house, a newer car or the conversion of a family member. But, this story reminds us that nothing is impossible for God. This is a comfort for any believer who finds themselves in place where only God can help. He is always able. Always.
In a world of injustice, favortism, and unrighteousness, God is always just. When it comes to His judgment, He needs no more information nor does He lack the courage to do what is right. He does not need information from us. In fact, God needs nothing. We can rest in His justice which is rarely quick but always on time. God is just and a righteous judge.
Finally, as we look at our world, we may never see God’s judgment on evil. But we will in the next life. God will both reward believers and judge the wicked. But the vast, vast majority of that takes place in eternity. We are not promised justice for all things in this life. But God keeps accounts. He never forgets. He will repay. This message is a part of the gospel and should be part of the gospel we teach, preach, and share. Never be embarrassed by God. Never back away from the truths of the Bible, especially His justice and coming judgment. We tell of God’s love and mercy as well as His perfect wrath.
Dear heavenly and loving Father. All You do is perfect and just. Help us to remember You are so close to us, even inside us, through the Holy Spirit. Remind us of your abiding and peace-giving presence. Give us a boldness as we hold fast to Your justice in condemning sin and sinners. Remind of us of believers who face much worse consequences than the smirks and laughs we face. We ask this in the glorious, beautiful, gracious, eternal, and holy name of Jesus. Amen.