The Watford Church of Christ Podcast
We are on a journey to that future life exploring the incredible plans God has for us on earth to love Him and to love others. Join us on this journey!
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Episodes
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
Intro - setting the scene
Last time - what happens when we walk with God
Chapter 17 - circumcision covenant; Sarah the mother; next year; upgraded promises
Change comes at God's timing; He has good in mind for us; we have a part to play; need closer walk with God as life goes on
I could talk about.....
1. Generosity in action, Genesis 18:1-8
Calf - royal generosity - feast
Heb 13:2 - 'strangers
2. Divine Tolerance, Genesis 18:9-15
The impossible is laughable
Matt 9:23-25 - Jesus laughed at because believes impossible
3. Pressure perverts priorities, Genesis 19:1-11
Lot with Abraham; near Sodom; In Sodom - adopted
4. The dangers of doubting God, Genesis 19:12-22
Having a doubt is not a problem. Expressing that doubt is not blasphemous. What is tragic is when doubt is used to to argue ourselves out of obedience.
Jesus helps you - Jn 20:27
5. The consequences of being dominated by greed and fear, Genesis 19:30-38
Greed
Fear - attempt control without God
I will talk about...
The benefits of walking in the presence of God
We understand the heart of God
1. He is the only legitimate judge
Therefore we are at peace
2. He cares about everyone
Therefore we pray even for those we don't like
Canaanites - not Israelites
Therefore we ask boldly - like Canaanites woman
Matt 15:22ff
Abraham a man of humility and boldness
Conclusion
God does more than Abraham asks - rescues Lot, Gen 19:27-29
Abe foreshadowing the heart of Jesus
Told us to pray for our enemies, Matt 5:44
Prayed for his, Luke 23:34
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Introduction
Watershed moment: CH 12-16 all point to this moment
Interesting that this comes after the mess of Gen 16!
God’s long speeches: blessings; commands; answers
Abraham’s responses: falls down twice; laughter; question/request; circumcises
Overview
Upgraded blessings, vv1-8
Land....this land
Great nation...dust...stars...many nations...kings
Son...Sarah
Covenant...protection...slavery/exodus...eternal (everlasting)
Abraham’s part, vv9-14
God enacted his part in Gen 15
Circumcision - the sign of the covenant
What happens to who, vv15-21
Sarai...Sarah mother of the son of the promise
Isaac...continuance of the covenant
Ishmael...great nation
Abraham’s response, vv22-27
Urgent...that very day
Thorough...all, every, every
1. God
Q: “What does God expect of Abraham?” “What does he hope this will achieve?” “What do we make of the fact he waited until Abraham was 99 and Sarah 90 years old?” “What might be the reason God does not rebuke Abraham for his laughter (Isaac means laugh)?”
A growing relationship - walking before God; deeper relationship as time goes by;
A growing set of promises - expanded....; Sarai - Sarah; Abram - Abraham
A growing partnership - God devoted to covenant, asks for Abraham’s devotion in circumcision (explain some background to circumcision)
2. Abram - “as for you”, v9
Q: “How do you suppose Abraham might be feeling as he hears these upgraded promises?” “How do you suppose he felt about circumcision?” “What do you make of his request regarding Ishmael?” “Given there was a year or so before Isaac was to be born, what do you make of Abraham’s urgency?”
Receives grace - laughed in heart; prayer answered re Ishmael
Called to greater faith (devotion) - walk before God (how know we are doing this?); circumcise - trust God;
Urgent and thorough - faith in action (son not coming until next year, but gets on with circumcision)
Conclusion
Lesson for us today:
Circumcised hearts: Lev 26:41; Deut 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4; Rom 2.29;
We need a deeper walk with God as life goes on.
Longer spiritual life leads to greater clarity on our weaknesses and the joys of a relationship with God
In Christian life walking with God is designed to be increasingly challenging and rewarding! Like any human relationship in fact. Layers of an onion. Discovery. Adventure. Exploration.
We all have challenges - COVID part 2,3,4......
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” (Galatians 6:1–18 NIV11)
Jesus: has made us a new creation via the cross
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Introduction, v1a- Just had high point of Gen 15: promises, sacrifice, covenant, faith/righteousness- Women in foreground - Abraham in background- Fundamentally, this is not about men and women as such, but about impatience- We have seen Abraham's faith tested and will see it tested again. This time it is Sarah's test of faith which is highlighted- We also learn a lot about the LORD: vv2,5,7,9,10,11,13- Very emotional introduction!---1. Losing it in the Home, vv1b-6The causes and consequences of impatience - and God's answerQ: What problems can you spot?Q: Sources of shame?What is going on here?Gen 3 all over again: "took...gave"; "agreed" = "listened". Easy, but tragic.Fitting in with culture - rich women would do this; polygamy not banned by God specifically, but Gen 2 implies it is not God's will; What's missing? No mention of God.Consequences of manipulation and control: jealousy, 'violence' (flood) - strong emotions; 'mistreated' (Egypt) - Sarai's dark heart - lie ours when consumed by something; everyone loses - Hagar has lost her home, Sarai her maid (as well as her mind!); Abram his second wife and his sonWhat will happen - enter the LORD!What fuels impatience? 10 years later.....External: Shame & fearFitting in with culture - expectations. Family pressure; social class pressure; cultural background pressure; church pressureWhat helps - big picture thinking God is working on you for your benefit.... “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4 NAS95) God has a different way for you to live... “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2 NAS95)Internal: Desire for personal satisfactionMake me feel 'whole'What helps - keeping a firm grip on the end game... “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 NIV11) God has a different way for us to go.... “And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd.” (Ephesians 4:17 MESSAGE)- Typical causes of shame for a Christian: in church - my kids are not Xtns etc; outside church - don't join in with immoral lifestyle, don't fit in.Summary: Hagar trying to get what she wants (like Eve, Babel, Abe in Egypt, Lot & King of Sodom); Abraham opting for the quiet life.---2. Rescue in the Desert, vv7-14Q: What do we learn about God from the actions and attitude of the Angel of the LORD?- What is going on here? - The LORD springs into action: seeking; finding; listening; instructing; comforting; guiding; seeing - Went looking - like Adam and Eve - Gentle with her - First mention of her NAME is by God, not mistress or husband - Hagar is helped: reassured; rescued; redirected; - Going home - but her home no more - Abram protects an Egyptian 'slave' - opposite of what will happen to his descendants - Will suffer - But for a good purpose, meaningful - LORD honest - Not justification for domestic abuse - Abram gets a son- Key points for us - 'sees' - me, even me! - Dawn - difference between being watched and being seen - Psalm 139:1-18 - faith - Lacking in Sarai & Abram - Seen in Hagar---Conclusion, vv15-16Hagar..Abe..son..Abe..Ishmael..son..Abe..Hagar..IshmaelIsaac another 14 years: did Ch16 delay this?
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 40
Today we start chapter 20.
“Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar, and there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” Then Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.” (Genesis 20:1–2 NIV11)
What are we seeing here? A sin pattern.
We don’t know why Abraham moved into the Negev. Perhaps it was the shock of the situation regarding Sodom, Gomorrah and Lot. It could be that word of what Lot’s daughters had done reached him. Bad news regarding family might be the most disturbing news of all.
It is notable that although he goes to the Negev he doesn’t carry on as far as Egypt this time. Perhaps he has learned at least one lesson – Egypt is not a safe refuge (Genesis 12:9-10).
Abraham stays in Gerar on the South Eastern border of Canaan. There he repeats a half-truth - the most dangerous truth of all. Yes, Sarah is his ‘sister’ in one sense (Genesis 20:12), but, Abraham is fully aware that her status as his wife outweighs any other designation. Neither lies nor half-lies fool God. They fool Abimelek - temporarily.
Devotional thought for today
We will unpack the detail of what happens in Gerar in the following podcasts. Today let’s consider an unfortunate reality. You and I repeat sins. Some rarely. Some frequently.
I remember a talk I heard many years ago. It might have been Mike Tolliver. He opined that we never ultimately overcome all sins. Not in this life:
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8 NIV11)
Yet, Mike said, it should be possible to eliminate some sins completely. If we believe in the power of the Spirit, and the ever-increasing Christ-likeness God is growing in us, then is it not possible to overcome some sins?
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV11)
What do you think? Do you have a vision to conquer a sin?
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you develop the faith to defeat a repeated sin in your life
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 38
Today we continue in chapter 19.
“By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace. So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.” (Genesis 19:23–29 NIV11)
What are we seeing here? God pays attention to sincere prayers.
There is no getting away from the fact that this scene is tragic. We don’t have time to go into the reasons for God’s drastic action. That will have to wait for a teaching opportunity. But, given that God is just, the situation in Sodom must have been so dreadful that had we been there we would have understood God’s actions.
Perhaps to key phrase in this section is, “he remembered Abraham”. What does this mean? Had the LORD forgotten him? Unlikely. It seems that, although Abraham’s intercessory prayers did not save Sodom, they influenced the Lord in rescuing Lot and his family.
Devotional thought for today
As Abraham surveys the wreckage of Sodom we do not know whether he is aware that Lot has been rescued. For all he knows his prayers were inadequate and a waste of time. Yet God, in his friendship with Abraham, and in honouring his covenant with him, has attended to his prayers and rescued his nephew.
Sometimes we pray and don’t see our prayers answered. Or at least we don’t see them answered before our eyes. Who knows what effect they are having in places we cannot see? No intercessory prayer is wasted. It has its affect on somebody somewhere. We may never be aware of the full impact of her prayers until we are in the next life. God always “remembers” you and your prayers.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to grant you the confidence that he always ‘remembers’ you and your prayers
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 37Today we continue in chapter 19.“The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.” So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.” He said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar. )” (Genesis 19:12–22 NIV11)What are we seeing here? The dangers of doubting God.Why do his sons in law not to take him seriously? Might it be that his lack of respect for God has rubbed off on them? Where Abraham is urgent, Lot hesitates. Where Abraham is thorough Lot looks to compromise. He has been told the mountains will be his salvation, but his interpretation is that aiming at the mountains will bring him to disaster. He is forgetting that this is God’s judgement and he is in control. Lot is struggling to obey and trust God. The angels have already performed a miracle in blinding the men at his door. He should have had no trouble taking them seriously and doing what they said.Devotional thought for todayHaving a doubt is not a problem. Expressing that doubt is not blasphemous. What is tragic is when doubt is used to to argue ourselves out of obedience. Do you not allow doubt to drive you away from God. Your doubts are within your control. Perhaps you can prevent yourself from thinking doubtful thoughts, but you can take those doubts to God and allow him to help you to resolve them in his presence“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”” (John 20:27 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Tell God your doubts and ask him to help you process them in a spiritually healthy way
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Dr. Boakye watch takes us on a tour of the New Testament revealing faith lessons from the life of Abraham.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions.
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
God bless,
Malcolm
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.Episode 36Today we move on to chapter 19.“The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.” “Get out of our way,” they replied. “This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge! We’ll treat you worse than them.” They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door. But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door.” (Genesis 19:1–11 NIV11)What are we seeing here? That pressure perverts priorities.Lot is determined to offer hospitality. He ‘insisted’ - a Hebrew word that means something like, “he twisted their arms”. In this he reminds us of Abraham. Eager and urgent to provide hospitality.His instincts are correct. Yet, his priorities become perverted. Under pressure from the townsfolk he offers them his daughters to do with them as they please. Lot’s angelic guests are having none of this. They pull their host inside and strike the men outside with blindness. Lot moved away from Abram’s side. He migrated from ‘near Sodom’ (Gen 13:12) to living ‘in Sodom’ (Gen 14:12). His heart drifted inexorably further away from God’s heart, thus allowing his priorities to be perverted.Devotional thought for todayAre you feeling the pressure at the moment? I’m sure you are. I certainly am. What can we do to maintain a spiritual perspective at pressure points?“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–11 NIV11)God is aware of how we are feeling when the pressure gets too great. He is available for strength. His part is the strength supply. Ours is to set our hope on him. Our spiritual disciplines of prayer, silence, solitude and the like are tools that may help us to:“...set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1–2 NIV11)Why not take some time today to dwell on the the reason for setting our hearts and minds on things above? What is that reason? That we have “been raised with Christ”.Prayer point for todayAsk God to help you celebrate your new life in Christ and, in so doing, give you the strength under pressure you needIf you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Sunday Jan 31, 2021
Sunday Jan 31, 2021
Tut
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 35
Today we pause before going on to chapter 19. We will take a moment or two to consider what we learn about Abraham from this chapter. How does he see himself?
His humility is in clear view.
“Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.” Gen 18:2
Abraham is eager to honour others above himself. His generosity is an expression of his humility. Later he refers to himself in this way:
“..though I am nothing but dust and ashes” Gen 18:27
He is not unaware of his significance. He knows he is chosen. Yet there is no arrogance in his addressing God. No presumption. Instead an appropriate humility.
In addition we see his boldness.
“The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said...” Gen 18:22-23
Abraham does not wait for God to invite his thoughts, but takes them directly to him. Indeed he addresses God courageously:
“Far be it from you to do such a thing...” v25
Our hero presumes to call God to conform to his character. And again,
“Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord” (Genesis 18:27 NIV11)
Yes, he has been bold! He continues to push the envelope until he feels he has gone far enough.
Devotional thought for today
Blending humility and boldness is not something we see too often in society. Many of us find it a challenge to come to God with the kind of courage and humility we see in Abraham. That’s why we need to study people like Abraham. His relationship with God, without the advantage of the indwelling Spirit, is an inspiration.
Take a moment to consider how you habitually address God. Are you stronger in humility than boldness? Or is it the other way round? What would help you to grow in your weaker area?
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you address him with a confident courage, and a confident humility.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Saturday Jan 30, 2021
Saturday Jan 30, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.Episode 34Today we continue in chapter 18“And the LORD said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. “I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD. Abraham came near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? “Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? “Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.” And Abraham replied, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes. “Suppose the fifty righteous are lacking five, will You destroy the whole city because of five?” And He said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” He spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose forty are found there?” And He said, “I will not do it on account of the forty.” Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak; suppose thirty are found there?” And He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” And he said, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord; suppose twenty are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the twenty.” Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the LORD departed, and Abraham returned to his place.” (Genesis 18:20–33 NAS95)What are we seeing here? A man who understands the heart of God.The key phrase in this section might be, “and if not..” It is as if God is inviting Abraham to take up the intercessor role. Abraham was paying attention and seizes his opportunity. Later in Israelite history other significant figures pray for Israelites. But here Abraham prays for Canaanites. What does this reveal? It tells us that Abraham knew God cared about all people - not just the chosen. We have here an illustration of the mercy of God reflected in the heart of Abraham. Significantly also illustrating that Abraham is to be a blessing to all nations. Ultimately of course this is what Israel is meant to be.Devotional thought for todayAbraham took the opportunity to pray for people who displeased God. Do you? It’s easy to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ and perhaps for people who we see as fitting our view of godliness. But - the rebellious, the depraved, the licentious? Pray for them?Jesus said, rather annoyingly, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44 NIV11)He lived up to this command, praying for those who crucified him:“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 [ESV]Allow yourself to be inspired by that example to pray today for those who disgust you.Prayer point for todayAsk God to give you the heart to pray for someone who rejects your valuesIf you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.Take care and God bless, Malcolm