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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 96

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." Psalm 37:23

Text: Genesis 18:1-33

A DEEP AND PRECIOUS FRIENDSHIP

What a wonderful friendship Abraham was privileged to have with the Lord. Only between two very good friends would you have such displays of friendship.

“Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom,
And Abraham went with them to send them on the way.
And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…”

GENESIS 18:16-17

1. On Abraham’s part

The visit of this Friend saw Abraham slaughter a good and tender calf to celebrate the occasion. It was unheard of, to slay a calf, just to entertain a stranger! But Abraham knew that this Friend was Special! He must be feted in every conceivable way.

When the time came for the Friend to depart, Abraham walked some ways with Him, just to bid Him farewell. How Abraham sought to do everything in his power to honour Him.

2. On the Lord’s part

What Abraham sought to do was not lost on the Lord. He must have been touched by what He saw. He gave them a special word of promise! Sarah would have a son by natural birth!

But there was more. As Abraham walked beside the Lord, he suddenly found himself hearing words that must have astonished him.

“And the Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing,
since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation,
and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
For I have known him, in order that he may command his children
and his household after him, that they keep the way
of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord
may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”

GENESIS 18:17-19

a) No secrets between great friends

God has every right to do what He wants without informing anybody! Yet, here was the Lord planning to share with Abraham what He was planning to do! What a great friendship Abraham was privileged to enjoy! God chose not to keep His secrets to Himself. The Lord was actually planning to reveal His plans to Abraham!

b) A high regard

In His mind, God foresaw Abraham’s future. His descendants would become a great and mighty nation. Through him “all nations of the earth would be blessed in him”. God was obviously pleased with Abraham. Though there were times when he faltered, nevertheless, God regarded him highly! What a wonder it is to have God as a Friend!