Day 13- Genesis 18

  God in human form?

We know that Jesus came as God in human form. But when I read Genesis chapter 18, it seems that he also appeared before Abraham in human form.

"The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was siting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.  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. " Genesis 18:1-2

Now if we read ahead (vs16-33), we'll see that one of the men is the LORD.  The LORD then uncovers his plans for the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Once he tells Abraham, the two men accompanying him then turn towards Sodom and leave.  If we read ahead again (ch. 19) we then find out that the two men with him are angels.  Who else would be accompanying God?
There are so many questions in my mind.
Did he really appear in human form? YES.
If we read vs 7-8, we read how Abraham runs to prepare a choice calf, milk, curds and they ate what he had prepared for them.  Abraham didn't even sit with them, he stood near the men as they ate.  My point is that they ATE.  They were in human form.

Why did God appear in human form?
The only thing I can come up with is that because of his special relationship with Abraham, God desired to meet with him in person (No pun intended) to bring news of his fulfillment of his promise. This was also a deeply embedded desire that ached within Abraham and his wife; to have a child.
He also used this time to inform Abraham of the pending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. I find the back and forth conversation between Abraham and the LORD an interesting one to imagine in my head.  It's almost laughable.. and yet so encouraging.. God was listening to Abraham, and allowing Abraham to have input with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  We forget how powerful our prayers and petitions to God can be.  We don't possess the power to change the outcome, but asking the One who does pleases Him.

Angels today?
We've heard the stories.. people being saved by mysterious strangers who disappear... mysterious strangers who speak truths at odd times in odd places, never to be seen again.. etc
I've always found the stories intriguing, and when I felt inclined, I liked to wonder about angels and their roles on earth.  Now I feel compelled to wonder...

What do you think?

I'll keep contemplating.. Genesis 19 will continue the topic. I just don't want to overload my brain with too much to think about.  I like to soak in little bits at a time...

Be Blessed by His presence today :)

Day 12- Genesis 17

More promises from God.  He loves his promises.
Then comes Abram's part...

"As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.  This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male must be circumcised." Vs 10

OUCH.

Ok, so I'm a girl, and I don't fully understand the whole ramification of what that demand from God entails, but Abraham was ninety-nine years old, his son Ishmael was thirteen and every other male in his household was also circumcised.  That is quite the follow through, because back in those days they didn't have anesthetic... so ouch.  But Abraham knew that when God asked for something, he needed to follow. 

I wish I could know for certain when God is asking for something. And yet, sometimes I think we really do know.  The spirit within each of us speaks to us.  When he asks for something that entails sacrifice, we suddenly become uncertain that it is truly God's will and fight as hard as we can. 

I have yet to experience God asking me to do something as invasive as modify my own body, yet every sacrifice seems like he is asking for an arm and a leg. My perspective is so skewed.  Why can't I be just like Abraham and follow through when God asks?

The new names for Abraham and Sarah hold a deep significance.  In ancient times, children were named by their parents based upon circumstances surrounding the birth. God would sometimes reveal a name to the child's parents before birth, signifying a divinely established role that their child would play in history.  

"You will be the father of many nations.  No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." vs 3-5

Abram became Abraham, which means "exalted Father" in Hebrew.  God was indicating to Abraham that he would follow through on his promises and Abraham would be a Father to many, many nations.


"As for Sarai, your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.  I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her.  I will bess her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." vs. 15-16


Sarai became Sarah, which means, "Princess" in Hebrew.  God was exalting Sarah above other women because from her would come a heritage of mighty people who would inherit Canaan and God's blessings over their nation.  


As we know, God follows through on his promises, and the nation of Israel is raised up and blessed constantly blessed.  However, Abraham never lives to see his descendants live in Canaan, and that just reminds me that we are all only a small part of God's plan for the world.  


Now I need to spend some time in prayer and discern what God is calling me to in my life, because I know it calls for some sacrifice.  


Be blessed today.  Know that you are an heir of God's promises and his call.