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 :)
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