016 Purpose in Abraham (receiving and serving)
Txt: Genesis 18:1-17
Every Old Testament incident yields some New Testament truth. Let us read this portion in the light of the New Testament.
I. A gracious visit
“The Lord appeared unto him… and he lifted up his eyes, and, lo, three men stood by him” (Genesis 18:1-2)
This is a striking Language, that Jehovah should manifest Himself in the form of three. Does this suggest the Trinity of the Godhead?
The Whole <Trinity is interested and exercised in seeking to bless and save man
The Father loved, and sent His Son; the Son loved, and gave Himself up to the Death to redeem; the Spirit loved, and came to make His abode in the believing heart.
This threefold salutation is summed up in the benediction “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost” (2 Corinthians 13:14).
II. A hearty reception
The manner in which Abraham received the visitors, and his various acts toward them, may serve as an illustration of how a weary, longing soul may receive Jesus, and be drawn out in eagerness after Him.
1. THERE WAS A LONGING DESIRE
“He lift up his eyes and looked” (Genesis 18:2)
A good work has been wrought in us before we will even lift up Our eyes
The Lord is sure to appear in Grace of the looking ones
They looked, and were lightened2
2. THERE WAS A READY MIND
“He ran to meet them”
He was in haste to receive the visitors
When the heart is really hungering for the living bread it will recieve it gladly
The soul that is sighing for Christ will hasten to Him
3. THERE WAS A HUMBLE SPIRIT
“He bowed himself toward the ground”
The more closely we come to Jesus, the Heavenly Visitor, the more unworthy do we see ourselves to be.
The way to God is a self-humbling way
The nearer we come to His light the more unseemly does the garments of Our own righteousness appear
4. THERE WAS A WILLING CONFESSION
Abraham said “My Lord”
When a soul has found its way into the presence of Jesus Christ we expect to hear the Language of profession and testimony
“My Lord!” These two little Words imply two great thoughts – (1) appropiation (atonement); and (2) entire subjection
He is mine and I am His
5. THERE WAS A LOVE FOR FELLOWSHIP
“If I have found favour in Thy sight, pass not away, I pray Thee, from Thy servant” (Genesis 18:3)
What could be more Natural?
The soul that has found the Lord yearns to abide in His presence
In His presence is fullness of joy
The lonely heart finds its home in the bosom of Hid love
6. THERE WAS A DESIRE ROR THEIR REFRESHING
“Rest yourself… and Comfort Your hearts” (Genesis 18:4-5)
In Our selfishness we are apt to be satisfied With getting His favour and blessing, and stopping short of seeking rest for His soul and Comfort for His heart
Christ gave us rest and Comfort by giving Himself to us; let us give Him rest and Comfort by giving ourselves to Him
7. THERE WAS A READINESS TO SERVE
“Abraham ran and fetched and gave” (Genesis 18:6-7)
Love lends swiftness to willing feet
“The Lord loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)
“The love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
III. A blessed reward
“The Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham the thing which I do?” (Genesis 18:17)
The devotion of Abraham is rewarded With a revelation of the Secret purpose of God
The Secret of the Lord is With them that fear Him
The way into the deeper Things of God often lies through self-sacrifice and active sevice
If we would know the hidden wisdom of God, and feed on the finest of the wheat, we must lay ourselves and all that we have at the feet of Our Lord
Open Your heart to Him, and His heart will be open to you
larshaukeland 