More than what we are doing in terms of service, He is interested in our close relationship with Him. Having a real, intimate relationship with God is not about what we are doing for Him or how long or how well we are doing it for Him but it’s about knowing who God really is, what His will is and doing it. Further it’s about spending time in His presence and knowing His plan for the world. The thought for our reflection this morning is, “Our God recognizes and honours our relationship with Him”.
Then the Lord said,
“Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?”
(Genesis 18:17)
Is it not true that the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him (Psalms 25:14) and with those who walk in His ways? Those that by faith live a life of communion with God, will know and understand more of His mind than other people. They will have a better insight into what is present, and a better foresight of what is to come. Did not God reveal His plan to destroy the world by flood to Noah? In the same way, here in Genesis 18, we read that God revealed His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham. Why did God reveal his plan to Abraham.
1. Because of Abraham’s INTIMATE relationship with God.
The Bible calls Abraham as the “Friend of God”. James says,
‘And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend” '
(James 2:23).
Keeping in mind the fact that it was against the laws of friendship to conceal or hide secrets, God decided to reveal His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham. How intimate is our relationship with God that He wouldn’t hesitate to reveal His plans to us?
2. Because of Abraham’s IMPORTANT role in being a blessing to the nations.
Nothing could more reveal the importance of Abraham in the purposes of God than this stated intention of God to bless the nations through Abraham. God said,
“Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him”
(Genesis 18:18).
Abraham was so involved in God’s plan for the future of the world that God felt that he deserved to know what God would do. To what extend are we involved in God’s plan for the world that we deserve to know what He would do?
Just as God extends His friendship to us by speaking to us daily through His Holy Word, so also we must return that friendship to Him by confiding in Him. He desires that we spend quality time in worshiping Him, talking to Him, pouring out our hearts to Him, telling Him of our love for Him and sharing every need and desire of ours. As we grow in our intimacy with Him, He in return would reveal His plans for the world and keep us as a blessing to many.
Blessed day!