01-56 Is Anything Too Difficult for the Lord?
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Genesis 18:1-15
Genesis 18:1-15
The Bible has quite a few examples of friendships that are deep, caring and edifying.
Jonathan & David (sacrificial love and loyalty)
Ruth & Naomi (service & companionship)
Elijah & Elisha (ministering together & mentoring relationship)
Paul & Timothy--
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
There is one friendship that often gets overlooked…Friendship with God. Moses spoke face to face as with a friend. Friendship with the world cannot co-exist with friendship with God.
3x Abraham is called the friend of God.
When armies of Moab and Ammon invaded Judah, Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of the people before the temple in Jerusalem and asked God for deliverance (as He promised the nation’s fathers earlier):
7 “Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?
Recalling the justificaiton of Abraham:
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.
The most profound is from the mouth of God as He explains His gracious choice of the nation:
8 “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend,
Above all others in the OT—Abraham has this distinction of being God’s friend. That term “friend” is generally translated “to love.” This helps us to see why Abraham is called “friend.”
God would later command Israel:
5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
The pslamist adds:
1 I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications.
20 The Lord keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.
Now, that love was first shown to Abraham by God—He always loves first (1Jn 4:19).
37 “Because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them. And He personally brought you from Egypt by His great power,
4 “Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.
God loved Abraham and in return he reciprocated that love—forming this deep friendship that is unfolded before us in Gen 18. There are 5 divisions of our vv that I’ll point out and as we walk thru the text together, I trust you’ll come to a greater understanding and appreciation for the Lord God, gratitude for friendship with Him—especially in light of the question at the end: “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?”
This is a blessing to be convinced of our God’s ability to do anything that He has purposed. God is the God of the impossible. We often forget this. But it is stressed time and again in Scripture:
Numbers 11:23 (NASB95) provide meat for 600K men
23 The Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”
2 “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
17 ‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,
27 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
27 But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
You may be thinking about the difficulties that you’re facing right now. Difficult home, difficult marriage, difficult job, difficult relationship—One thing you should take away from our study today is that what is impossible with you is possible with God—for nothing is too difficult for the One who has created the universe with a mere spoken word. Keep this in mind as we encounter the God of the possible here today.
I. The Initiation
I. The Initiation
vs 1
The LORD (YHWH) appeared. In the last ch “God went up” (17:22) b/c He was finished speaking with Abraham. We saw this doesn’t mean that God is isolated for He is truly omnipresent. Here, God returns and this time, instead of an audible voice makes a visual appearance to Abraham.
Abraham is sitting by the “Oaks of Mamre.” Monumental things have happened here before. This is where Abraham came after he and Lot parted ways in Gen 13. This is where he was when he learned of Lot’s abduction in Gen 14.
Notice what Abraham is doing here: sitting at the tent door—b/c it is hot. Abraham wasn’t up to anything in particular—probably a mid-day siesta. But the point is that YHWH appears. He Himself has taken the initiative to come to Abraham. This is called a “theophany” and here the Lord is making His appearance as a man—vs 2). Here, the invisible God makes Himself visible to deliver a message to Abraham and Sarah. God is the one taking the initiative. It is always this way:
Started with Creation Gen 1-2;
Choice of Abraham to bless world (Gen 12)
Choice of Israel (Dt 4:37)
Jesus’ choice of disciples (Jn 15:16,19)
God’s choice of you (“elect”), His love for you
God always is the initiator. It is revealed in Rom 3-no one seeks after God (Ps 14, 53). If you are here, having your sins forgiven, given the precious gift of eternal life—it is b/c God pursued you, brought you to life (while dead), seated you with Christ and He is directing your life. Don’t think God isn’t concerned about the difficulties you may be facing (He has even brought you here today to meet your deepest needs—He is taking the lead in handling these things—He did with Abraham and He doesn’t change.
II. The Reception
II. The Reception
vv 2-8
It seems to me that the writer of Hebrews is referring to this exact account:
1 Let love of the brethren continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Abraham is sitting at the door of his tent which not only helps him beat the cool of the day but this was cultural. He was watching for anyone who might be travelling and exhausted so that he could invite them to rest and be refreshed. Moses reveals he encounters 3 men standing before him. The identity of these men has been subject of much debate. The question is asked if Abraham even knows that one of them is YHWH. Many commentators have said it is unlikely that Abraham didn’t know as he addresses Him “my Lord” (vs 3). But different english trans handle it a little differently.
Moses reveals that one of the 3 is indeed the YHWH—God appearing as man and He is joined by 2 of His angels. Everything about the interaction with Abraham brings us to that opinion. The other 2 men are identified in 19:1 as 2 angels in the account of Sodom.
What I would draw your attention to is Abraham’s excitement in the arrival of these visitors.
His Reverence
His Reverence
Abraham has been “saved” for at least 14 years. He has had several interactions with YHWH up to this point and really his response is what we would come to expect from one who “loved” God as His friend. Bowing down is the picture of loving adoration. It is the response of heartfelt gratitude to the Lord for everything. Bowing down is paying homage to a superior. It is expressing submission to the Master. Abraham recognizes who this is and he addresses Him accordingly. This is YHWH—but Abraham uses the other word Adonai (supreme Lordship, The Sovereign One, owner, master). All of this is in the heart of the man who is God’s friend.
His Hospitality
His Hospitality
3-5
Abraham is inviting these supernatural visitors to find refreshment from heat of the day. “found favor” is the OT word for grace and Abraham is convinced that he is owed nothing. He recognizes that he doesn’t even deserve the visit or to entertain these guests. I have obtained grace…then do not pass by (stay and find rest). You see Abraham’s submission to his superior and this is the heart of one who loves God. And he is willing to give whatever is needed (water, bread—rest & refreshment). And the Lord is gracious “so do as you have said” (5).
His Urgency
His Urgency
vs 6-8
I want you to notice how quickly Abraham jumps into action and the sense of urgency he has to make sure that his guests are served well. vs 6 “hurried”, “quickly”, vs 7 “hurried”—these are all 3 the same word in Heb and denote speed, swiftness, haste. He also “ran” vs 7—there is an absolute tornado of activity going on around Abraham’s tent. Now with this comes an example and a very practical lesson about serving God (which is what he is doing).
First, Abraham is going all out…and brings others into this urgent service (Sarah and the servant). This is an extravagant meal: bread, tender meat of choice calf, curds and milk. It took time to prepare it all and everyone prepared it well.
That we should serve the Lord with such immediacy is the example of Abraham. We all know saints who serve like this…whenever there is a need they are taking it upon themselves to meet it b/c serving the Lord is how to show your love/adoration for Him. Make haste to serve. Our lives our very short:
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
12 So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Whatever opportunities God has placed before you—be quick to do it without delay. Abraham comes back with the meal and they ate (vs 8).
This seems to be the only place in Scripture before the Incarnation that our Lord ate a meal with a human being. Robert Candlish (Scottish minister/theologian):
Genesis—Beginning and Blessing Visitation (vv. 1–8)
It is a singular instance of condescension—the only recorded instance of the kind before the incarnation. On other occasions, this same illustrious being appeared to the fathers and conversed with them; and meat and drink were brought out to him. But in these cases, he turned the offered banquet into a sacrifice, in the smoke of which he ascended heavenward (Judges vi. 18–24, xiii. 15–21). Here he personally accepts the patriarch’s hospitality, and partakes of his fare,—a greater wonder than the other; implying more intimate and gracious friendship,—more unreserved familiarity. He sits under his tree, and shares his common meal.
III. The Declaration
III. The Declaration
vs 9-10a
The purpose for the divine visitation is made clear at this point. We can make some observations at this point:
The 3 visitors knew Abraham was married and his wife’s name (Sarah—the name changed by YHWH)—divine omniscience
The “He” of vs 10 must be God Himself. He says “I will return” not “we will return.” Of course, all along He has been the leader of the 3 visitors and Abraham recognizes this b/c this is the one he addresses as “my Lord” in vs 3.
The message was not just intended for Abraham but the declaration is for both: Sarah will have a son.
The son would be born (or conceived) with the return of the Lord a year from this point (quite a bit will happen in the next year).
This is another reaffirmation to Abraham that he will have a descendant thru whom the promise would be fulfilled and that descendant would not be Ishmael—but one born thru his own wife. This really is the gracious disposition of God toward His own—to affirm and reaffirm the promise(s). God does the same thing for us.
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
Promises cover every aspect of our lives and relationship to God: temporal realm (meet needs, He withholds no good thing), physical realm (leading, guiding, protecting, in all stages of life—youth, mid, adult), marital realm (for the good of mankind and society), the spiritual realm (the guarantee of salvation—sealed, secure), eternal realm…precious and magnificent promises, repeated often b/c God loves you and is gracious. God’s Word cannot fail:
8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth.
IV. The Response
IV. The Response
vs 10b-12
Notice that Sarah is listening. No doubt she is curious why her husband has been in this flurry of activity to provide for a few guests. The Lord appears to be talking to Abraham but I think He is also speaking in a manner so Sarah could also hear. When she first learns that she is going to have a child—her response is vs 12.
First, Abraham neglected to tell his wife that she was going to have a child. I think that’s one of those things you might not want to keep from your spouse.
16 “I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”
Why wouldn’t he share that with her? IDK. This is one of the blessings of the companionship of marriage—to share burdens and joys. Don’t withhold that blessing from your husband/wife.
Sarah laughs…why? vs 11— lit “past the manner of women...” (Heb euphemism) she has reached the state of menopause and she understood this. She considered herself to be an old woman married to an old man and certainly not expected to enjoy the pleasures of a younger woman.
Genesis 11:27–50:26 (1) Abraham’s Visitors (18:1–15)
The passage captures the impossibility of her pregnancy by three successive descriptions: the couple is “old” (zĕqēnîm); “advanced in years,” lit., “coming with days” (baʾîm bayyāmîm); and she is “past the age of childbearing,” lit., “as the way of women had ceased for Sarah” (ḥādal lihyôt lĕśārâ ʾōraḥ kannāšîm)
So Sarah laughs (to herself). This was not audible, visible to anyone other than Sarah (and the Lord). She knows the absurdity of having a child at the age of 90. Just humanly impossible. It has been described as the laughter of unbelief.
This is actually very common (we’re even like Sarah and won’t admit to it)—that we doubt God. We question His veracity, we question His ability. We doubt God keeps His promises or that He has the power to do what He says He will do.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
V. The Admonition
V. The Admonition
vv 13-15
The Lord is quick to address Sarah’s unbelief and so He asks Abraham (Question # 1). But Sarah is quick to interject her denial and Moses explains why she denied laughing (for fear). Fear often drives our thoughts and behavior. It was fear that Abraham lied to Pharaoh and Abimelech about his wife. But even here, the rebuke of the Lord is gentle upon those whom He loves. It is foolish to think we can keep our thoughts hidden from the Lord—Sarah learns this in a dramatic way. With a sweet irony, her future son David would describe the Lord’s omniscience very well:
1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
YHWH asks 2nd question—which forms the admonition and instruction for Abraham, Sarah and even for us today.
“Is anything...” The word translated difficult (hard) means “wonderful, extraordinary.” Is there anything too wonderful beyond the ability of our God to accomplish in us and thru us if He has purposed it? Of course the answer to the rhetorical question is a resounding “NO” and yet it deserves a personal response from everyone here today.
What problem are you facing that is too extraordinary that God can’t handle it? What difficulty in your life is beyond His ability? What circumstances can you imagine being beyond His sovereign and providential workings?
Can God restore broken marriages? Can He heal the deep wounds from broken relationships? Can He save those family members/loved ones that you’ve been praying earnestly for? Can He bring back wayward children? Can He forgive sins (even the most heinous).
Your problem today might be the need to come to Him who is calling you and encounter the rich grace that He is offering. Hear the Word of the Lord.
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Everyone here has personal difficulties that are even now in your hearts and minds—waiting for you as you walk out of our gathering.
F.B. Meyer (English baptist pastor) wrote a book entitled “Abraham: Friend of God.” This is what he wrote (1890):
“It may seem to you hard to the verge of impossibility, that ever God should keep his word, in the conversion of that friend for whom you have a warrant to pray, according to 1_John 5:16. Hard to vindicate your character from the aspersions with which it is being befouled. Hard to keep your evil nature in the place of death; and to cast down your evil imaginings, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Hard to make you sweet and gentle, forgiving and loving. Hard to produce from you the fruits of a lovely and holy nature. It may be hard; but it is not too hard for the Lord. "With God all things are possible." And, as Sarah found it, all things are possible to those who believe.”
Our Lord Jesus gives this instruction:
13 “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
What a profound promise. Do you believe it or do you doubt it? That was spoken on the evening of His betrayal in the Upper Room with His disciples. A few moments later He told them:
13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do what I command you.
What does it take to become a friend of God? Believe on the LJC…for whoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Our Father, we are humbled at the demonstrations of your divine power…in the universe and in our lives as well. We don’t deserve your grace (no one does) and yet b/c you have set your love upon us we bow with gratitude in our hearts. Help each one of us to grow that we might trust you with the difficulties in our lives and we ask you to handle those problems—and do so to glorify yourself in Jesus name.