Meditation

Meditation: Genesis 18

Reading: Genesis 18

In chapter 17:19 God promises to Abraham that “Sarah your wife shall bear you a son”. But how is this possible? Abraham was almost 100 years old; Sarah was 90 and past the age of child bearing. The Lord sees their struggle and straightaway returns to encourage them with the news that within one year the promised son would be born.  Sarah laughed within herself, thinking: shall I have a child when I am so old? But the Lord, who reads our thoughts, re-assures her and strengthens her faith. Is anything too hard for the Lord? I am Almighty God, Sarah, trust Me. Sarah trusted, and within one year the baby was born.

 

God sees that the sin of Sodom and Gomorra is very grave (vs 20). God reveals to Abraham that He will destroy them. Abraham must understand that the destruction of these cities is not a natural event, but an act of God. Reason: so that Abraham “may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice” (vs 19). God has made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. God shows here that He will do whatever is necessary to warn and preserve His covenant people from deadly sins like those of Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

Key text: Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”

 

Question: Several times the Bible echoes Genesis 18:14. For example, Jeremiah 32:17 “’Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”  Matthew 19:26 “With God all things are possible.” Name some examples from the Bible which demonstrate this. How does God’s great power comfort you in your daily life?