Genesis 18

Three visits are recorded in these chapters, and each one carries a spiritual lesson.

I. Christ's Visit with Abraham (18)

Verses 17-22 make it clear that the Lord Jesus Christ was one of the three heavenly visitors; note also Abraham's words in v. 3. The great theme of this chapter is the believer's fellowship with Christ, for Abraham was "the friend of God" (James 2:23). In chapter 19 we will see Lot, the friend of the world.

A. Abraham's communion with Christ (vv. 1-8).

These verses picture the believer in loving communion with Christ. Abraham is in Mamre, which means "fatness"; he is enjoying the fullness of God's blessing. The tent speaks of his pilgrim life; "the heat of the day" indicates that he is walking in the light (1 John 1). His haste proves his loving desire to please the Lord. And he spares no pains to make Christ feel at home. Paul prays in Eph. 3:17, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts," which literally means "That Christ may settle down and feel at home in your hearts." How important it is for the Christian to make Christ feel at home. He yearns to have communion with us.

B. Sarah's confession of unbelief (vv. 9-15).

The birth of Isaac is connected with laughter. In fact, the name "Isaac" means "laughter". Abraham had laughed in joyful faith when he heard the news that God would give him a son (17:15-18), but here Sarah seems to laugh in carnal unbelief. Why should we doubt the promises of God? "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Note Mary's faith in Luke 1:34, when she asked, "How shall this be?" Alternatively, Sarah was saying, "How can this be?" When Isaac was born, however, Sarah did laugh in spiritual joy (21:6-7).

C. Christ's confidence in Abraham (vv. 16-22).

The angels left and went to Sodom, but Christ stayed behind to visit with Abraham. What a scene! Christ would not hide anything from His friend. See John 15:14-15, where Christ promises to reveal His will to His friends. Read also Ps. 25:9-14, and see how Abraham meets all the conditions given there. Abraham knew more about Sodom than Lot did, and Lot was living in Sodom! The separated obedient Christian knows more about this world than the atheistic philosophers do!

D. Abraham's concern for Lot (vv. 23-33).

Abraham had such love for Lot, in spite of the man's worldliness and unbelief. Note that Abraham was not pleading the grace of God, but the justice of God: how could God destroy the righteous with the wicked? (At Calvary, God punished the Righteous One instead of the wicked.) Persistently and tenderly Abraham interceded on behalf of Sodom. If only ten believers could be found, God said he would spare the whole city. Chapter 19 indicates that Lot had at least two married daughters (v. 14) and two single daughters (v. 30ff), so, with his wife and sons-in-law, there were eight in the family. If Lot had won his own family, plus only two neighbors, God would have spared a whole city! But he failed to meet even those conditions.