READINGS FOR APRIL 26TH: GENESIS 18, 1 CORINTHIANS 16, PSALM 35:15-28
GENESIS 18
Two major events happen in Chapter 18. The first is God’s visit to Abraham and Sarah. The second is Abraham pleading to God to save the town of Sodom. Both events are a foreshadowing of what is to come.
Verses 1-15 – This is a theophany (where God appears in some form to humankind). This theophany is unique. Throughout the Bible we will see Gad appear in the form of a thunderstorm (Psalm 18, 28, 77), in the burning bush (Exodus 3), in the pillar of smoke and fire (Exodus 13), and other ways. Here, God appears as a man and is accompanied by two others (we find out they are angels in 19:1.)
As soon as Abraham sees the three men approaching, he offers them hospitality. Hospitality is a serious thing in the Bible. This story presents this emphasis on hospitality in several ways:
- Abraham gave prompt attention to the needs of the guests.
- Abraham bowed to them as a sign of respect.
- Abraham addressed them a “my lord” and called himself “your servant.”
- Abraham provided water to wash their feet.
- Abraham provided a feast for them to eat.
How do we show hospitality to guests? How do we make them feel welcomed into our midst?
After the meal, the man (God) promises that when he returns in a year that a son will be born to Abraham and Sarah. This makes Sarah laugh as she is 89 years old at this point. She is well beyond child-bearing age. God responds by asking:
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:14, NIV)
This is a question that we ought to remind ourselves of often. Is anything too hard for God? Is anything beyond God’s grasp?
Verses 16 – 33 – As God continues his theophany visit with Abraham, God ponders if Abraham should be told of what is going to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah. God is planning to destroy the cities because of their wickedness. There is an interesting exchange between God and Abraham. Abraham asks:
Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? (Genesis 18:23-24, NIV)
God promises that the cities will not be destroyed if there are fifty righteous people living there. This is a bold request from Abraham. But he does not stop there. Abraham asks a series of questions that get the number down to ten. Will God not bring this disaster if ten righteous people can be found? And God answers, yes.
God does not enjoy bringing destruction. God prefers that we repent of our sins and seek restoration (see the book of Jonah).
1 CORINTHIANS 16
The final chapter of 1 Corinthians begins by Paul answering a question about a collection that the Corinth church has been undertaking. This is most likely the offering that Paul promised he would take up for the Jerusalem church when he met with Peter and James (Galatians 2:1-10). Paul has taken considerable time and energy to making good on this offering. Each week (on Sunday), each person/family should set aside money toward the offering so that when Paul comes it will already have been collected.
Paul reaffirms his plans to come and see the people of Corinth as soon as it is possible. His last words of encouragement are:
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NIV)
A reminder that love is the most important and greatest thing.
PSALM 35:15-28
Today’s reading is the ending of a psalm that is an appeal to God. David is asking God to come to his defense. David has been attacked by people that he has treated as dear friends. We are discussing the psalm based upon its structure.
Verses (11-14) 15-16 - This section of the psalm has been split in our readings. This section details the reasons why David is seeking God’s assistance. Even though David had compassion for them in their time of need, his attackers waited for him to have trouble and then took advantage of the situation. They met behind his back and plotted against him with slander and malice.
Verses 17-21 – David asks God how long will David have to endure. The question of “how long” expresses the grief of unanswered relief. It exhibits the boldness that David interacted with God. It holds in tension both the frustration of not having received what was asked for and the assurance that God will do what was asked.
David is struggling because the attackers are gloating over him. He is asking God to put an end to the ridicule and harassment that he is facing.
Have you ever wondered, “how long?” Have you ever struggled to see God in a moment when you think everyone is against you? Keep asking for God’s strength and perseverance in these times of trouble.
Verses 22-25 – David returns to the opening appeal in verses 1-3. David knows that God will come to his aid. God will make David stronger in the end and restore him.
Verses 26-28 – The psalm returns to the request of verses 4-6. David is asking for those who accused him falsely to be put to shame. Those who caused David harm would be disgraced because of their actions.
The psalm ends with words of praise. Even though David is experiencing a difficult situation, words of praise are on his lips. David promises to praise God all day long.
When life is tough (yes it will be), we are called to praise. When life is good, we are called to praise. All day long, we are called to praise.
