Quiet Time Coaching Episode 290
Would you like to learn more about faith? You’ve come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. I’m Malcolm Cox and this is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called “Adventures in faith with Abraham”. It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 33
Today we continue in chapter 18
“Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”” (Genesis 18:16–19 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? The benefits of walking in the presence of God.
As mentioned at the start of the chapter, God’s desire is not that Abraham know about him, or even know him, but consciously walk through this life in his presence.
Here we see the first example of what this means.
The LORD confers with his companions. Who are they? Perhaps part of the divine counsel (Jeremiah 23:18). Will they bring Abraham into the kind of relationship with God that the prophets will later enjoy?
They will. Abraham is a proto-prophet in his connection to God as well as his intercessory intensity – so often replicated in later prophets.
Devotional thought for today
God is never one to settle for a shallow relationship. Mere acknowledgment is not enough. Acquaintance is inadequate. What God wants is partnership. Admittedly an unequal partnership, but a partnership characterised by respect.
We share in this privilege even more personally than Abraham. We have the Spirit.
“The world cannot accept him [the Spirit of truth], because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17 NIV11)
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 NIV11)
Who do you want to walk through life with? The Spirit, of course!
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you stay in step with the Spirit as you walk through your day.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let’s allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
