In Genesis 18, Abraham is visited by 3 visitors. Abraham is certain that one of them is an earthly appearance of God, as is clear when Abraham addresses Him as ‘Adonay (verse 3), or Lord. This is a name for God in the Old Testament, compared to another form of the word, ‘adoni, which may be used to address a man in a respectful manner.
Abraham prepares a meal for his visitors respecting the hospitality code of his day. God encourages Abraham with the news that within a year, Abe’s aged wife will miraculously have a son as was promised multiple times years before. Sarah hears what God has promised and laughs in disbelief, as did her husband in chapter 17. No wonder they later name the boy Isaac, which means, “laughter.” She is then properly rebuked for her unbelief.
What follows next is an incredible conversation where God discloses to Abraham His plans to destroy the wicked towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham intercedes for the people, asking if God will destroy the cities if even ten righteous people can be found there. Ten cannot be found, as is seen in chapter 19, when only Lot and his two daughters are rescued. What is amazing is that Abraham had the kind of relationship with God where God wanted to share with Abraham these plans of judgment. My question is, do I have the kind of relationship with God where God feels He can share things with me?
Behold, the Lamb of God! 