January 14--Evening
January 14—Evening "Pray without ceasing."
Genesis 18:16-17; Genesis 18:22-33 Genesis 18:17
One of the three was the Lord himself, who for the time had taken upon him a human form. It may be that Jesus, who was one day to be born a man, thus anticipated his incarnation. Truly, "his goings forth were of old." What condescension was this on. Jehovah's part that he would make Abraham his confidential friend! He is willing to do the same with us, for even now "the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him."
Genesis 18:22 Two angels went to Sodom, but the third, the Lord of angels, staid to commune with Abraham, his friend.
Genesis 18:25 When we are favoured with close access to God we should use it for intercession on the behalf of others. Note the arguments the patriarch used. We also should bring forth our strong reasons when we plead. The Lord is moved with pleas like those of Abraham. Undoubtedly he saves wicked nations for the sake of the saints who dwell among them, and, indeed, all the saved are forgiven not for their own sakes but for Jesus' sake.
Genesis 18:26-27 In our boldest pleadings we must not forget what poor creatures we are, and how condescending it is on the Lord's part to let us plead with him.
Genesis 18:28 The Lord kept pace with his servant, being quite as willing to answer as he was to ask.
There is a time to keep silent as well as a time to speak. Abraham had gone as far as the Spirit of the Lord guided him, and he did not attempt to go further.
Genesis 18:33 Had there been but the small remnant of ten, Sodom and Gomorrah would have escaped. See then how precious the saints are to a nation. They may be unknown or despised, but they are the salt which preserves the whole. May our family be a part of that good salt; parents, children, and servants, all being through divine grace numbered with the righteous. But we must first have salt in ourselves by possessing a living faith in the Lord Jesus; otherwise we cannot benefit others, for we are not even saved ourselves. Our guilt might draw thy vengeance down On every shore, on every town: But view us, Lord, with pitying eye, And lay thy lifted thunder by.
Forgive the follies of our times, And purge our land from all its crimes:
Reform'd and deck'd with grace divine, Let Britain yet arise and shine.