Following Father Abraham

Following Father Abraham

“I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD and do what is right and just. Then I will do for him all that I have promised.” Gen. 18:19 (NLT)


The Context of this Command is Amazing (Gen. 18)

v Abraham shows hospitality to LORD & two Angels

1 Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 …and behold, three men were standing by him; 22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. (see 19:1ff) - NKJV


Theophany / Christophany: a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. For more examples see Gen. 16:7–13; 22:11–13; 32:24–30; Ex. 3:1–8; 23:20–23; Num. 22:22–35; Josh. 5:13–15; Jdg. 2:1–3; 6:11–24; 13:18; 1Kg. 19:4–8; 1Chr. 21:16–22; Is. 37:36; Dan 3:25 - “This passage involves another Christophany… The three visitors appear as “men,” but one is identified as the “LORD” (v. 13). Possibly the other two “men” accompanying Him were angels (19:1). The outstanding visitor, perhaps the preincarnate Christ, assumed control of the conversation and foretold the miraculous birth of Isaac.” W. A. Criswell, Believer’s study Bible [computer file], electronic ed. , Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1991 by the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies.


v The LORD is bringing Abraham into His confidence – Sodom’s fate

17 “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…”


v The LORD is renewing the promise, His covenant with Abraham, though he tried to shortcut God’s plan (Ishmael): Gen. 12; 15; 17

18 “since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation,
and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?


v God gives a new insight into His purpose and plans for Abraham and the means of bringing the Covenant Blessings to Abraham’s descendants. Father Abraham has some divine daddy duties:

19 (NKJV) “For I have known him [chosen], in order that
he may command his children and his household after him,

that they keep the way of the LORD,

to do righteousness (to do what is right – CEV)

and justice (what is... fair – CEV)

WHY? “…that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”


A lot was riding on Abraham training his kids & household. So too us & ours.