Bible Reading: Genesis 18 | Matthew 18 | Psalm 18
Devotional for January 24, 2025
Reading: Genesis 18 | Matthew 18 | Psalm 18
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Genesis 18
Genesis 18 can be divided into two sections. The first (18:1-21) is the account of the visit from three men in which they restate the covenant promise of God to Abram. There have been a few interpretations as to the origin of the men. Are they angels? Is it a manifestation of the Trinity? The more likely reading is that they were divine but not members of the Godhead, though 18:3 reports that Abram called one of them "Lord." The Hebrew is very specific here, using the common OT name for God (Adonai). If that rendering is correct, then it is possible that one of the members was God himself. Whatever the case may be, it is clear that Abram viewed these men with great respect.
The second section (18:22—33) is the account of Abram pleading with the LORD for the sake of Sodom. Remember, it is here that his nephew lived. Therefore, Abram's actions are not surprising. We learn much from Abram's example on the subject of prayer, namely that we should be people of concerted, pleading prayer for the sake of others.
Applications:
When you pray, plead! Too often, our prayers sound like we don’t believe what we are saying. Remember that you are arguing your case before a just judge.
When we pray, we often give up too soon. Abram stopped praying, and we should ask, “What would have happened to Sodom had Abram asked the Lord to save the entire place?”
Matthew 18
Chapter 18 is well known for its discussion regarding church discipline (18:15-20). However, there are other important sections that surround it. First, Jesus teaches about true greatness (18:1-6). The lesson is counter-culture to what we witness in our world. In the kingdom of God, greatness comes through serving. Second, Jesus warns about temptation (18:7-9) and what lengths we must be willing to go if we are to avoid the eternal fire of hell. No one enjoys being tempted. Yet, too often, we run into it, ignoring our frailty and weaknesses. To mortify sin, we must be willing to deal with it radically and at whatever cost necessary. Third, Jesus teaches on the lost sheep (18:10-14) and the shepherd's willingness to rescue it. Fourth, Jesus teaches on the unforgiving servant (18:21-35). The lesson in that parable is simple: if you are not willing to forgive others, the Father in heaven will not forgive you.
Applications:
Forgiving others who harm you can be very difficult. Praying for them is hard. But we must do that if we are to avoid a spirit of bitterness.
Church discipline is not designed to catch people doing something wrong. It is the Lord’s method to keep peace in the church and between his people.
Psalm 18
Psalm 18 is one of the longer Psalms in the inspired songbook. It contains twelve stanzas and fifty verses. The central theme of the entire Psalm is deliverance, specifically when the Lord rescued David from Saul's hands. Therefore, we will consider and apply a few observations to read this Psalm devotionally.
First, note that the deliverance from the hands of evil people leads to praise. We see that in 18:1-3, 49-50. There are many other examples in the Bible: the work of God to free his people from Egypt and the Red Sea crossing when the enemies of God’s people were destroyed (Ex. 14). That led to praise (Ex. 15). We have many reasons to praise the God of heaven. Too often, we move to petition in prayer instead of spending appropriate time praising our heavenly Father. Some suggestions to prime the pump of a praising heart are God’s redeeming work, his daily provision of food, clothing, shelter, health, a faithful church, the fellowship of God’s people, and God’s promises. The context of this Psalm is deliverance from evil people and evil actions. Though we may not experience complete freedom from that in this life, we know that we will one day be acquitted before the evil of this world and fully blessed in God's enjoying for all eternity (WSC 38).
Second, David reviews the problems he faced at the hands of Saul. He summarizes them in 18:4-5, 43-45. We should follow his example as we seek to praise our God for his many mercies. It is helpful to review our lives occasionally to see how God has protected and delivered us. Reflecting on God's faithfulness as we progress through our week is good. Perhaps it would be useful to choose a day of the week to reflect on the previous days and spend time thanking and praising God.
Third, David summarizes the various ways God acted faithfully toward him. He does that throughout the Psalm. Those ways may not be how the Lord chooses to help you, but it demonstrates God’s care and protection for his people.
Fourth, David addresses the God of heaven in all of these things. We see that in 18:6. David was distressed, and when his life was a bitter mess because of his enemies, he appealed to the God of his salvation. Don’t miss the tabernacle imagery in this verse. He addresses the God who is present with his people. He does not pray to a God who is distant but near. God is close to all those who trust him and are harassed by evil people.
Applications:
Remember to praise your God and Father for his many mercies. Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on his faithfulness and praising him for it. Be specific.
God is near to all who call upon him. He is faithful to his people and knows when evil people harass them. Do not fear. He delivers us from the hands of the wicked.