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Call to Worship – Joy of the Redeemed
Isaiah 35
35 The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
7 The burning sand will become a pool,
the thirsty ground bubbling springs.
In the haunts where jackals once lay,
grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness;
it will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
9 No lion will be there,
nor any ravenous beast;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,
10 and those the Lord has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Invocation
As we come before You in Jesus’ name, we praise You with our inmost being; we praise Your Holy name. We will not forget Your benefits and we give You praise and thanksgiving because You have forgiven our sins and healed our diseases. We praise You because You have redeemed our lives from the pit and crowned us with compassion. Father, we praise You because You satisfy our desires with good things and You renew our Youth like the eagle’s. Father, we praise You and honor You for You work righteousness for the oppressed. You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. Amen.
(Psalm 103:1-8)
Here I Am, Lord
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them. They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
I will hold your people in my heart.
Words and music by Daniel L. Schutte
© 1981 D. Schutte and New Dawn Music
CCLI # 2487144
Children’s Sermon
Prayer and Intercession
LORD JESUS,
Give me to love you, to embrace you,
though I once took lust and sin in my arms.
You loved me before I loved you,
an enemy, a sinner, a loathsome worm.
You owned me when I disclaimed myself;
You love me as a son,
and weep over me as over Jerusalem.
Love brought you from heaven to earth,
from earth to the cross,
from the cross to the grave.
Love caused you to be
weary, hungry, tempted,
scorned, scourged,
buffeted, spat upon,
crucified, and pierced.
Love led you to bow your head in death.
My salvation is the point where
perfect created love
and the most perfect uncreated love
meet together;
for you welcome me,
not like Joseph and his brothers,
loving and sorrowing, but loving and rejoicing.
This love is not intermittent, cold, changeable;
it does not cease or abate for all my enmity.
Holiness is a spark from your love
kindled to a flame in my heart by your Spirit,
and so it ever turns to the place
from which it comes.
Let me see your love everywhere,
not only in the cross,
but in the fellowship of believers
and in the world around me.
When I feel the warmth of the sun
may I praise you, the Sun of righteousness
with healing power.
When I feel the tender rain
may I think of the gospel showers
that water my soul.
When I walk by the river side
may I praise you for that stream that makes
the eternal city glad, and washes white my robes
that I may have the right to the tree of life.
Your infinite love is a mystery of mysteries,
and my eternal rest lies
in the eternal enjoyment of it.
Love from The Valley of Vision
Please take a few moments to pray for:
- The Paradee Family
- Kevin Fleming
- Donna Waguespack
- Healthcare workers
- Other personal concerns
Scripture Reading
Genesis 18:16-33
16 Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. 17 The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen him, 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 to Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”
22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” 26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.
Sermon
Lessons from Abraham’s Conversation with the Lord – Pastor Vawn Edele
Micah 6:8
He has shown thee (He has shown thee)
O man (O man)
What is good and what the Lord requires of thee.
He has shown thee (He has shown thee)
O man (O man)
What is good and what the Lord requires of thee.
But to do justly (But to do justly)
And to love mercy (And to love mercy)
And to walk humbly with thy God.
But to do justly (But to do justly)
And to love mercy (And to love mercy)
And to walk humbly with thy God.
He has shown thee (He has shown thee)
O man (O man)
What is good and what the Lord requires of thee.
But to do justly (But to do justly)
And to love mercy (And to love mercy)
And to walk humbly with thy God.
Scripture Song
Music: Bob Sklar
© Maranatha Music, 1993
CCLI #2487144
Sermon Manuscript: Lessons from Abraham’s Conversation with the Lord
Pastor Vawn Edele
Last week we heard that Abraham and Sarah had three unexpected visitors come to their home. They were welcomed and treated royally. They came not just to eat a delicious meal but to deliver a wonderful and amazing message. The promise made 25 years ago was going to come true by the end of next year. Abraham and Sarah were going to have a baby boy after waiting, wondering and trying for so long. Sarah responded by laughing at this shocking and what seemed silly and impossible news. And she lied when asked if she laughed. Yes, the news was hard to believe but one of the visitors was the Lord himself, right there in their presence speaking to them. Abraham had heard the Lord several times before this. He had grown accustomed to hearing from the Lord; certainly he recognized His voice but now He was right there in front of him. We continue this week with the visitors, the Lord and Abraham
A few weeks ago during a children’s sermon I mentioned that Abraham was called a friend of God. Separate authors of the scriptures remind us of this special relationship between Abraham and God.
2 Chronicles 20:7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?
Isaiah 41:8 “But you, Israel, mt servant, Jacob , whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend.”
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
Abraham was God’s friend because of his faith in God. His faith expressed itself at different times and in different ways. Sure he had his moments where his faith stuttered but he always came back. I’d like us to keep in mind this relationship between Abraham and God as we go through the passage. We will see that Abraham talked to God as you would talk to a friend.
As the 3 visitors left, we are told Abraham went with them. It wasn’t because he was invited or just curious as to where they were going. Neither was it because they needed directions as to where they were going (even if they were men).He simply didn’t just step outside his tent, shake hands and say good-bye. Whenever someone visits with us we usually walk them to their car. It’s the polite thing to do with friends and strangers who come by the house. And who better to be polite to than the Lord Himself. Yes, it was a custom that was a sign of respect, kindness and appreciation to those stopping by to visit. In this case perhaps there was an element of wanting to stay with the Lord as long as possible.
As we go on, the remainder of the passage is largely a conversation between God and Abraham. It is not just a one direction interaction, where God speaks and Abraham listens. No ,in this case Abraham speaks and God listens. They are actually talking to each other. What they are talking about and what they say shows us the depth of their friendship.
They are not just communicating on the most basic level of small talk. “Hello. How are you? Did you find everything you were looking for?” You know the type of conversation you have at the grocery check out line. Neither are they just talking about facts, “ Sure is nice weather we are having. And did you see the beautiful sunset the other night. You did a great job with that one, God.” Sure they are talking about ideas and opinions. But something bigger than, “I think it would be a good idea to paint the living room. What color would you like?” It went beyond that. It was even deeper than just expressing feelings and emotions. It was a mutual open and honest conversation with each of them sharing personal thoughts. In simplest terms it is God revealing His plans and Abraham responding to those plans. It is the type of conversation you would hear close friends having. A true heart to heart conversation.
Notice who and how this conversation begins. The Lord initiates. As we look back and even as we will hear in the weeks ahead God initiates talking to Abraham. God not only began this friendship with Abraham but he sustains it. God first spoke to him by blessing him. God spoke, giving Abraham instructions to obey. God spoke to him in a vision and in a dream promising a land the nation of Israel would inherit. God told Abraham about the future 400 years of slavery Israel would face. God spoke to him, changing his name and Sarais’ names. God spoke to him to announce the birth of his son. In each case God wasn’t waiting for Abraham to speak first. Instead God spoke to Abraham first.
The Lord starts this conversation with a question, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” Seems kind of odd for God to ask this. Not that it was a secret to be kept or would be hard for Abraham to understand. Was the Lord looking for advice from the men with him. As we see, The answer was no. He didn’t hide it from him.
The Lord then repeats the promises made to Abraham. The promise to be a great nation and a blessing to all nations.
But why did God want to tell Abraham this information? It didn’t affect him personally. I read in a commentary that, “ God’s purpose in revealing this to Abraham was not just to present interesting and shocking news. And not simply to satisfy Abraham’s curiosity. But he wanted to do something in Abraham’s life through what he would reveal.” If that is the case what then did God want to do in Abraham’s life? A clue is found in what God continues to say about Abraham’s responsibility, which was to present the truths of God’s words and impress the importance of obedience to his children and to all his descendants He had the responsibility to pass on a heritage of righteousness and to encourage those who would come after him to not turn to wickedness.
The Lord continues to speak. He reveals what he did not want to hide. The spiritual condition of Sodom and Gomorrah and the consequences. And the Lord was going to go and see for himself. Sounds kind of odd. He didn’t need to really go. It tells us He doesn’t rely on second – hand information, but personally makes His own observations.
Then the men continue on while Abraham and the Lord are left alone.
Notice the posture of Abraham in verse 22: “Abraham stood still before the Lord.” It is always easy to want to get on with it. Hurry. Hurry. Our lives are so active we don’t know what it is to stand still, motionless in one place. We get impatient And want to move on. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “ Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Abraham put aside his agenda and enjoyed the moment. No words needed to be said at this moment. It wasn’t time to do or even talk but time to be with the Lord.
After standing still we read he draws near. In a term brought to our attention recently, Abraham did not want to be socially distancing from the Lord. He was not satisfied to be at a distance. He wanted to be closer than 6 ft away. Perhaps Abraham wanted to draw near to God so that God would draw near to him.
It was only after being still and drawing close that he then spoke. That in itself could be an important lesson to apply. Then his plea begins.
I have a question before we get in too deep into Abraham’s plea: Is this a prayer? Some would say no. It doesn’t fit the traditionally accepted prayer format. First a greeting to God. Like the introduction of a letter. Dear God. Yes you could say there was a request as a prayer often contains. But this is more like a series of questions. He is presenting and pleading his case. But we will see it is not for himself. And there is no Amen at the end. Is all that somehow necessary for a prayer to be legitimate.
Let us first consider the traits surrounding Abrahams plea before looking at the plea itself..
- First we see that Abraham was speaking to the Lord. This was not a discussion with another person about the Lord’s actions. “Is God doing the right thing in this situation.” He went right to the source with his issue. He wasn’t going to talk behind His back. As if you really ever could.
- He spoke to the Lord with respect. He acknowledged and accepted the position and the power behind that position that the Lord was the Judge of all the earth.
- He was persistent. He kept asking and asking and asking. In doing so he was not demanding or whining. He just didn’t give up .
- Abraham not just heard the Lord’s voice but listened.He wanted to hear what He had to say.Although he disagreed he continued to listen. A conversation involves 2 both talking and listening. And Abraham’s ears were open.
- Abraham was very specific with his request.He did not just speak in general, broad, sweeping terms. “Oh Lord bless all the righteous in the world.”
- His request was not self centered. There was no real benefit for himself. It was for the benefit of others. Remember Lot was living in Sodom and Abraham had rescued the people of Sodom from being captured in battle. So he had a genuine concern for their welfare.
- Abraham was bold. It took some courage to ask what he did. And even to keep asking. That sounds alot like he asked in faith.
- Abraham was humble. “Who am I but dust and ashes.” These are not words of someone who is prideful. For he saw his position in relation to who God was.
- Lastly Abraham felt free to be open and honest to express his thoughts and opinions to the Lord.
And so I ask again, Is this a prayer? It certainly had the traits even if not the typical accepted format.
One more thing before looking at the plea. He doesn’t ask what the judgement will be. Will it be a natural disaster? A pandemic? A famine or drought? I believe he knew God was in the right to bring any fashion of judgement he wanted. He was God. Neither does he ask when will this take place? Give me a time frame. He trusted in God’s timing. He didn’t even say that the wicked somehow did not need to be judged. He accepted that they deserved to be judged.
The question he asks is, “Will you then sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” What is at the core of his question? A question of fairness. He felt that both the righteous and wicked should get what they deserved. Punishment or reward. They should not be treated equally. Don’t we all want that? Fairness. Almost 200 years ago Aristotle said “Equals should be treated equally and unequals unequally.” This is a timeless question and still repeated today, but said a different way.
Abraham then begins his bargaining with God.
Karey and I have gone to a few of the auctions that are held in Sheldon. I don’t always go because I need or want something. It is a fun date together. I like listening to the auctioneer and seeing what something sells for and to see what is a hot item. And it is fast. It usually goes something like this: An item is held up in front of the crowd and described. Let’s begin the bidding this evening at $30. Who will give me 30. Anyone! Yes I see 30 there. What about 35? We have a bid for 40. Anyone for 50? 45 Yes. 50 .We have 45 once. 45 twice. I see 50 . Any one for 60. We are at 50. Again 60 anyone. We have 50 once. 50 twice . Sold to number 135 for $50. Typically the price goes up. However sometimes it goes this way instead. Let’s start the bidding for our next item at $50. Anyone for 50? 50. Then 40. No takers. What about 30? Still no one. I hear ten from the back. Anyone for 12. We are at 10. 10 once. 10 twice. $10 sold to the women with number 234. Everyone is looking for a bargain. Certainly the best bargain is when the numbers go down and someone gets the best bang for their buck. Perhaps not so rapid. But isn’t this what Abraham was doing? Bargaining for the lowest number with the best return.
Abraham starts at 50 and gets all the way down to 10. Is he trying to change Gods mind or just trying to find out what is on God’s mind? Prayer can do both. But can we really change the mind of God.While Moses was still on mount Sinai after receiving the 10 commandments God notified him that the people had become corrupt and built a golden calf idol. God then tells Moses, (Exodus 32: 9 & 10) “I have seen these people and they are stiff-necked people.Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” God was set on what He was going to do.Moses then prays and asks God to to not bring this disaster on the people. We read that the Lord changed his mind and did not wipe them out. Moses had prayed and God changed his plans.
Why stop at 10? Lot and his family numbered 4. If Lot himself was righteous he would be spared and part of the 10. I wonder if Abraham felt at peace and thought why push it anymore. Or maybe he thought there ought to be at least 10 righteous people in Sodom no matter how wicked a town it was.
Now what about God’s answers to Abraham’s questions? Remember Abraham asked if the righteous will be judged along with the wicked. Fairness for the righteous. God responds that he would spare the city because of the righteous. Beginning with 50 and even as little as 10. God the judge was willing to extend grace and not destroy the wicked because of the righteous. The impact of few would be life changing for the city.
This scene between Abraham and God closes. And Abraham returns to his place. He could return home knowing that God had listened and God had answered. He had discovered God’s final answer and He was at peace. He could go home and wait to see what the Lord would do.
As we close, what lessons can we take away from this conversation between Abraham and God? We should adopt and regularly practice a correct posture before God. Stand still and draw near to God Although not a prerequisite, it certainly will be beneficial to our time of conversation with God. We ought to build the traits Abraham did in our prayer life. Talk to God with respect. Be persistent, bold yet humble. Feel free to talk to God about anything on your mind. He is willing to listen. And be willing to listen to what He has to say. Pray for others, both the righteous and the wicked. When we receive God’s final answer, be satisfied and go home.